Seal With Rigid Stop Ring for Pipe Couplings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Soft, flexible stop rings in installation ready couplings can be damaged during angular displacement of pipe elements, such as in seismic events, leading to deformation and potential failure in critical applications like fire protection systems.
Innovation Solution
A seal design featuring a first ring of flexible material with a recessed center portion and a second ring of rigid material, where the second ring is positioned within a circumferential groove of the first ring, allowing for deformation of the flexible ring while preventing pinching damage, and ensuring a fluid-tight joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a soft, flexible stop ring is used in the seal, then the seal can accommodate angular displacement and provide flexibility, but the stop ring can be damaged and deformed during bending tests or seismic events
Solution Approach 1:
The stop ring is divided into two distinct components: a flexible first ring and a rigid second ring. The flexible first ring accommodates angular displacement and provides adaptability, while the rigid second ring prevents deformation and ensures reliability. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal combines two materials with different properties: a flexible, resilient material (such as elastomer) for the first ring and a rigid material (such as metal) for the second ring. This composite structure leverages the advantages of both materials - the flexibility and shock absorption of the elastomer and the strength and deformation resistance of the rigid material.
2Reliability
If the stop ring is made of rigid material, then deformation during angular displacement is prevented, but the seal loses flexibility and ability to accommodate movement
Solution Approach 1:
The stop ring is divided into two distinct components: a flexible first ring and a rigid second ring. The flexible first ring accommodates angular displacement and provides adaptability, while the rigid second ring prevents deformation and ensures reliability. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal combines two materials with different properties: a flexible, resilient material (such as elastomer) for the first ring and a rigid material (such as metal) for the second ring. This composite structure leverages the advantages of both materials - the flexibility and shock absorption of the elastomer and the strength and deformation resistance of the rigid material.
3Device complexity
If the center portion outer surface is flush with side portions, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the flexible ring cannot deform during radial compression
Solution Approach 1:
The center portion of the first ring is locally modified by recessing its outer surface relative to the side portions. This local quality change creates a deformation zone that allows the flexible ring to compress radially during assembly and operation, while the side portions maintain their original geometry for structural support and alignment.
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 design enhances the durability of the seal by preventing deformation of the flexible ring during angular displacement, maintaining a fluid-tight joint and ensuring safety in critical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first ring (24) formed of a flexible, resilient material
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A seal (12) for pipe couplings (10) and a method of connecting pipe elements. The seal (12) has an elastic ring (24) surrounding a rigid ring (50). The elastic ring (24) has side portions (26,28) connected by a recessed center portion (30). The recessed center portion (30) has a diameter no greater than the final diameter of the elastic ring (24) in its deformed shape which effects a fluid tight joint. The seal (12) is positioned between segments (14,16) of a pipe coupling (10). Pipe elements are inserted into the elastic ring (24) against the rigid ring (50) from opposite sides of the coupling (10). The segments (14,16) are drawn toward one another by fasteners (18), compressing the side portions (26,28) and effecting the fluid tight joint.