Universal Gasket-Flange Structure for Multi-Flange Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gasket solutions for plumbing instruments require different types and sizes for various flange connections, leading to increased inventory and potential installation errors due to uneven clamping and compatibility issues across different flange surfaces and pressures.
Innovation Solution
A gasket with annular seal surfaces and protrusions that can fit into grooves on flange surfaces of varying shapes, allowing shared use across flat seat, full-flat seat, and grooved-shape flanges, with adjustable bolt holes and a core for centered attachment and uniform pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different types of gaskets are used for different flange surfaces (RF-shape, GF-shape, FF-shape), then sealability is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is designed with a dual-structure comprising a flat packing portion and a protruding portion that can adapt to multiple flange surface types (RF-shape, GF-shape, FF-shape). The flat packing portion contacts flat surfaces while the protruding portion fits into grooves on grooved surfaces, allowing a single gasket design to serve multiple functions across different flange configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket is divided into functionally distinct segments: a flat packing portion for sealing against flat flange surfaces and a protruding portion for engagement with grooved flange surfaces. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated component that handles multiple flange types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If GF-shape gasket is used for RF-shape or FF-shape flange connection, then compatibility is improved, but attachment difficulty increases due to shape mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket incorporates an elastic material that allows the protruding portion to deform during installation. This elasticity enables the protruding portion to be compressed and then expand to fit snugly into the groove, providing dynamic adaptation during the attachment process rather than requiring precise rigid alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding portion is designed with a curved, arc-shaped cross-section that complements the groove geometry. This curved shape allows the protruding portion to naturally guide itself into the groove during installation, reducing attachment difficulty while maintaining compatibility across different flange types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If RF-shape or FF-shape gasket is used for GF-shape flange connection, then compatibility is improved, but sealability decreases due to poor positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding portion is pre-formed with a shape that matches the groove geometry before installation. This preliminary shaping ensures that when the gasket is placed on the flange, the protruding portion automatically engages with the groove to provide precise positioning and centering, establishing proper alignment before the sealing action occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding portion automatically positions and centers the gasket on the flange surface through its own geometric shape and elastic deformation, without requiring external positioning mechanisms or complex alignment procedures. The elastic material allows self-adjustment during installation to ensure proper positioning.
4Reliability
If multiple gasket types are prepared in advance, then sealability for specific applications is improved, but installation time increases due to selection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is designed as a universal component that can be used across multiple flange surface types (RF-shape, GF-shape, FF-shape) and pressure conditions through its dual-structure design. This eliminates the need to select from multiple specialized gasket types, reducing installation time while maintaining appropriate sealability for each application.
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
Ensures high sealability and prevents water leakage by allowing easy attachment and uniform clamping across different flange surfaces and pressures, reducing inventory needs and installation errors.
Implementation Method 1
an annular protrusion is formed on one pressure-receiving surface of a ring-shaped elastic body
Implementation Method 2
the annular protrusion is compressedly fit, and is prevented from slipping outside by water pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A gasket and flange connection structure for a plumbing instrument including a substantially annular core (30) coated with a coating part (31) and formed with annular seal surfaces (32) on both surfaces. These annular seal surfaces (32) are provided so as to be capable of making sealed contact with any of flange surfaces (20, 21, and 22) of a flat seat shape flange, a full-flat seat shape flange, and a grooved-shape flange for allowing shared use. Configured on outer peripheral sides of the annular seal surfaces (32) are extended mounting parts (33) having a plurality of different diameters in accordance with the outer diameters of the various flange surfaces.