Orifice sealing system
By using a combination of flexible sealing members and tension members in the sealing system, the problem of ineffective sealing when inserted from the dry surface to the wet surface is solved, and an effective wet surface seal is achieved to prevent penetration and structural damage.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202311619524.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-10-09
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-11
AI Technical Summary
Existing sealing systems are difficult to effectively seal when inserted from dry surfaces to wet surfaces, resulting in undesired material penetration and structural damage.
A sealing system including a flexible sealing member and a tension member is adopted. The flexible sealing member is formed of an elastomer. The tension member applies tension force to the flexible sealing member through structures such as ratchet teeth, pawl elements and threaded fasteners to ensure that the seal is closely engaged with the wet surface.
It is realized that the wet surface of the structure can be effectively sealed when it can only enter through the dry surface, prevent undesired substances from penetrating, and prolong the service life of the structure.
Smart Images
Figure CN119802222A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to sealing systems, and more particularly, to sealing systems that are inserted through an orifice from a dry surface to a wet surface. Background Art
[0002] Many structures include surfaces with openings that are exposed to various undesirable substances. Structures typically include a "wet surface" (or a surface exposed to undesirable substances) and a "dry surface" (or a surface opposite to the wet surface). In order to prevent undesirable substances from entering the opening, a plug is installed in the opening. Traditionally, the plug is inserted through the opening from the wet surface. Unfortunately, there are structures that have openings that are not easily accessible from the surface exposed to undesirable substances.
[0003] While sealing the dry surface can prevent undesirable material from passing completely through the opening, there is nothing to prevent penetration into the intermediate layer (if present). That is, some undesirable material may penetrate between adjacent intermediate layers and cause damage over time. Wicking from the wet surface of the structure to the dry surface can cause crevice corrosion and other failures. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a system that can seal the wet surface of a structure when access is only possible through the dry surface. Summary of the invention
[0004] According to a non-limiting example, a structural surface includes a first side defining a wet surface and a second side defining a dry surface. The second side is opposite the first side. The structural surface has an opening extending between the first side and the second side, and a sealing system covering the opening. The sealing system includes a flexible sealing member insertable through the opening. The flexible sealing member engages the wet surface. A tension member is connected to the flexible sealing member. The tension member extends through the opening and is configured to apply a tensioning force to the flexible sealing member to engage against the wet surface to close the opening.
[0005] In addition to one or more features described herein, the flexible sealing member is formed from an elastomer.
[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, the tension member includes a plurality of ratchet teeth and a pawl element that engages the plurality of ratchet teeth to maintain tension in the tension member.
[0007] In addition to one or more features described herein, the tension member includes a plurality of threads and a threaded fastener engaged with the plurality of threads, the threaded fastener operable to engage the stem surface to generate tension in the tension member.
[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, the tension member includes a rotatable cam element operable to apply tension in the tension member.
[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, the spacer has a hole positioned in the stem surface aligned with the opening, and the tension member extends through the hole in the spacer.
[0010] In addition to one or more features described herein, the structured surface is formed by a plurality of structured layers, one of the plurality of structured layers defining the dry surface and another of the plurality of structured layers defining the wet surface.
[0011] According to a non-limiting example, a vehicle includes a vehicle body defining a passenger compartment. The vehicle body includes a structural surface having a first side defining a wet surface and a second side defining a dry surface. The second side is opposite the first side. The structural surface has an opening extending between the first side and the second side. A sealing system covers the opening. The sealing system includes a flexible sealing member insertable through the opening. The flexible sealing member engages the wet surface. A tension member is connected to the flexible sealing member. The tension member extends through the opening and is configured to apply a tensioning force to the flexible sealing member to engage against the wet surface to close the opening.
[0012] In addition to one or more features described herein, the flexible sealing member is formed from an elastomer.
[0013] In addition to one or more features described herein, the tension member includes a plurality of ratchet teeth and a pawl element that engages the plurality of ratchet teeth to maintain tension in the tension member.
