Pipeline Plug Coupling Seal Layout for Tube Indentation Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connectors for tubing fail to ensure a permanent and reliable seal due to gap formation between the tubing and the peripheral seal.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves creating an indentation in the tubing by burying the teeth of the retaining ring, which is then bridged by a spacing element, allowing the peripheral seal to run outside the indentation on an undeformed tube surface, ensuring a secure and durable seal. This is achieved by adding a specific length to the spacing element and using a retaining collar to direct compressive forces into the peripheral seal, increasing its compression and reducing gas permeation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the peripheral seal is positioned close to the tubing without a spacing element, then the device complexity is reduced, but the seal reliability deteriorates due to gap formation between the tubing and peripheral seal
Solution Approach 1:
A spacing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the peripheral seal and the tubing. This spacing element bridges the gap that forms due to tubing indentation, ensuring continuous contact and reliable sealing without requiring the peripheral seal to directly engage with the deformed tubing surface.
2Strength
If the teeth of the retaining ring are buried deep into the tubing to create strong retention, then the retention strength is improved, but the seal reliability deteriorates because the peripheral seal cannot properly seal against the deformed tubing surface
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is segmented into distinct functional zones: a retention zone with teeth for embedding into the tubing to provide strong mechanical retention, and a sealing zone with the peripheral seal positioned on the spacing element to provide reliable sealing on the undeformed tubing surface. This segmentation allows both retention strength and seal reliability to be optimized independently.
3Reliability
If the peripheral seal is compressed more strongly to improve sealing, then the seal reliability is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to higher compression forces acting on the tubing
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing element serves as a mediator that distributes the compression forces applied to the peripheral seal. By providing a rigid backing, it allows the seal to be compressed effectively against the tubing without concentrating excessive forces on a small area of the tubing wall, thereby reducing material deformation while maintaining sealing reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration results in a reliable and durable seal that prevents gas permeation, ensuring the connector is securely sealed against internal pressure and can be easily mounted or dismounted without being pushed out of the tubing.
Implementation Method 1
the compressive forces arising under load, which are transmitted via the toothed ring to the spacing element, are introduced directly into the peripheral seal, which leads to an increased compression of the peripheral seal... A permeation of the gaseous medium located in the tubing is considerably reduced by the peripheral seal as a result of this increased compression
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling element of a plug connection for tubing includes a retaining screw with an inner passage opening. The inner passage has a bearing shoulder on which a retaining element is arranged and behind which a sealing element is mounted. A sleeve-shaped spacing element is arranged between the retaining element and the sealing element, and the retaining element is axially held between the spacing element and a bearing shoulder of the inner passage opening. The sleeve-shaped spacing element has an axial length such that a restriction in the diameter of the wall of the inserted tube, produced when the retaining element is under load, is bridged by the spacing element such that the annular sealing element abuts against an undeformed area of the tube wall.