Wedge Adapter Seal for Rigid Tube Assembly in Confined Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
In gas turbine engines, the assembly and maintenance of rigid conduit systems in confined spaces, such as near the engine case and within the nacelle, are challenging due to cramped conditions, making it difficult to install or remove components with interconnecting rigid conduits without causing damage or interference with surrounding hardware.
Innovation Solution
A wedge adapter seal with a ferrule and traveling flange, featuring a multi-lobed structure and specific geometries, allows for axial and rotational manipulation of hard tubes and components, enabling fluid communication while reducing the risk of scratching or binding, and facilitating easy assembly and disassembly by using a backing force to traverse the flange along the tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional rigid conduit systems are used in confined spaces, then structural strength and rigidity are maintained, but assembly and disassembly become extremely difficult and may cause damage to surrounding hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit system is divided into modular sections with standardized coupling mechanisms. The wedge adapter seal divides the connection into distinct components (wedge adapter, seal element, coupling mechanism) that can be independently assembled and disassembled, enabling easy maintenance while maintaining rigid fluid transfer pathways when connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including a wedge-shaped adapter that can be inserted and locked into position, and a seal that can expand or deform during assembly then maintain a stable sealed connection during operation, allowing easy assembly while ensuring rigid, leak-free operation.
2Volume of moving object
If components are installed in cramped conditions, then space utilization is optimized, but the risk of scratching or binding during installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element is pre-configured in a compressed or deformable state within the adapter assembly, allowing it to be inserted into tight spaces without requiring post-installation adjustment. The wedge shape allows the component to be guided into place along a predetermined path, preventing binding and scratching during installation in confined areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge-shaped adapter acts as an intermediary component between the rigid conduit and the sealing mechanism, providing a guided interface that directs assembly forces along safe paths and prevents direct contact between potentially damaging surfaces during installation in tight spaces.
3Reliability
If conventional sealing mechanisms are used, then sealing function is achieved, but the complexity of assembly and disassembly procedures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge adapter seal incorporates self-aligning and self-sealing features. The wedge shape automatically orients the seal element correctly during insertion, and the sealing mechanism automatically engages and seals when the wedge is driven into the coupling position, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or multiple assembly steps while ensuring reliable sealing.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A wedge adapter seal (300) comprising a hard tube (308) having a radially projecting flange (311) and a wedge shaped body (302; 402; 502) comprising a base flange (304; 427) and extending between a base flange face (328; 428; 528) and a sealing face (322; 422; 522), wherein the hard tube (308) is in fluid communication with the wedge shaped body (302; 402; 502) with the radially projecting flange (311) coupled proximate the sealing face (322; 422; 522). A wedge adapter seal (300) may further comprise a ferrule (310) coupled to the hard tube (308), wherein the ferrule (310) comprises the radially projecting flange (311), a traveling flange (306) disposed about the hard tube (308) and configured to travel axially with respect to the hard tube (308), wherein the traveling flange (306) comprises at least one of a triangular geometry having convex sides forming a Reuleaux triangle, a circular geometry, a rectangular geometry, a square geometry, or an oblique geometry.