[0014] In addition to one or more features described herein, the tension member includes a plurality of threads and a threaded fastener engaged with the plurality of threads, the threaded fastener operable to engage the stem surface to generate tension in the tension member.
[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, the tension member includes a rotatable cam element operable to apply tension in the tension member.
[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, a spacer having an aperture is positioned in the stem surface aligned with the opening, the tension member extending through the aperture in the spacer.
[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, the structured surface is formed by a plurality of structured layers, one of the plurality of structured layers defining the dry surface and another of the plurality of structured layers defining the wet surface.
[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, the dry surface forms a portion of a passenger cabin.
[0019] According to a non-limiting example, a sealing system for covering an opening in a structural surface having a wet surface and a dry surface includes a flexible sealing member insertable through the opening. The flexible sealing member engages the wet surface. A tension member is connected to the flexible sealing member. The tension member extends through the opening and is configured to apply a tensioning force to the flexible sealing member to engage against the wet surface to close the opening.
[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, the tension member includes a plurality of ratchet teeth and a pawl element that engages the plurality of ratchet teeth to maintain tension in the tension member.
[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, the tension member includes a plurality of threads and a threaded fastener engaged with the plurality of threads, the threaded fastener operable to engage the stem surface to generate tension in the tension member.
[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, the tension member includes a rotatable cam element operable to apply tension in the tension member.
[0023] In addition to one or more features described herein, the spacer has a hole positioned in the stem surface aligned with the opening, and the tension member extends through the hole in the spacer.
[0024] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, from the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0026] Figure 1 is a left side view of a vehicle including an orifice sealing system according to a non-limiting example;
[0027] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of an orifice sealing system for closing an opening in a structure having a dry surface and a wet surface according to a non-limiting example;
[0028] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a seal of a sealing system aligned with an opening in a structure according to a non-limiting example;
[0029] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a seal of a sealing system according to a non-limiting example, the seal being inserted through an opening in a structure from a dry surface to a wet surface;
[0030] Figure 5is a cross-sectional side view of a seal of a sealing system according to a non-limiting example, the seal being pulled from a dry surface against a wet surface to close an opening in a structure;
[0031] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of an orifice sealing system closing an opening in a structure according to another non-limiting example; and
[0032] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional side view of an orifice sealing system closing an opening in a structure according to yet another non-limiting example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts and features.
[0034] According to a non-limiting example, the vehicle Figure 1 1. The vehicle 10 is generally indicated at 10. The vehicle 10 includes a body 12 supported on a plurality of wheels 16. The body 12 partially defines a passenger compartment 20 having a seat 23 positioned behind an instrument panel 26. A steering control 30 is disposed between the seat 23 and the instrument panel 26. The steering control 30 is operated to control the orientation of selected wheels of the plurality of wheels 16. The vehicle 10 includes an electric drive unit 34 that provides power to one or more of the plurality of wheels 16.
[0035] A rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) or battery assembly 38 is disposed in the vehicle body 12 and provides power to the electric drive unit 34. In other arrangements, a fuel cell (not shown) may be used to provide power to the electric drive unit 34. At this point, it should be understood that the location of the electric drive unit 34 and the battery assembly 38 may vary. Figure 2 As shown and continue to refer to Figure 1 , the vehicle body 12 includes a structural surface 44 to which the RESS 38 is mounted. The term "structural surface" should be understood to mean a surface of a structure. "Structural surface" is not meant to imply any particular structural, physical or other properties associated with the surface. The structural surface 44 includes a first layer 48 having a first side 52 and a second layer 53 having a second side 54 opposite the first side 52. The first side 52 can be exposed to the passenger compartment 20. The structural surface 44 can also include one or more intermediate layers 62.
[0036] In a non-limiting example, the first side 52 defines an inner surface or dry surface 64, and the second side 54 defines an outer surface or wet surface 66. At this point. It should be understood that the term "wet surface" describes a surface that is exposed to contaminants such as water, salt, dirt, etc., while the term "dry surface" is protected from contamination. At this point, it should be understood that the wet surface 66 and the dry surface 64 may not define opposite sides of the same sheet or layer. In addition, it should be understood that the number of layers forming the structural surface 44 and the thickness of each layer can vary. In addition, each layer can be formed of the same material, or multiple materials can be combined in different layers to form the structural surface 44. In addition, there may or may not be interlayer sealing.
