Slotted O-Ring Seal for Crimp Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In plumbing systems, improperly crimped connections often pass initial pressure tests but leak over time, making it difficult to detect and address incomplete crimps, especially in large commercial installations.
Innovation Solution
A ring-type seal with a flange featuring multiple slots allows fluid flow until a proper crimp is made, ensuring that connections do not pass pressure tests until sealed, and rotates to prevent damage from pipe burrs, using conventional push-on copper pipe connections and crimping tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional O-ring seal is used without slots, then the connection provides a tight seal initially, but it cannot detect improper crimping and will leak over time
Solution Approach 1:
The O-ring seal is segmented by forming multiple radial slots through its cross-section, dividing the continuous sealing structure into separated sections. This segmentation allows fluid to pass through the slots when the crimp is improper, providing detectable leakage while maintaining sealing capability when properly crimped.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the O-ring seal have different functional properties: the main body provides sealing when compressed, while the slot regions provide fluid passage paths. This local differentiation allows the same component to serve dual functions of sealing and leakage detection based on crimp quality.
2Reliability
If slots are added to the O-ring flange, then improper crimping can be detected through leakage, but the seal allows fluid flow until crimped
Solution Approach 1:
The slots are pre-formed in the O-ring during manufacturing, preparing the seal for its dual function before installation. This preliminary structuring ensures that when installed, the seal is ready to either leak through slots (if improperly crimped) or seal properly (if correctly crimped), eliminating the need for post-installation modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The slots provide a feedback mechanism where fluid leakage serves as an indicator of improper crimping. This visual and functional feedback allows immediate detection of installation errors, enabling corrective action before the system is put into service.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the O-ring can rotate on the pipe, then burrs on the pipe end are prevented from scarring the sealing surface, but the O-ring must maintain sealing integrity during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The O-ring is designed to be dynamically rotatable on the pipe during insertion, transitioning from a static sealing component to a dynamic one. This rotation capability allows the O-ring to self-adjust and move burrs away from sealing surfaces, while the slots provide fluid paths that maintain sealing functionality throughout the rotation process.
Data Source
AI summary
An O-ring has a flange which includes a plurality of slots, such that, when inserted into an annular groove of a pipe fitting before crimping, the slots allow the flow of fluid therethrough, such that an installation would not pass pressure tests until such time as a proper crimp has been made. Such a design allows the use of conventional push-on pipe connections by utilizing a unique O-ring seal which works in conjunction with standard push-on crimp-type pipe fittings and conventional crimping tools for subsequently sealing the connection. The O-ring is either circular or elliptical in cross section and the slots define equally spaced annular segments.