Self-Locating Gasket With Anchor And Lubricated Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastomeric gaskets face challenges in maintaining a seal between corrugated pipe sections due to high frictional forces, stress, and debris infiltration, leading to potential leaks and reduced sealing effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A gasket design featuring a first section with an anchor portion and self-locating arms made from materials with varying durometers, combined with a permanently lubricated material, which biases the gasket to maintain contact and resist movement, thereby enhancing the sealing connection and preventing debris entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large frictional force is encountered when inserting the inner pipe and elastomeric gasket into the outer pipe, then the gasket may be pulled from the groove, but the sealing connection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is divided into multiple functional sections: a first section with an anchor portion that resists frictional forces during insertion, and a second section that provides the sealing contact. This segmentation allows each section to specialize in its function, with the anchor portion handling the mechanical stress of insertion while the second section maintains the seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor portion is designed to engage with the groove before the sealing section is fully compressed into its sealing position. This preliminary engagement pre-positions the gasket and distributes the insertion forces, preventing the gasket from being pulled out of the groove during the high-friction insertion process.
2Reliability
If the gasket is exposed to numerous forces causing stress over the life of the connection, then the gasket may move from its desired location or allow debris to infiltrate, but the sealing effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The self-locating arms are designed to bias the first section against the groove walls, creating a preliminary counter-force that prevents the gasket from moving under subsequent stresses. This continuous biasing action opposes any forces that might cause dislocation or debris infiltration throughout the service life of the connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-locating arms automatically adjust and maintain the gasket's position within the groove through elastic biasing, without requiring external adjustment mechanisms. The arms continuously exert a restoring force that centers the gasket and prevents debris entry, making the system self-regulating against harmful factors.
3Reliability
If the gasket is designed with self-locating arms and varying durometer materials, then the sealing connection is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the gasket are assigned different durometer values to optimize local performance: the anchor portion uses a harder material to resist insertion forces, while the sealing section uses a softer material to conform to mating surfaces and maintain the seal. This local differentiation of material properties enhances overall reliability without requiring entirely separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket is constructed as a composite structure with multiple materials of varying durometers integrated into a single elastomeric body. This composite approach allows the gasket to simultaneously exhibit the rigidity needed for anchor engagement and the compliance needed for effective sealing, resolving the complexity issue by integrating multiple functions into one component.
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 gasket effectively reduces friction, maintains a fluid-tight seal, and prevents debris infiltration, even under stress and thermal changes, ensuring a reliable connection between tubular members.
Implementation Method 1
combined with a permanently lubricated material, which biases the gasket to maintain contact and resist movement
Implementation Method 2
The self-locating arm biases the first section such that the other of the first or second sides is in contact with the recess to form a sealing connection
Data Source
AI summary
A gasket is provided that forms a sealing connection between a pair of tubular members. The gasket comprises a first section shaped to fit within a recess of one of a pair of tubular members. The first section includes an anchor portion comprising first and second sides. The gasket further comprises a second section extending from the first section and is configured to make a sealing contact with the other of the tubular members. The gasket also includes at least one self-locating arm in a sealing contact within the recess and extending from one of the first or second sides of the anchor portion of the first section. The self-locating arm biases the first section such that the other of the first or second sides is in contact with the recess to form a sealing connection.