Sleeve Holder Assembly with Spring-Loaded Sealing for Fluid Leakage Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fluid treatment systems face issues with fluid leakage due to temperature fluctuations causing loosening of connections between radiation source assemblies and the system, leading to potential leaks, especially when using conventional O-ring seals and plastic components.

Innovation Solution

A sleeve holder assembly with a sleeve bolt assembly, sleeve holder receptacle, and radiation transparent sleeve, featuring asymmetric locking features, locking ratchet tabs, and cushioning elements to maintain a consistent compressive force and prevent loosening, even with temperature changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional O-ring seals and plastic components are used in radiation source assemblies, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to temperature fluctuations causing loosening of connections and fluid leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection assembly incorporates a spring mechanism that dynamically adjusts the compressive force applied to the O-ring seal. The spring maintains constant pressure on the sealing surface despite temperature-induced expansion and contraction of plastic components, ensuring continuous reliable sealing while allowing for thermal movement without connection loosening

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state and properties of the connection system by introducing a compliant spring element that compensates for dimensional changes in plastic components due to temperature fluctuations. This parameter adjustment maintains optimal sealing pressure across varying thermal conditions, resolving the reliability issue while retaining plastic manufacturing advantages

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If plastic components are used in sleeve holder assemblies, then ease of manufacture and cost are improved, but stability deteriorates due to loosening of connections under temperature fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded connection assembly provides dynamic compensation for thermal expansion and contraction of plastic components. As temperature fluctuates causing plastic to expand or contract, the spring automatically adjusts its compression to maintain constant sealing pressure and connection integrity, preventing loosening while allowing the plastic components to move freely with temperature changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful effect of plastic component dimensional instability under temperature fluctuations into a beneficial self-adjusting mechanism. The spring uses the movement caused by thermal expansion/contraction to maintain optimal sealing pressure, transforming the instability issue into a feature that automatically compensates for dimensional changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 sleeve holder assembly effectively reduces the likelihood of fluid leakage by maintaining a secure connection despite temperature fluctuations, allowing for easy installation and removal for servicing while ensuring reliable sealing.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element which engages with the bracket assembly and applies a consistent compressive force to a sealing surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The primary reason for this is it is conventional to use O-ring seals or the like to prevent leakage of fluid from the fluid treatment system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2625461B1Sleeve holder assembly
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 TROJAN TECH INC
  • EP2625461B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2625461B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2625461B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sleeve holder assembly for a radiation source is disclosed. The sleeve holder assembly comprises: an elongate radiation transparent sleeve element; a sleeve holder receptacle portion coupled to the elongate radiation transparent sleeve element; a sleeve bolt assembly portion coupled to the sleeve holder receptacle portion; a first sealing element disposed between the sleeve holder receptacle portion and the sleeve bolt assembly portion; and a locking element configured to prevent decoupling of the sleeve bolt assembly portion and the sleeve holder receptacle portion. The first sealing element is configured to provide a substantially fluid impermeable seal between the elongate radiation transparent sleeve element and the sleeve holder receptacle portion.