Spiral Wound Header Ring Structure for High-Pressure Seal Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing header rings in fluid systems, particularly those used in high-pressure and corrosive environments, suffer from wear and nibbling issues due to the junction between the pedestal and sealing surface, which are not adequately addressed by conventional fiber reinforcement or fabric wrapping methods.
Innovation Solution
A spiral wound header ring is developed, comprising alternating layers of fabric and rubber, with an optional fiber reinforcement, where the inner and outer fabric layers are integral and form an obtuse angle to eliminate the conventional junction, enhancing mechanical stability and reducing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fiber reinforcement is added to the elastomeric header ring to withstand high pressures, then pressure resistance is improved, but the header ring becomes over stiff and loses flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The header ring is segmented into distinct functional layers: an elastomeric core layer for flexibility and pressure absorption, and an outer fabric layer for abrasion resistance and structural integrity. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specialized function without compromising the overall balance between strength and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The header ring uses a composite structure combining elastomeric material with fabric reinforcement. The elastomeric core provides flexibility and pressure resistance, while the outer fabric layer adds abrasion resistance and mechanical strength, creating a material system that achieves both pressure resistance and flexibility simultaneously.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional header ring design with pedestal and sealing surface junction is used, then manufacturing is simple, but wear and nibbling occur at the junction between pedestal and sealing surface
Solution Approach 1:
The design eliminates the vulnerable junction between the pedestal and sealing surface by adopting a continuous spiral wound structure. This removes the discrete junction point that was prone to wear and nibbling in conventional designs, while the spiral winding process remains manufacturable using established techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
A spiral wound header ring is provided. The spiral wound header ring comprises at least one outer fabric layer and at least one spiral of inner fabric and rubber. The spiral wound header ring further may have a sealing surface that extends from a rearward facing surface to the forward facing annular, radially extending, surface.