Sliding Wedge Sealing Device for Casing Diameter Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sealing devices for casings face challenges in accommodating variations in diameter and circular shape due to production tolerances, leading to leakage and damage under high pressures, and require large dimensions and additional sealing measures, which complicate the sealing process and increase operational complexity.

Innovation Solution

A sealing device with a housing, core, and slidable sealing segments and wedges that adjust to fit different casing diameters, using angled sliding surfaces and additional wedges to ensure mechanical sealing, along with a supply channel and actuating means for efficient operation and pressure management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a sealing device is designed to fit casings with varying diameters and shapes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sealing measures like inflatable devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to casing variationsVSAvoidsealing device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing device is divided into multiple sealing segments that can independently adjust to accommodate variations in casing diameter and shape. Each segment can move and adapt locally, allowing the overall device to conform to irregular casing geometries without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire sealing system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing device incorporates dynamic elements including slidable sealing segments and wedges that can move along inclined surfaces. These dynamic components allow the sealing device to adapt its configuration in real-time to match the specific dimensions and shape variations of different casings, providing adaptability without permanent complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If additional sealing measures like inflatable devices are added to seal gaps, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to leakage and damage under high pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidleakage and damage under pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces inflatable sealing measures with a purely mechanical sealing system consisting of sliding segments and wedges. This mechanical system eliminates the need for flexible membranes or inflatable elements that are prone to leakage and damage under high pressure, thereby improving reliability while maintaining sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing segments and wedges are designed to automatically adjust and self-seal against the casing wall through their own weight and the action of inclined surfaces. This self-service mechanism ensures consistent sealing contact without requiring additional control systems or vulnerable inflatable components, enhancing reliability under varying pressure conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If the sealing device is designed to accommodate large pressure forces, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases due to larger dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure resistanceVSAvoiddevice dimensions

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing segments and wedges utilize curved and inclined surfaces that distribute pressure forces more evenly across the structure. The inclined surfaces of the wedges convert radial pressure into axial components, effectively managing high pressure loads without requiring excessively large or complex device dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 provides a flexible and efficient sealing mechanism that minimizes installation time, accommodates a range of nominal diameters, and ensures reliable sealing with reduced parts and equipment complexity, while managing high pressures and tolerances effectively.

Implementation Method 1

at least two sealing segments in slidable engagement with the core to change the outside diameter of the sealing device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

at least two wedges in slidable engagement with the core and the sealing segments to seal the sealing device against the casing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWedge: Wedge

Data Source

PatentUS8857525B2Sealing device and method for sealing a casing

Publication Date: 2014.10.14 NOORD JAN

AI summary

A sealing device which has a housing with an outside diameter, a core inside the housing; at least two sealing segments in slidable engagement with the core to change the outside diameter of the sealing device on at least one position of the sealing device; and at least two wedges in slidable engagement with the core and the sealing segments to seal the sealing device against a casing.