Overlapping Split Retaining Ring for Low-Clearance Vessel Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing split retaining ring connections in pressure vessels are thick due to independent sections, causing clearance issues with instrumentation and devices, and require more material to meet industry standards, limiting compatibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A split retaining ring design with overlapping ends that forms an overlap joint, allowing for a reduced thickness while maintaining strength, using a threaded fastener to secure instrumentation and duplicating the action of a solid retaining ring, and optionally incorporating a beveled flange for secure clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a split retaining ring is used to accommodate instrumentation that cannot fit a solid ring, then adaptability to instrumentation is improved, but the ring thickness increases causing clearance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring is divided into two or more separate sections that can be assembled around instrumentation which cannot accommodate a solid ring. This segmentation allows the ring to fit around complex instrumentation geometries while the sections are designed with reduced individual thickness to minimize clearance issues.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple ring sections are combined with reinforcement elements and fastening mechanisms to create a unified structural assembly. The sections work together with support structures to achieve the required strength and load resistance without requiring each section to be individually thick.
2Ease of manufacture
If the split retaining ring sections act independently, then ease of assembly is improved, but the ring thickness must increase to meet strength requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is segmented into multiple independently assembleable sections that can be manufactured and installed separately, improving ease of assembly and manufacturing while maintaining the ability to achieve required strength through proper design of each section.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring assembly incorporates composite construction with multiple sections, reinforcement elements, and fastening components working together to achieve the required strength and load resistance without requiring excessive thickness in individual parts.
3Reliability
If a thicker split retaining ring is used to meet industry codes, then reliability is improved, but material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design optimizes the thickness parameter of the ring sections to the minimum required to meet industry codes and strength requirements. By carefully calculating and setting the thickness parameter, the design achieves code compliance while minimizing material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite construction with multiple sections and reinforcement elements allows the assembly to meet industry code requirements for reliability and strength while using less total material than a single thick solid ring would require.
Data Source
AI summary
A split retaining ring for a connection assembly adapted for connecting an instrument or other device to a vessel, such as a pressure vessel. The connection assembly includes a base, an instrument or device, and a split retaining ring wherein the split retaining ring includes overlapping end portions. The split retaining ring also includes an annular rib adapted for engaging a ferrule of the instrument or device in order to substantially sealing engage the instrument or device to the base.