[0037] In a non-limiting example, the opening 68 extends through the structural surface 44. The opening 68 is not accessible from the wet surface 66. The opening 68 may represent a mounting location for an accessory or accessory that has not yet been selected for the vehicle 10, which may be covered by the RESS 38. Therefore, it is beneficial to close the opening 68 to prevent contaminants from entering the passenger compartment 20. It is also beneficial to seal the opening 68 with the wet surface 66 to prevent inter-layer contamination. In a non-limiting example, the sealing system 80 is inserted into the opening 68 from the dry surface 64 to seal the wet surface 66. The opening 68 may include a first opening portion 72 formed in the first layer 48, a second opening portion 74 formed in the second layer 53, and a third opening portion 76 formed in the intermediate layer 62.
[0038] In a non-limiting example, the opening portions 72, 74, and / or 76 may include various shapes and need not be limited to circular openings. The additional openings 68 may have various sizes. That is, the first opening portion 72 may include a first size at the dry surface 64, the second opening portion 74 may include another size at the wet surface 66, and the opening portion 76 may include yet another size at the intermediate layer 62. In addition, the first opening portion 72, the second opening portion 74, and the third opening portion 76 may or may not overlap.
[0039] In a non-limiting example, the sealing system 80 includes a flexible sealing member 84 connected to a tension member 90. The flexible sealing member 84 can be formed of various substances including elastomers and the like. That is, the flexible sealing member 84 can be formed of any flexible, resilient material that can be formed to pass through the opening 68 and then reshaped. The tension member 90 includes a first end 98 and a second end 100 connected to the flexible sealing member 84. The tension member 90 can pass through a spacer 104 positioned on the dry surface 64. The spacer 104 includes a hole 106 that is smaller than the opening 68. The hole 106 receives the tension member 90. As will be described in more detail herein, the tension member 90 includes a plurality of ratchet teeth 110 that selectively engage with a pawl element 112 that includes a locking pawl 114.
[0040] In a non-limiting example, the flexible sealing member 84 is aligned with the opening 68 at the dry surface 64, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 The flexible sealing member 84 can then be pushed through the opening 68, as shown. Figure 4 As shown. The flexible sealing member 84 is deformed when passing through the opening 68. Figure 5 As shown, the flexible sealing member 84 is reshaped after being positioned adjacent to the wet surface 66. At this point, a force may be applied to the tension member 90 so that the flexible sealing member 84 seals the wet surface 66 and closes the opening 68, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 The force applied to the tension member 90 causes the plurality of ratchet teeth 110 to pass through the pawl element 112 to engage the locking pawl 114. The locking pawl 114 ensures that the tension member 90 is not displaced toward the wet surface 66 so as to maintain the closure over the opening 68. In a non-limiting example, with the sealing system 80, the opening 68 will withstand immersion in half a meter of water for at least 30 minutes without leaking.
[0041] Now refer to Figure 6 , wherein like reference numerals denote corresponding parts in the respective views when describing a tension member 134 according to another non-limiting example. The tension member 134 includes a first end 137 connected to the flexible sealing member 84, a second end 139, and an intermediate portion 140. The intermediate portion 140 includes a plurality of threads 142. In a non-limiting example, a threaded fastener 144 is connected to the second end 139 and engages with the plurality of threads 142. The threaded fastener 144 is rotated so as to be displaced along the intermediate portion 140 toward the first end 137. The threaded fastener 144 can engage the dry surface 60 or the spacer 104. Continued rotation of the threaded fastener 144 creates tension in the tension member 134, which pulls the flexible seal 84 against the wet surface 58 to close the opening 68.
