Spherical Viewport Window Sealing Ring Replacement Without Full Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional method for replacing sealing rings in large-size spherical sector viewport windows of manned submersibles is time-consuming, laborious, and costly, requiring the entire structure to be disassembled and reassembled for replacement.
Innovation Solution
A device and method using a set of replacement tools to maintain the spherical sector viewport window's position during pressure ring dismounting, allowing for the replacement of sealing rings without disassembling the entire mechanism, utilizing a combination of O-rings, pressure rings, and hexagon socket bolts with adjustable tools to ensure secure and uniform pre-pressing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the pressure ring is directly dismounted to replace the sealing ring, then the sealing ring can be replaced, but the spherical sector viewport window will be separated from the window seat and fall off
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies pre-pressing force to the spherical sector viewport window before the pressure ring is completely dismounted. This preliminary action maintains the window's position on the window seat during the sealing ring replacement process, preventing the window from falling off while allowing access to the sealing ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The device acts as an intermediary tool that temporarily takes over the holding function normally provided by the pressure ring. By introducing this intermediate pre-pressing mechanism, the system allows the pressure ring to be dismounted for sealing ring replacement while maintaining window stability throughout the process.
2Ease of repair
If the entire structure is disassembled for sealing ring replacement, then the sealing ring can be replaced, but the process becomes time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables selective disassembly by allowing only the necessary components (sealing ring and pressure ring) to be accessed while keeping the rest of the structure intact. This segmented approach isolates the replacement operation to specific areas, avoiding the need to disassemble the entire viewport window assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
By applying pre-pressing force before dismounting the pressure ring, the device creates stable conditions that allow the sealing ring to be replaced in-situ without requiring complete disassembly. This preliminary stabilization enables a more efficient, localized repair process.
3Ease of repair
If the entire structure is disassembled for sealing ring replacement, then the sealing ring can be replaced, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables cost-effective maintenance by allowing replacement of only the sealing ring component rather than requiring replacement or extensive work on the entire viewport assembly. This segmented repair approach reduces material costs, labor costs, and downtime associated with complete disassembly and reassembly.
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
This approach simplifies and speeds up the sealing ring replacement process, improving portability and reliability while reducing labor and costs by allowing in-situ replacement without the need for full disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
a tool rubber pad 15 is provided at the bottom of the pressure plate 14, wherein the tool rubber pad 15 is in contact with the spherical sector viewport window 23
Implementation Method 2
a pressure plate 14 is provided at the bottom of the screw rod 12, wherein the bottom surface of the pressure plate 14 abuts against the spherical sector viewport window 23 through the tool rubber pad 15
Implementation Method 3
through a plurality of O-rings 28
Implementation Method 4
a pressure ring rubber pad 26 is provided at the inner circumferential surface of the pressure ring 24, wherein the pressure ring rubber pad 26 is in contact with the spherical sector viewport window 23
Implementation Method 5
a pressure ring 24 is mounted on a circumferential surface of the joint of the spherical sector viewport window 23 and the window seat 22 through a pressure ring rubber pad 26 and a sealing device
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a spherical sector viewport window sealing ring replacing device and a replacing method. The device includes a flange, wherein a window seat is mounted on the flange through a plurality of O-rings, a spherical sector viewport window is mounted on the window seat, a pressure ring is mounted on a circumferential surface of the joint of the spherical sector viewport window and the window seat through a pressure ring rubber pad and a sealing device, and at the same time, the pressure ring is locked with the window seat through hexagon socket bolts; and a plurality of replacement tools are also mounted at intervals in a circumferential direction of the window seat, each of the replacement tools includes a support, a right-angle frame is extended upward at the rear end of the support, one of the right-angle sides of the right-angle frame is provided with a through hole, a long bolt is mounted at the through hole and is connected with the window seat and the flange and locked through a first nut, a mounting sleeve is extended downward at the bottom of the front end of the support, a screw rod is mounted in the mounting sleeve and fixed through a second nut, a pressure plate is fixed at the bottom of the screw rod, and the bottom surface of the pressure plate abuts against the spherical sector viewport window through a tool rubber pad. The replacing device is reliable in work and convenient in disassembly and assembly.