Pre-Combustion Chamber Metal Seal for Cyclic Pressure Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pre-combustion chamber seals fail due to material compatibility and durability issues related to cyclic temperature and pressure changes, leading to leaks and potential catastrophic failures, as they are susceptible to deformation and surface imperfections, and existing designs rely on flat washer type seals that are not robust enough to withstand high temperatures and pressures.
Innovation Solution
The use of engineered metal seals, such as those made from Inconel, titanium, or Hastelloy, with optional internal springs and a C-ring geometry, which provide improved sealing by accommodating surface imperfections and cyclic loading, and are designed to slide along axial connections to maintain sealing under high temperatures and pressures, reducing leak rates and enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flat washer type seals are used in pre-combustion chambers, then the sealing structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the seals fail due to material compatibility and durability issues under cyclic temperature and pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The seal comprises a composite structure with a resilient material body (such as rubber or elastomer) and an embedded reinforcement structure (such as a metal C-ring or wire braid). This composite design combines the flexibility and sealing capability of resilient materials with the dimensional stability and strength of metal reinforcement, enabling the seal to withstand cyclic temperature and pressure changes while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal design incorporates ability to change physical parameters under operating conditions - the resilient material deforms elastically under pressure to maintain contact with sealing surfaces, and the embedded metal structure provides thermal stability during temperature cycling. This parameter adaptation allows the seal to maintain reliability under the harsh cyclic conditions of pre-combustion chamber operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If copper or copper nickel alloy seals are used, then the sealing surface finish requirements are reduced, but the seals are still susceptible to deformation and failure under high temperatures and pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The seal combines a resilient material (such as high-temperature rubber or elastomer) with an embedded metal reinforcement structure (C-ring or wire braid). The metal reinforcement provides the necessary strength and dimensional stability to resist deformation under high temperatures and pressures, while the resilient material maintains sealing contact. This composite approach eliminates the need for copper plating while providing superior strength and temperature resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal design applies different material properties to different parts of the seal structure - the resilient material provides sealing contact and compliance at the sealing surfaces, while the embedded metal reinforcement provides structural strength and thermal stability in the load-bearing regions. This localized material assignment optimizes both sealing performance and resistance to high temperature and pressure without requiring tight surface finish tolerances.
3Reliability
If the seal is made from resilient material with embedded metal reinforcement, then the seal withstands cyclic loading and high temperatures, but the seal structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The seal integrates multiple functions into a single component - the resilient material body and the embedded metal reinforcement structure are combined into one unified seal element. The metal C-ring or wire braid is embedded within the resilient material during manufacturing, creating a single integrated component that provides both sealing and structural functions. This merging approach maintains reliability while minimizing the number of separate parts and assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal design allows the resilient material to automatically deform and conform to the sealing surfaces under pressure, while the embedded metal structure self-adjusts to maintain dimensional stability during thermal expansion and contraction. This self-adjusting capability eliminates the need for complex external control mechanisms or adjustment procedures, maintaining simplicity in operation and installation despite the enhanced internal structure.
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
The solution significantly improves the sealing performance and longevity of pre-combustion chamber seals by providing a resilient seal that withstands cyclic loading and high temperatures, reducing leak rates and extending the life of the seals, while also allowing for easier replacement of components, thus lowering overall costs.
Implementation Method 1
an internal energized spring
Implementation Method 2
accommodating surface imperfections and cyclic loading
Implementation Method 3
withstands the high temperature and the high cyclic pressures of combustion
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a pre-combustion chamber assembly, comprising (a) a body, having a cylindrical end portion having a step-wise increase in diameter forming a sealing surface for sealing to an engine; (b) a tip, with a hollow shaft in fluid communication with a combustion region of the tip, where the shaft has a first shaft diameter that allows the shaft to be slid over a portion of the body; (c) a gasket mounted about the body and resting against the sealing surface, wherein the gasket comprises a wire wound washer.