Segmented Puzzle Joint Seal for Large Flange Sealing Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large flanged hardware joints face challenges in achieving effective sealing due to the instability and unwieldiness of unitary sealing components, and existing segmented sealing solutions require additional RTV sealing at gaps between segments, which is messy and non-reusable.
Innovation Solution
A segmented sealing assembly comprising rigid retainer elements over-molded with resilient sealing elements, featuring a tongue and groove connection with complementary tapered or wedged profiles, forming a primary and secondary seal without the need for RTV sealing at segment boundaries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a unitary sealing component is used for large flanged hardware joints, then sealing coverage is improved, but stability and ease of installation deteriorate due to wear, cracking, and unwieldiness
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing component is divided into multiple segments that can be separately installed and positioned around the flanged joint. Each segment is smaller and more manageable, improving ease of installation while collectively providing complete sealing coverage. The segments are designed to interlock or join together to form a continuous sealing barrier around the entire joint perimeter.
2Area of stationary object
If a unitary sealing component is used, then sealing coverage is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in installation and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing component is divided into multiple segments that can be separately installed and positioned around the flanged joint. Each segment is smaller and more manageable, improving ease of installation while collectively providing complete sealing coverage. The segments are designed to interlock or join together to form a continuous sealing barrier around the entire joint perimeter.
3Reliability
If RTV sealing is used for segment boundaries, then sealing continuity is improved, but ease of repair and reusability deteriorates due to messy application and non-reusability
Solution Approach 1:
The segment boundaries are designed with integrated reusable sealing elements rather than relying on consumable RTV material. The sealing features are built into the segment structure itself, allowing for repeated assembly and disassembly without degradation of sealing performance. This eliminates the need to scrape away and reapply RTV material for maintenance or reconfiguration.
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 segmented sealing assembly provides a stable and effective seal for large perimeter flanged hardware joints, maintaining sealing continuity during installation and displacement, eliminating the need for RTV sealing and enhancing tolerance compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient sealing element, where the resilient sealing element may be formed of an elastomeric material
Implementation Method 2
The sealing segments each include secondary sealing elements that form a tongue and groove connection having complementary tapered or wedged profiles that are compressed during use
Data Source
AI summary
A segmented sealing assembly includes a first sealing segment having a first resilient sealing element with a first primary sealing surface and a tongue having a secondary sealing surface, and a second sealing segment having a second resilient sealing element with a second primary sealing surface and a groove having another secondary sealing surface. The first and second sealing segments are movable into a contact engagement to form the sealing assembly. When the first and second sealing segments are moved into the contact engagement, the first and second primary sealing surfaces form a primary seal, and the tongue and the groove form a secondary seal.