Variable Back-Up Ring for Pressure-Adaptive O-Ring Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing back-up rings made of rigid materials struggle to effectively minimize clearance gaps between connector bodies in high-pressure fluid systems, leading to leakage and damage of O-rings due to hydrogen permeation and cracking.
Innovation Solution
A variable back-up ring that is deformable in the radial direction, expanding or contracting based on fluid pressure to adapt its shape and seal effectively, minimizing clearance gaps and enhancing sealing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid back-up ring is used, then the structural strength is maintained, but the ability to minimize clearance gap is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The back-up ring is designed with a variable cross-sectional area that can dynamically adjust its radial profile in response to fluid pressure changes. The cross-sectional area varies along the radial direction, allowing the ring to deform and minimize clearance gaps when exposed to high-pressure hydrogen, while maintaining structural integrity when pressure is low or absent.
2Ease of manufacture
If the back-up ring is made rigid, then manufacturing simplicity is achieved, but adaptability to pressure conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The back-up ring incorporates a non-uniform cross-sectional area profile along its radial thickness, creating zones of varying flexibility. The cross-sectional area changes continuously or in steps from the inner to outer radius, enabling the ring to adapt its shape to different pressure conditions while remaining manufacturable through conventional forming processes.
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 deformable back-up ring maximizes sealing performance by adjusting its shape to match fluid pressure conditions, preventing leakage and protecting the O-ring from damage.
Implementation Method 1
The first half shell and the second half shell may be deformable depending on a magnitude of a fluid pressure acting on the first half shell and the second half shell
Implementation Method 2
a variable back-up ring that is deformable in the radial direction, expanding or contracting based on fluid pressure to adapt its shape
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing structure includes a first connector body having a groove, a second connector body encompassing the first connector body, an O-ring partially received in the groove of the first connector body, and a variable back-up ring partially received in the groove of the first connector body and holding the O-ring. The variable back-up ring is deformable in a radial direction depending on a magnitude of a fluid pressure applied between the first connector body and the second connector body.