Reciprocating Seal with Concave Backup Rings for Pulsating Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal technologies for reciprocating applications fail to effectively prevent seal material extrusion and side-loading under high pulsating pressures, often resulting in deformation and leakage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of concave features on support and backup ring elements to constrain extrusion, combined with multiple contact points and interconnecting axial elements to reduce friction and maintain seal integrity, along with the use of spring energizers and specific materials like PTFE and polyethylene for enhanced sealing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If rectangular and tapered support rings are used to block seal material extrusion, then seal extrusion is reduced, but side-loading to the seal lip increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved surfaces and rounded transitions in the seal assembly geometry, replacing sharp rectangular edges with curved profiles. This is evident in the tapered land geometry and the curved surfaces of the seal components, which distribute contact forces more evenly and reduce concentrated side-loading on the seal lip while still preventing extrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different geometric features to different regions of the seal assembly. The tapered land has a specific angle range (15-45 degrees) optimized for force distribution, while the support rings have varying thickness profiles. This localized optimization allows the structure to simultaneously resist extrusion in one region while minimizing side-loading in another region.
2Ease of operation
If seal assembly components are separated to ease installation, then ease of installation improves, but separation during operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly is divided into separable components including the seal ring, support ring, and backup ring that can be installed independently. This segmentation allows for easier installation and maintenance while the tapered land and interfacial features ensure proper positioning and prevent unwanted separation during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered land acts as an intermediary element between the seal ring and backup ring, providing a controlled interface that guides component assembly during installation while maintaining stable positioning during operation. The specific taper geometry mediates between the need for easy assembly and the need for operational stability.
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 minimizes seal extrusion and side-loading, maintaining seal integrity under extreme pressure changes and repeated piston movement, reducing material extrusion and friction, and ensuring effective sealing across a wide pressure range.
Implementation Method 1
spring energized seal assemblies
Implementation Method 2
concave features on the inner and outer edges of support and backup elements or rings are provided to support and hug the preceding element to constrain extrusion
Implementation Method 3
A material selection for the sealing ring or element can include PTFE, polyethylene, PTFE composition, or polyethylene composition
Data Source
AI summary
Device, system, and method are described directed to seal assemblies with support to reduce seal extrusion under high to very high pressure changes due to repeated piston reciprocating movement. In some examples, concave features are incorporated on the inner and outer edges of support and backup ring elements to support and hug the preceding element and constrain extrusion, as well as utilizing multiple contact points on certain elements in order to reduce friction against the dynamic surface. The seal assemblies described herein can also incorporate bearing surfaces to reduce damage to seal ID due to off-axis floating rod, such as incorporating one or more multi-point contacts to reduce friction.