[0042] Now refer to Figure 7 , wherein like reference numerals denote corresponding parts in the respective views when describing a tension member 145 according to a non-limiting example. The tension member 145 includes a first end 147 connected to the flexible sealing member 84, a second end 148, and an intermediate portion 150. The intermediate portion 150 includes a plurality of threads 152. In a non-limiting example, a cam element 160 is threadedly engaged with the tension member 145. The cam element 160 includes a threaded fastener 162 connected to a cam member 164, the cam member 164 having a cam surface 166 and a rotation axis 168. The threaded fastener 162 engages with the plurality of threads 152 on the tension member 145.
[0043] The cam element 160 is connected to the second end 148 and engages with the plurality of threads 152. The threaded fastener 162 is rotated to displace the cam member 164 along the intermediate portion 150 toward the first end 147. The cam member 164 can engage the dry surface 60 or the spacer 104. At this time, the cam member 164 can be rotated about the rotation axis 168 so that the cam surface 166 engages the dry surface 60 or the spacer 104, thereby generating tension in the tension member 144, which pulls the flexible seal 84 against the wet surface 58 to close the opening 68.
[0044] At this point, it should be understood that the non-limiting examples described herein present various alternative arrangements for sealing an opening at a wet surface of a structure by introducing a seal from a dry surface of the structure. The sealing system can be used in a structure formed by multiple layers as shown or by a single layer so that the wet surface and the dry surface are opposite sides of the same component. In addition, although shown as sealing an opening in a vehicle structure, the non-limiting examples disclosed herein can be used in any situation where a wet surface seal is required and access to the wet surface is limited.
[0045] The term "one" does not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicates the presence of at least one of the referenced items. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term "or" means "and / or". References to "aspects" throughout the specification mean that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in conjunction with that aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein, and may or may not be present in other aspects. In addition, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various aspects.
[0046] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements present.
[0047] Unless otherwise indicated herein, all test standards are the most current standards in effect as of the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standards appear.
[0048] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.
[0049] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from its scope. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the basic scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.
Claims
1. A surface, comprising: a first side defining a wetted surface; a second side defining a dry surface, the second side being opposite the first side, the structured surface having an opening extending between the first side and the second side; as well as a sealing system covering the opening, the sealing system comprising: a flexible sealing member insertable through the opening, the flexible sealing member engaging the wet surface; and, a tension member connected to the flexible sealing member, the tension member extending through the opening and configured to apply tension to the flexible sealing member to engage against the wet surface to close the opening.
2. The surface according to claim 1, wherein The flexible sealing member is formed of an elastomer.
3. The surface of claim 1, wherein the tension member includes a plurality of ratchet teeth and a pawl element, the pawl element engaging the plurality of ratchet teeth to maintain tension in the tension member.
4. The surface of claim 1, wherein the tension member includes a plurality of threads and a threaded fastener engaged with the plurality of threads, the threaded fastener being operable to engage the dry surface to thereby generate tension in the tension member.
5. The surface of claim 1, wherein the tension member comprises a rotatable cam element operable to apply tension in the tension member.
6. The surface of claim 1 further comprising a spacer having a hole positioned in the dry surface aligned with the opening, the tension member extending through the hole in the spacer.
7. The surface of claim 1, wherein the structured surface is formed from a plurality of structured layers, one of the plurality of structured layers defining the dry surface and another of the plurality of structured layers defining the wet surface.
8. A vehicle comprising: a vehicle body defining a passenger compartment, the vehicle body including a surface having a first side defining a wet surface and a second side defining a dry surface, the second side being opposite the first side, the surface having an opening extending between the first side and the second side; as well as a sealing system covering the opening, the sealing system comprising: a flexible sealing member insertable through the opening, the flexible sealing member engaging the wet surface; and, a tension member connected to the flexible sealing member, the tension member extending through the opening and configured to apply tension to the flexible sealing member to engage against the wet surface to close the opening.
9. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The flexible sealing member is formed of an elastomer.
10. The carrier according to claim 8, wherein: The tension member includes a plurality of ratchet teeth and a pawl element that engages the plurality of ratchet teeth to maintain tension in the tension member.