Multi-piece Valve Disk Ring Seal Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-piece valve disks with ring seals face challenges in achieving a defined clamping width and preload frictional connection due to manufacturing tolerances, leading to limited service life and complex, expensive manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A ring seal comprising two components, where the backup ring provides stable positioning and defined preload, allowing for consistent sealing performance and simplified manufacturing, with different backup ring orientations enabling versatile applications and cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ring seal consists of three prefabricated components (sealing ring, backup ring, and restoring region), then the sealing function can be achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing ring and restoring region into a single integrated component made of elastomeric material, eliminating the need for a separate restoring region component. The backup ring remains as a separate dimensionally stable component, but the overall assembly is reduced from three components to two main components, simplifying manufacturing and assembly while maintaining the sealing function.
2Ease of manufacture
If the backup ring is supported only radially at a portion of the valve disk, then the assembly is simplified, but the clamping width cannot be precisely defined due to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The backup ring is designed with a predefined clamping width that is established during manufacturing. The dimensionally stable backup ring provides a predetermined clamping action on the sealing ring, compensating for manufacturing tolerances in the valve disk parts. This preliminary definition of clamping width ensures consistent sealing performance without requiring precise adjustment during assembly.
3Ease of operation
If the sealing ring is dynamically deformed during valve operation, then the sliding valve function is achieved, but relative motions between components occur leading to stress concentrations and limited service life
Solution Approach 1:
The ring seal uses a composite structure combining an elastomeric sealing ring with a dimensionally stable backup ring. The elastomeric material provides flexibility for dynamic deformation during sliding operation, while the rigid backup ring provides structural support and maintains geometric stability. This composite approach allows the sealing ring to deform dynamically for proper valve function while the backup ring prevents excessive deformation and reduces stress concentrations, thereby extending service life.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the backup ring is axially floating between the outer sides of the sealing ring, then the assembly is more flexible, but floating movements intensify mechanical influences and reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The backup ring is designed with specific dimensional parameters including a defined clamping width and axial positioning features. By carefully controlling the thickness and axial dimensions of the backup ring, the design achieves optimal balance between flexibility and stability. The backup ring maintains light axial contact with the sealing ring outer surfaces, providing sufficient support to prevent excessive floating movements while allowing enough compliance to accommodate assembly variations and thermal expansion.
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 ensures a consistent preload and extended service life of the sealing ring, reduces manufacturing complexity and costs, and minimizes assembly and replacement errors, while maintaining high functional reliability across various valve functions.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing ring consists of an elastomeric material
Implementation Method 2
the clamping width of the ring groove receiving the ring seal, which generates the preload frictional connection for the sealing ring
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-piece valve disk of a sliding and/or seat valve, a ring seal with an elastic sealing ring with an external sealing zone is placed in a ring groove of the valve disk onto a dimensionally stable backup ring, and where an elastic restoring region effectively positioned between the backup ring and the external sealing zone is arranged in the backup ring, the restoring region being embodied in one piece with the sealing ring of its material adjacent to the external sealing zone of the sealing ring.