Tube Plug Assembly with Anchoring Legs for Sealing Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug assemblies for heat exchangers, such as those with tapered plugs and undulating compression rings, often fail to maintain a secure pressure barrier over time due to compression ring deformation, leading to potential leaks.
Innovation Solution
A plug assembly featuring a frusto-conical plug with an annular compression ring, an anchoring assembly with elongate legs and shoulders, and optional seal members and packing material, which maintains the compression ring in an axially compressed state to prevent sliding and ensure a secure seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compression ring is used to seal between the plug and tube, then initial sealing is achieved, but the ring may slide along the plug over time and lose sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The compression ring is pre-compressed during installation to expand radially and engage with grooves in the tube and plug before service begins. This preliminary compression action ensures the ring is locked in position and cannot slide along the plug during operation, maintaining sealing effectiveness over time.
Solution Approach 2:
Grooves are introduced as intermediary structures in both the tube and plug that interface with the compression ring. These grooves act as mechanical stops that prevent the ring from sliding axially along the plug, while still allowing the ring to maintain radial compression for sealing.
2Reliability
If the compression ring is made flexible to conform to the tube, then sealing is improved, but the ring may deform and lose its sealing capability
Solution Approach 1:
The compression ring is designed with specific material and geometric parameters that allow it to be flexible enough to conform to the tube inner surface for sealing, while maintaining sufficient structural stability. The ring's cross-sectional dimensions, material modulus, and wall thickness are optimized to balance flexibility for sealing with stability to prevent deformation during service.
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 solution effectively maintains a reliable pressure barrier within the tube by radially expanding the compression ring between the plug and the tube, preventing leaks and ensuring long-term sealing performance.
Implementation Method 1
the ring radially expands into spaces between the plug 14 and tube 12
Implementation Method 2
Seal members can be provided on both ends of the plug that project radially outward and into contact with an inner surface of the tube
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for plugging a tube that includes setting a tapered plug in a tube with a compression ring that circumscribes the plug. The ring radially expands when axially compressed and wedges the plug in the tube. An anchoring assembly fits over the tapered end of the plug and is coupled to the plug while being pushed against the compressed ring. When coupled to the plug, the anchoring assembly maintains the ring in a compressed state. The anchoring assembly can be made up of legs that fasten to the tapered end of the plug and have shoulders attached on a free end that are positioned against a lateral side of the compressed ring.