Split Ring Piston Seal Asymmetric Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piston seals for hydraulic devices with reciprocating pistons face challenges in maintaining an effective seal under high pressure and low temperature conditions, leading to wear and potential breakage due to stress from fluid pressure, especially in high-pressure reciprocating pumps handling cryogenic fluids.
Innovation Solution
A split ring seal design with overlapping end segments of varying widths, where the spacing and length of the segments are calculated based on the pressure stress applied, providing a robust construction that allows for expansion and contraction while maintaining sealing effectiveness, made from polymer or polymer composite materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a split ring seal with overlapping end segments is used to allow expansion and compensate for wear, then the seal's ability to maintain contact with the cylinder wall is improved, but the risk of breakage under fluid pressure stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal ring is divided into overlapping end segments that can independently expand and contract, allowing the seal to maintain contact with the cylinder wall while distributing stress across multiple segments rather than a single continuous ring
Solution Approach 2:
The overlapping end segments are designed with asymmetric spacing and varying widths, where the spacing and length of segments are calculated based on pressure stress applied, creating a non-uniform structure that optimizes both expansion capability and stress distribution to prevent breakage
2Strength
If the seal is made robust to resist breakage under high pressure, then the seal's strength is improved, but the ability to expand and compensate for wear is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the seal ring have different properties - the overlapping end segments have specific spacing and width calculations that provide localized expansion capability where needed, while maintaining overall structural strength through the polymer composite material and optimized geometry
3Reliability
If a continuous ring seal is used to provide uniform sealing, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the ability to compensate for wear through expansion is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous ring is segmented into overlapping sections that can independently expand as wear occurs, maintaining sealing effectiveness throughout the seal's service life by compensating for dimensional changes without compromising the continuous sealing barrier
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 design enhances durability and reduces the risk of seal breakage under high pressure, ensuring effective sealing and maintaining sealing integrity even as the seal wears or expands due to temperature variations, suitable for high-pressure and cryogenic fluid applications.
Implementation Method 1
maintaining sealing integrity even as the seal wears or expands due to temperature variations
Implementation Method 2
allows for expansion and contraction while maintaining sealing effectiveness
Data Source
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AI summary
Abstract A piston seal for a reciprocating piston is disclosed having the shape of split ring comprising a first end segment and a second end segment overlapping along a split surface that extends from the inner circumferential surface to the outer circumferential surface of the seal and is transverse to the direction in which the 5 piston moves when reciprocating in a cylinder bore. The split surface is spaced further from the leading lateral surface of the seal that faces a compression chamber associated with the piston than it is spaced from said trailing lateral surface of the seal that is opposite to the leading lateral surface. 10