Retractable Load-Support Seal for Low-Pressure Ball Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In scenarios where a ball is smaller than the pipe bore, existing inflatable seals require very high pressures to hold the ball in place against fluid pressure, leading to inefficiencies in energy usage and potential leakage.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable seal system with a retractable 'Load Support' element that unfolds to bear the fluid pressure load, allowing for low inflation pressures to maintain the seal, and a hollow cavity that expands to seal gaps, while collapsing to allow fluid flow and ball movement when uninflated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an inflatable seal is used without a load support feature, then the seal can be simple in structure, but very high inflation pressures are required to hold the ball in place against fluid pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The seal system is segmented into two functional components: the inflatable seal element and the retractable load support feature. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the seal element provides sealing while the load support bears the fluid pressure load, thereby reducing the inflation pressure requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The load support feature is designed to be retractable, transitioning between retracted and extended states. When retracted, it allows free ball movement; when extended, it supports the ball against fluid pressure. This dynamic configuration optimizes both sealing performance and ball mobility.
2Reliability
If the inflatable seal is inflated to high pressures to hold the ball, then sealing is effective, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable load support feature acts as an intermediary between the inflatable seal and the ball. It transfers and bears the fluid pressure load, allowing the inflatable seal to operate at lower pressures while maintaining effective sealing. This intermediary function reduces the energy required for inflation.
3Reliability
If the seal is inflated to hold the ball, then sealing is maintained, but fluid flow and ball movement are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The load support feature dynamically transitions between retracted and extended states based on operational requirements. When retracted, it allows unrestricted ball movement and fluid flow; when extended, it provides sealing support. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between sealing and mobility.
4Force
If a solid seat is used to support the ball, then the ball is held securely, but the system cannot allow free ball movement when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable load support feature provides a dynamic alternative to a fixed solid seat. It can be extended to provide secure ball support when needed and retracted to allow free ball movement when not needed, thereby combining the advantages of both fixed support and mobility.
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 system effectively seals against high-pressure flows with reduced inflation pressure, saving energy and ensuring reliable sealing without obstructing ball movement or fluid flow when deflated.
Implementation Method 1
The introduction of compressed air or another pressurized fluid into the hollow cavity of the seal, causes it to expand
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable seal system with retractable load bearing feature providing sealing in the annulus between a ball inside a pipe, with minimal pressure applied to inflate the inflatable seal, by using a retractable load bearing construct to hold the ball in place against the high-pressure forces in the pipe.