X-Shaped Sealing Ring for Bidirectional Single-Groove Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sealing rings require separate grooves for bidirectional sealing, as positioning them in the same groove leads to compromised sealing integrity due to sliding, which is not suitable for applications with pressure on both sides.
Innovation Solution
A sealing ring design featuring a body section with angularly spaced sealing legs and centering legs that extend outwardly, allowing for a single groove installation and maintaining sealing integrity under compressive stress by forming a seal with beveled ends and centering the ring within an annular groove to prevent lateral movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two C-seals are positioned in separate grooves for bidirectional sealing, then sealing integrity is maintained under pressure from either side, but device complexity increases and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single seal structure. The X-shaped seal integrates two C-seal functionalities into one component that can seal against pressure from either direction simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate grooves and multiple seals while maintaining bidirectional sealing integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The X-shaped seal performs multiple sealing functions with a single structure. It can seal against internal pressure and external pressure simultaneously, and the same seal structure handles both bidirectional sealing requirements, making it a universal solution for various pressure conditions without requiring different seal configurations
2Device complexity
If two C-seals are positioned in the same groove, then device complexity is reduced, but sealing integrity is compromised as seals slide into each other
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing multiple seals in the same groove, the invention merges their functions into a single X-shaped seal that occupies one groove position. This integrated structure eliminates the sliding problem between separate seals while maintaining the space-efficient single-groove configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The X-shaped seal can be viewed as segmented into four sealing legs that extend in different directions, with each leg providing sealing contact independently. This segmentation allows the single seal to function like multiple seals without the interference problems of separate components
3Reliability
If spring energized seals are used for bidirectional sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the spring mechanism from the sealing system. The X-shaped seal design inherently provides the necessary sealing force through its geometry and material properties without requiring additional spring components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sealing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The X-shaped seal is designed to self-energize under pressure. The pressure itself activates the sealing mechanism by forcing the sealing legs against the groove surfaces, eliminating the need for external spring energization while maintaining reliable sealing under various pressure conditions
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 design enables a high-integrity seal in applications with pressure on both sides, preventing leakage and de-energization, and functions as a redundant seal in case of failure, using materials like Inconel alloys or elastomers to provide resiliency and stiffness.
Implementation Method 1
Each sealing leg (16), (18), (22) and (24) extends to a beveled end (28), (30), (32) and (34), respectively, which is configured to form a seal with a surface when the sealing ring (10) is subjected to compression or compressive stress
Implementation Method 2
The first and second centering legs (40) and (44) are substantially coplanar. When sealing ring (10) is positioned in annular groove (100), the first and second centering legs (40) and (44) center the sealing ring (10) and limit the lateral movement of the sealing ring (10)
Data Source
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AI summary
A sealing ring (10) includes in a diametrical cross-section a body section (12), angularly spaced sealing legs (16) and (18) that extend from the body section (12) and angularly spaced sealing legs (22) and (24) that also extend from the body section (12). Each sealing leg (16, 18, 22, 24) extends to a beveled end (28, 30, 32, 34), respectively. Beveled ends (28, 30, 32, 34) form a seal with a surface when sealing ring (10) is subjected to compressive forces. Sealing legs (16) and (24) are coplanar. Sealing legs (18) and (22) are coplanar. A first centering leg (40) extends from the body section (12) and is between sealing legs (16) and (22). A second centering leg (44) extends from the body section (12) and is between sealing legs (18) and (24). The first and second centering legs (40) and (44) are coplanar.