Service Port Plug and Ring Seal for Leak-Resistant Fluid Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing submersible pumping systems face challenges in ensuring uniform deformation and contact of crush seals with threaded bolts during fluid introduction, making it difficult to maintain a reliable seal and monitor the seal's performance over time.
Innovation Solution
A fill port mechanism featuring a plug with seal grooves and ring seals, combined with a positive stop barrier, provides a reliable and sealed method for introducing lubricating fluids into the system, eliminating the need for threaded engagement and ensuring consistent sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded bolts with crush seals are used to access the fill port, then fluid introduction is enabled, but uniform deformation and reliable sealing cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the threaded bolt and crush seal mechanism from the fill port assembly. Instead, a simple plug with a push-button release mechanism is used, which engages with a tapered seat to provide sealing without requiring deformation of elastic elements. This removes the source of the uniform deformation problem entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical threaded engagement system with a push-button release system that uses a plug engaging with a tapered seat. The sealing is achieved through the geometry of the tapered seat and plug interface rather than through elastic deformation of a crush seal, eliminating the need for precise control of deformation uniformity.
2Reliability
If threaded bolts with crush seals are used, then the fill port can be closed, but monitoring seal contact over time becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates a visual feedback mechanism through a window that allows observation of the plug's position relative to the housing. When the plug is properly seated, its position can be visually confirmed through the window, providing continuous monitoring of seal integrity without requiring complex sensors or measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses visual indicators (such as color-coded rings or markings on the plug and housing) that change appearance or position based on the plug's seating status. This provides immediate visual feedback on whether the seal is properly engaged, making it easy to detect and measure seal contact condition over time.
3Reliability
If inelastic crush seals are used, then sealing is achieved, but the system complexity increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the crush seal component entirely from the system. The sealing function is achieved through the geometric interface between the plug and tapered seat, which creates a mechanical seal without requiring any elastic or inelastic deformation elements. This simplifies the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the sealing mechanism from relying on material deformation properties (elastic or inelastic) to relying on geometric parameters and mechanical interference fit. The tapered seat and plug design uses angular and dimensional parameters to ensure proper sealing, eliminating the need for crush seal materials and their associated complexity.
4Reliability
If threaded bolts are used for plug engagement, then the plug can be secured, but removal and reinstallation becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a dynamic push-button release mechanism that allows the plug to be easily removed and reinstalled. The button activates a release mechanism that disengages the plug from the tapered seat, transforming the static, difficult-to-remove threaded connection into a dynamic, easily-operated system while maintaining secure retention during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the threaded mechanical engagement system with a push-button release system. The plug engages with the tapered seat through a simple insertion motion and is retained by the geometric interference fit, while removal is achieved through the button-activated release mechanism. This eliminates the need for threading operations, significantly easing operation.
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 solution ensures a robust, durable seal that prevents fluid leakage and allows for easy maintenance by using a non-threaded engagement system, enhancing the reliability and longevity of the pumping system's fluid introduction process.
Implementation Method 1
The plug includes one or more seal grooves and a ring seal in each of the one or more seal grooves. The ring seal creates a seal between the plug and the plug bore.
Data Source
AI summary
A port for use in introducing a fluid into an internal fluid chamber includes a plug bore, a valve disposed in the plug bore and a plug. The plug includes one or more seal grooves and a ring seal in each of the one or more seal grooves. The ring seal creates a seal between the plug and the plug bore. The port further includes a positive stop barrier that prevents the plug from being removed from the plug bore.