Press-Joined Piping Seal Geometry for Vibration Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Suboptimal jaw designs in pressing tools inhibit the effectiveness of press joint connections in piping systems, and there is a need for improved sealing elements to enhance the reliability of these connections.
Innovation Solution
A piping component with a body featuring a rim and inner surface grooves, a sealing recess, and a pressing tool with specific jaw geometries that crimp and seal the component to ensure a secure fit with a pipe, capable of withstanding 2 million vibration cycles without breakage, using a sealing element with a thickness equal to or greater than a Minimum Sealing Element Thickness Value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pressing tool jaw designs are used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of press joint connections deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing tool jaw is divided into multiple distinct pressing geometries (first, second, and third pressing geometries) that perform different functions: crimping the end, pressing the sealing recess wall, and crimping the body respectively. This segmentation allows each geometry to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall connection reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the jaw are designed with different geometries and properties tailored to specific locations: the first pressing geometry has a specific curvature for end crimping, the second pressing geometry has a different configuration for sealing recess wall pressing, and the third pressing geometry has yet another configuration for body crimping. This local optimization ensures each area performs its function effectively, improving reliability without requiring complete redesign of the entire jaw
2Reliability
If sealing element thickness is reduced to minimize material usage, then the loss of substance decreases, but the reliability of the sealing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a minimum sealing element thickness parameter that ensures adequate sealing performance. By defining and maintaining this critical parameter, the sealing element provides reliable sealing without excessive material usage. The pressing tool geometries are also designed with specific dimensional parameters to achieve optimal crimping and sealing with appropriate material thickness
3Reliability
If the pressing tool applies excessive crimping force to ensure connection strength, then the strength of the joint improves, but the piping component may break under vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing geometries are designed to apply force dynamically during the pressing operation, with the tool progressing through different stages of deformation. The geometries are shaped to distribute and control the application of force, gradually forming the crimp and seal without applying excessive localized stress that would cause brittleness or vibration-induced failure
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing tool geometries are designed to progressively deform the piping component through controlled stages, cushioning the material deformation process. The first pressing geometry initially crimps the end, then the second pressing geometry presses the sealing recess wall, and finally the third pressing geometry crimps the body. This staged approach prevents sudden excessive force application that would compromise the component's ability to withstand vibration
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 provides a robust and reliable press joining method that enhances the durability and sealing efficiency of piping connections, ensuring they can withstand rigorous vibration tests and maintain integrity under pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a pressing tool with improved jaw geometries... pressing tool with specific jaw geometries that crimp and seal the component
Implementation Method 2
sealing element with a thickness equal to or greater than a Minimum Sealing Element Thickness Value... crimp and seal the component
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly configured to be press joined with a pipe by a pressing tool includes a piping component, which includes a body, a first end having a rim and an inner surface having a plurality of grooves, and a sealing recess wall positioned between the first end and the body and defining a sealing recess. The assembly also includes a sealing element received within the sealing recess of the piping component and having a sealing element thickness. The sealing element thickness of the sealing element is about equal to and not less than a Minimum Sealing Element Thickness Value of the sealing element.