Ring Seal Spreader Structure for Reliable Annular Gap Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal spreader technologies, such as those using a wedge and counter bearing, do not reliably spread the seal, leading to ineffective sealing of annular gaps between components like tubes and walls.
Innovation Solution
A spreader structure with a first and second spreading mechanism, featuring bevels and elements that move along these bevels to increase the radial spacing between inner and outer contact surfaces, ensuring uniform pressure and preventing tilting, while also incorporating guide mechanisms and latching systems for precise alignment and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wedge and counter bearing are used to spread the seal, then the seal can be spread, but the spreading is not reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader structure is divided into two separate components: an inner component with an inner spreading surface and an outer component with an outer spreading surface. These components can be independently positioned and controlled, allowing for more reliable and uniform seal spreading compared to a single integrated wedge structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the spreading surfaces are designed with specific geometries (inner spreading surface vs. outer spreading surface) to apply pressure at different locations on the seal. This localized pressure application ensures reliable spreading while maintaining control over the complexity of each individual component.
2Reliability
If the radial spacing between contact surfaces is increased to improve sealing, then sealing effectiveness improves, but the components may tilt relative to each other
Solution Approach 1:
The inner and outer components are equipped with specific surface features at different locations: inner spreading surfaces for radial expansion and outer spreading surfaces for maintaining orientation. This localized functional differentiation allows the structure to achieve both effective sealing and stability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The spreading mechanism operates in the radial dimension (increasing radial spacing for sealing) while the guiding surfaces constrain movement in the axial dimension (preventing tilting). By utilizing multiple dimensions independently, the system achieves both objectives.
3Stability of the object's composition
If guide mechanisms are added to prevent tilting, then orientation stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding functions are merged into the spreading surfaces themselves. The inner and outer components have integrated spreading and guiding surfaces that perform both functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate guide mechanisms and reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner and outer components serve multiple functions: they provide spreading surfaces for seal expansion, guiding surfaces for orientation control, and structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, maintaining simplicity while achieving 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
The solution effectively seals annular gaps by uniformly pressing the ring seal against both the tube and wall, preventing water ingress and maintaining orientation, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the sealing process.
Implementation Method 1
The first spreading element formed on the other component, that can move along the first spreading bevel
Implementation Method 2
a first spreading bevel formed on one of the two components and a first spreading element formed on the other component, that can move along the first spreading bevel
Data Source
AI summary
A spreader structure for a ring seal for sealing an annular gap, includes a radially inner first component with an inner contact surface, a radially outer second component with an outer contact surface, and a first spreading mechanism formed between these two components that includes a first spreading bevel formed on one of the two components, and a first spreading element formed on the other component, that can be moved along the first spreading bevel. The two components can be displaced in relation to one another, from an assembly state to a spreading state, by means of which the first spreading element is moved from a first section of the first spreading bevel to a second section of the spreading bevel, enlarging a radial spacing between the inner contact surface and the outer contact surface. The spreader structure has a second spreading mechanism.