Quick Flange Connection With Pneumatic Elastomer Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure-tight flange connections for pressure vessels and systems are time-consuming to open and close, require careful tightening of bolts to avoid leaks and damage, and are often cumbersome, especially in remote construction site settings, with a high risk of lost tools and uneven sealing surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A quick connection method using a counter bearing on the apparatus flange with an openable molded seal made of heavy-duty elastomeric material, which can be secured with compressed air, allowing for tool-free assembly and disassembly, and accommodating various flange dimensions and materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bolted flange connections are used, then pressure-tight sealing can be achieved, but connection and disconnection become time-consuming and require careful tightening of multiple bolts
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented from the connection function. The molded seal is a separate component that can be independently installed and activated, while the bayonet connection provides rapid mechanical coupling. This segmentation allows the seal to be set by compressed air independently of the mechanical connection, enabling quick attachment without manual tightening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses compressed air to set the molded seal in place. The seal is supplied with compressed air through a connection that activates it to expand and seal against the mating flange surface. This pneumatic actuation replaces the manual tightening process, allowing rapid sealing without tools or multiple adjustment steps.
2Reliability
If multiple bolts and lock nuts are used for flange connection, then secure connection is achieved, but the complexity of assembly increases and tools may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connection function and the sealing function are merged into a single integrated system. The bayonet connection provides both mechanical coupling and positioning, while the molded seal provides sealing. Both functions are activated simultaneously through the same quarter-turn motion, eliminating the need for separate bolt tightening and seal compression steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The bayonet connection mechanism is self-aligning and self-l locking. The asymmetric geometry of the bayonet coupling automatically guides the mating flanges into correct alignment during insertion, and the quarter-turn motion automatically engages the locking features. This self-service characteristic eliminates the need for operators to manually align multiple bolts or adjust lock nuts.
3Reliability
If traditional sealing methods are used, then sealing function can be achieved, but the sealing surface tolerances require precise manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The seal transitions from a static, rigid sealing surface to a dynamic, compliant structure. The molded seal is made of elastomeric material that can deform and adapt to surface irregularities. When activated by compressed air, the seal expands to fill gaps and conform to the mating flange surface, compensating for manufacturing tolerances and providing reliable sealing even with less precise flange surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system uses composite construction combining a rigid support structure with a compliant elastomeric sealing element. The molded seal consists of an elastomeric material that provides compliance and sealing, supported by a rigid framework that maintains geometric stability. This composite structure allows the seal to accommodate surface variations while maintaining its sealing effectiveness.
4Reliability
If heavy-duty sealing components are used, then pressure-tight sealing is ensured, but the weight and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a molded seal made of elastomeric material that forms a flexible sealing element. This flexible shell can be supplied in a collapsed or compact state and expands when activated by compressed air. The flexible nature of the elastomeric material provides effective sealing without requiring heavy rigid components, reducing the overall weight 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
The solution enables rapid, reliable, and safe connection/disconnection of flanges without tools, reduces material and weight requirements, and effectively compensates for flange surface irregularities, improving safety and efficiency in applications like pipe rehabilitation.
Implementation Method 1
The molded seal can be set by compressed air
Implementation Method 2
an openable molded seal is installed between the apparatus flange and the closure or connection flange, which only closes the apparatus flange in the erected state securely braced against the counter bearing with the closure or connection flange
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a pressure-tight flange connection between vessel flanges (2) of pressure vessels (1) or pressure systems on the one hand, and sealing or connecting flanges (3) on the other hand, as well as to a method for the quick connection of same. A counter bearing (9) for a sealing or connecting flange (3) coupled by a quick connection projects from said vessel flange (2), wherein an erectable elastomer gasket (8) is installed between the vessel flange (2) and the sealing or connecting flange (3) and, once in the erect state, securely braces the vessel flange (2) with the sealing or connecting flange (3) against the counter bearing (9).