Static Seal With Triangular Graphite Edges For Extreme Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing technologies fail to maintain tightness over long periods, especially under extreme conditions such as high temperatures, pressures, and exposure to ionizing radiation, chemicals, and mechanical impacts, which is critical for the storage of radioactive and toxic substances.
Innovation Solution
A static seal design featuring triangular cutting edges on a base body with alternating rectangular and trapezoidal grooves, which absorb contact pressure and deform to maintain high-density contact areas, combined with sealing elements like expanded graphite that provide long-term elasticity and resilience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional sealing materials (elastomers, soft materials) are used, then ease of manufacture and initial sealing capability are improved, but reliability and duration of action deteriorate under extreme conditions (high temperature, pressure, radiation)
Solution Approach 1:
The seal combines a metal base body (providing structural strength and radiation resistance) with graphite cutting edges (providing sealing capability and chemical resistance). This composite structure achieves both ease of manufacture through metal forming and reliable long-term tightness under extreme conditions, as the metal carrier maintains integrity while the graphite edges provide effective sealing.
2Reliability
If graphite foil seals are used, then chemical resistance and temperature resistance are improved, but friction increases and long-term elasticity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The graphite is configured specifically as cutting edges with triangular cross-sections rather than continuous foil layers. This local application of graphite provides chemical and temperature resistance exactly where sealing contact occurs, while reducing overall graphite content to minimize friction. The cutting edge geometry concentrates the graphite's beneficial properties at the sealing interface.
3Reliability
If high contact pressure is applied to maintain tightness, then sealing reliability is improved, but the seal service life deteriorates due to material deformation and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting edges are pre-formed with a triangular cross-section geometry that is optimized for initial contact with the sealing surface. This preliminary configuration ensures that when contact pressure is first applied, the cutting edges immediately engage the sealing surface at the correct angle and position, distributing the pressure optimally from the start to prevent premature deformation and extend service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal design changes the geometric parameters of the graphite configuration from conventional flat or rounded edges to specific triangular cross-sections with defined angles. This parameter change optimizes the contact pressure distribution, allowing high tightness through concentrated contact while reducing overall material stress and wear, thereby extending service life.
4Strength
If metal seals are used, then strength and temperature resistance are improved, but chemical resistance and adaptability to sealing surfaces deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The seal uses a composite structure where the metal base body provides mechanical strength and structural integrity, while the graphite cutting edges provide chemical resistance and sealing adaptability. This division of functions allows the metal to handle mechanical loads and temperature extremes, while the graphite handles chemical exposure and conforms to sealing surface variations.
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 seal maintains tightness and resilience over extended periods, even under extreme conditions, by distributing and managing contact pressure through cutting edges and sealing elements, ensuring reliable sealing and resistance to chemical and radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
the tips of the cutting edges being slightly plastically deformed, so that high-density contact areas are formed between the base body and the sealing surfaces
Implementation Method 2
This structure gives the sealing ring long-term elasticity, so that the disadvantage of previously known sealing rings, that they exhibit a significantly reduced restoring force in the contact area after a short period of static loading, is overcome
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a static seal (1), composed of a main body (2), wherein edges (3) are formed on two mutually averted outer surfaces (7) of the main body (2), wherein the edges (3) are of triangular form in cross section and one triangle surface (flank) is oriented at right angles to the main body (2), and first grooves (4) and second grooves (5) are formed between the edges (3). When the seal is in an installed situation, the tips of the edges (3) are plastically deformed and form sealed contact regions. A barrier pressure medium may be situated in the first and second grooves (4) between the edges (3). It is however also possible for sealing elements formed from a soft material (40), a metal or a non-metal to be situated in the first and second grooves (4) between the edges (3).