Multi-Prong Seal Insert for High-Pressure Vibration Loads

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seals face challenges in withstanding high pressure and vibration conditions, leading to uneven pressure loads and reduced lifespan due to increased strain.

Innovation Solution

A seal design featuring an annular jacket with a heel, first lip, and second lip defining an annular recess, along with an insert having at least 3 prongs disposed within the recess to contact the heel and lips, and an energizer within the recess adjacent to the lips.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional seal design without an insert is used, then the structure is simpler, but the pressure load distribution is uneven causing higher strain and reduced lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovelifespanVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insert is divided into multiple prongs (at least three) that are strategically positioned to contact different parts of the seal jacket including the heel and lips. This segmentation allows each prong to independently support and distribute pressure loads, preventing concentrated stress points and improving overall reliability under high pressure conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insert acts as an intermediary component between the pressure medium and the seal jacket. By introducing this intermediate element with multiple prongs, the pressure loads are transferred through the insert rather than directly to the jacket, distributing the stress more evenly and reducing strain on the seal components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a seal without an insert is used, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the seal cannot effectively withstand high pressure and vibration conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The insert is divided into multiple prongs (at least three) that are strategically positioned to contact different parts of the seal jacket including the heel and lips. This segmentation allows each prong to independently support and distribute pressure loads, preventing concentrated stress points and improving overall reliability under high pressure conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insert acts as an intermediary component between the pressure medium and the seal jacket. By introducing this intermediate element with multiple prongs, the pressure loads are transferred through the insert rather than directly to the jacket, distributing the stress more evenly and reducing strain on the seal components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the seal components are not supported evenly, then the structure remains simple, but the strain on seal components increases reducing lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovelifespanVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insert is divided into multiple prongs (at least three) that are strategically positioned to contact different parts of the seal jacket including the heel and lips. This segmentation allows each prong to independently support and distribute pressure loads, preventing concentrated stress points and improving overall reliability under high pressure conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insert acts as an intermediary component between the pressure medium and the seal jacket. By introducing this intermediate element with multiple prongs, the pressure loads are transferred through the insert rather than directly to the jacket, distributing the stress more evenly and reducing strain on the seal components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12215787B2Seal with insert and methods of making and using the same

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 SAINT GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS CORP

AI summary

A seal including: an annular jacket including a heel, a first lip, and a second lip defining an annular recess; and an insert including at least 3 prongs disposed within the annular recess contacting the heel, the first lip, and the second lip.