Metal-to-metal seal structure
US4709725A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 17, 1987 |
| Grant date | Dec 1, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 17, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/87957
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a seal structure that provides a leak-proof metal-to-metal seal against an opposing seal surface includes an annular body having an inwardly directed flange and an outwardly directed flange, each flange having a seal foot on the outer portion thereof. The inner foot engages the seal surface first and produces elastic bending of the inner flange as a cantilever beam, together with a rotation of the annular body which reduces the gap below the outer seal foot to zero. Then as the seal structure is forced further against the seal surface, a counter-rotation is applied to the body to correct the first-mentioned rotation, and the lower end face of the body engages the seal surface to provide a limit stop. Internal fluid pressures produce additional sealing forces that vary in proportion to such pressures.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.