Mechanically Retained Sealing Disks Against Pressure Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disk assemblies for fluid regulators are prone to sealing disk slippage and ejection due to pressure formation between the disk holder and the sealing disk, exacerbated by differing coefficients of thermal expansion, leading to potential fluid leakage and loss of mechanical retention.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a disk gasket between the sealing disk and the disk holder to create a seal and provide additional mechanical retention, along with gripping protrusions and a gripping finger on the disk retainer to enhance resistance against slippage and ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional disk assembly uses only a disk retainer to hold the sealing disk, then the structure is simple, but the sealing disk may slip or be ejected due to pressure formation
Solution Approach 1:
A disk gasket is introduced as an intermediary component between the sealing disk and the disk holder. This gasket provides both sealing functionality to prevent fluid leakage and additional mechanical retention through friction and physical interference, thereby improving retention reliability without significantly complicating the overall assembly structure
Solution Approach 2:
The disk gasket merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides sealing against fluid leakage, additional mechanical retention through friction, and structural support for the sealing disk. This consolidation improves reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity
2Strength
If pressure forms between the disk holder and the back side of the sealing disk, then the sealing force increases, but the sealing disk may be ejected from the holder
Solution Approach 1:
The disk gasket acts as an intermediary that distributes the pressure load across a larger area and provides frictional resistance. This allows the sealing force to be maintained or increased while the gasket's friction and physical interference prevent the sealing disk from being ejected, thus maintaining retention stability under high pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The disk gasket is typically made from flexible elastomeric material that can deform to conform to the sealing disk and disk holder surfaces. This flexibility allows it to maintain sealing force under pressure while its friction and elastic deformation provide additional retention stability, preventing ejection
3Adaptability or versatility
If the disk holder and disk retainer have different coefficients of thermal expansion, then the assembly can accommodate temperature changes, but fluid may leak past the O-ring
Solution Approach 1:
The disk gasket serves as an additional intermediary sealing element between the sealing disk and disk holder. Even when thermal expansion differences cause the primary O-ring to fail, the disk gasket provides a secondary sealing barrier that prevents fluid from reaching the back side of the sealing disk, thereby preventing fluid leakage while maintaining temperature adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The disk gasket provides beforehand cushioning against the harmful effect of fluid leakage. By positioning it between the sealing disk and disk holder, it creates a backup sealing system that compensates for potential O-ring failures due to thermal expansion differences, thus preventing fluid leakage before it can occur
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 disk gasket prevents fluid from reaching the back side of the sealing disk, reducing pressure and the likelihood of slippage and ejection, while the gripping structures provide additional resistance to maintain the sealing disk in place, even under extreme temperature changes.
Implementation Method 1
a disk gasket positioned between a back side of the sealing disk and an inner surface of the disk holder
Implementation Method 2
gripping protrusions and a gripping finger formed in and/or on a retaining flange of the disk retainer
Data Source
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AI summary
Mechanically-retained sealing disks for use with fluid regulators are disclosed. In some examples, an apparatus includes a disk holder having an inner surface. In some examples, the apparatus includes a disk gasket coupled to the inner surface of the disk holder. In some examples, the apparatus includes a sealing disk positioned in the disk holder. In some examples, the sealing disk has a front side including a sealing surface, and a back side located opposite the front side. In some examples, the back side of the sealing disk in positioned adjacent the disk gasket. In some examples, the apparatus includes a disk retainer coupled to the disk holder. In some examples, the disk retainer is to retain the sealing disk in the disk holder.