Elastomer seal spring

Abstract

The seal spring of the present invention has dual functionality. During use within an electrical connector system, the seal spring provides both sealing and spring functions, which are achieved through the elastomeric nature of the seal spring. The seal spring is preferably constructed of materials such as silicone, EPDM rubber, or materials and compositions that provide similar performance during use. The seal spring of the present invention is not limited to or defined by its spring or seal section geometry. The seal spring is shown implemented within an external housing and connector assembly. The seal spring is compressed to provide the appropriate spring force against tabs within the external housing. The seal spring also functions as an interface seal and an environmental seal during use. The seal spring is substantially a continuous, unbroken, single structure throughout its entirety. No portion or section of the seal spring is comprised of welded, soldered, or brazed parts or sections.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This patent application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 169511, filed April 1, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] Silicone or any elastomeric material (a material that is rubber-like in nature) is often used, particularly in electrical connector system applications, as a material to form a seal to prevent outside elements, such as, but not limited to, water, air (any gaseous element or molecule), or any debris, defined as any foreign body not present when the connector system is assembled, from entering the connector system. These seals are classified as environmental seals. The sealing characteristics of a particular environmental seal are achieved by the elastomeric properties of the material and the appropriate geometry to operate within the environmental seal's location within the connector system. These environmental seals are also often named based on their intended location of use, such as face seals, interface seals, ring seals, cable seals, matte (or frosted) seals, and wire seals.

[0003] A dual-function environmental seal allows a seal to provide both sealing properties and a spring function within an electrical connector assembly. The seal has a spring function achieved by its elastomeric nature, but can still operate as an environmental seal during use. The seal may be constructed of silicone, EPDM rubber, materials and compositions that provide similar performance during use, and the like. Furthermore, the seal is not limited or defined by its geometry as a spring section or a sealing section. Thus, the seal spring may function anywhere where dual functionality of sealing and spring functions is required, rather than based on geometry. One such implementation is within the internal cavity of the connector assembly housing as an interface seal, which is described in detail herein. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The seal spring of the present invention has dual functionality. During use, the seal spring provides both sealing and spring properties within an electrical connector assembly. The seal spring's sealing properties can also provide an environmental seal when placed within a connector assembly, housing, or other similar application within a connector system. This dual functionality during use is achieved by the elastomeric nature of the seal spring as it simultaneously acts as both a seal and a spring. The seal spring may be constructed of silicone, EPDM rubber, or other materials and compositions that provide similar performance during use. Furthermore, the seal spring of the present invention is not limited or defined by its geometry to a spring section or a sealing section. Therefore, the seal spring can function anywhere where dual functionality of sealing and spring functions is required, regardless of geometry. One such implementation is within the internal cavity of a connector assembly housing, as described in detail herein.

[0005] The seal spring of the present invention interacts with, but is not limited to, an outer housing and connector system. The seal spring is compressed and deformed, pressing against and acting as a spring against a tab on the outer housing of the connector assembly. Thus, the seal spring provides a spring function during use. When a third outer housing fully presses the seal into the outer housing, the tab compresses and deforms the inner surface of the seal spring, and another third outer housing is inserted into the inner aperture of the seal spring, the seal spring is compressed and deformed into the inner cavity of the outer housing. The elastomeric properties and durometer specifications of the seal spring allow the compressed state of the seal spring to exert a spring force against the tab on the outer housing. Thus, the seal spring generates and exerts an outward spring force that, during use, acts to compress the seal spring against the tab, which then presses against the third outer housing or similar feature within the connector. The seal spring provides additional force against the tabs, providing higher contact pressure against the third outer housing when used in a completed connector assembly.

[0006] Additionally, the sealing properties of the seal spring allow the compressed seal spring to also provide a sealing function. The seal spring has two sealing portions, one on the side of the seal spring and one on the internal sidewall of the seal spring. The seal spring provides an external sealing function against the external housing and an internal sealing function against the internal housing. Thus, the seal spring acts as an interface seal, pressing against the surface of the cavity of the external housing and against the surface of the internal housing of the connector system, and also provides an environmental seal when used in this manner. Thus, the seal spring has a dual purpose, acting simultaneously as both an environmental seal and a spring when used in a connector assembly.

[0007] Furthermore, the seal spring of the present invention is substantially of a continuous, single structure throughout its entirety, and no portion or section of the seal spring of the present invention is comprised of welded, soldered, or brazed portions or sections. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the seal spring of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the seal spring of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an end perspective view of the outer housing of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an outer housing and a seal spring, the seal spring being within the outer housing. [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an outer housing having a seal spring inserted into a cavity of the outer housing and a second outer housing installed. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly having an outer housing with a seal spring inserted into a cavity of the outer housing, a second outer housing installed, and a third outer housing installed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A preferred embodiment of the seal spring 100 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 . The seal spring 100 is preferably constructed of materials such as silicone, EPDM rubber, or materials and compositions that provide similar performance during use. The seal spring 100 has a first face 102, a first face surface 112, a second face 104, a second face surface 114, and a side 106. The second face 104 and the second face surface 114 extend substantially perpendicular to the side 106. The side 106 has a surface 116, which is located between the first face 102 and the second face 104. The seal spring 100 also has an outer seal portion 120 that is located at a portion of the side 106, extends outward from the side 106, and is formed by a portion of the lateral surface 116. Here, the outer seal portion 120 is preferably located substantially toward the second surface 104, is not evenly located on the seal spring 100, is uneven on the sides 106 of the seal spring 100, and is neither centered nor equidistant with respect to the distance between the first surface 102 and the second surface 104. The seal spring 100 further has an internal aperture 108 having an internal sidewall 109. The internal sidewall 109 has a surface 110. The seal spring 100 further has an internal seal portion 130 located on the internal sidewall 109 and extending inwardly inside the internal aperture 108 at a portion of each internal sidewall 109 and formed by a portion of the surface 110. Here, the internal seal portion 130 is preferably located substantially toward the second surface 104, is not evenly located on the seal spring 100, is uneven on the internal side wall 109 of the seal spring 100, and is neither centered nor equidistant with respect to the distance between the first surface 102 and the second surface 104, respectively.

[0010] Furthermore, the seal spring 100 of the present invention is substantially of a continuous, single structure throughout its entirety. No portion or section of the seal spring 100 of the present invention is comprised of welded, soldered, or brazed portions or sections. The composition of the seal spring 100 may be homogenous or bi-material (co-molded) and have elastomeric or rubbery properties.

[0011] 2 shows the second face 104 and second face surface 114 of the seal spring 100. The side 106 having the lateral surface 116 is also shown. As previously mentioned, the seal spring 100 has an outer seal portion 120 and an inner seal portion 130. The outer seal portion 120 interacts with and seals with the outer housing 200 of the connector assembly (see FIG. 6). The inner seal portion 130 interacts with and seals with the third outer housing 400 (see FIG. 6), as will be described in more detail below.

[0012] 1, the seal spring 100 has a flared or angled portion of the inner sidewall 109. This flared or angled portion of the inner sidewall 109 acts as a spring when the seal spring 100 is in use, as will be explained later (see FIG. 6). The flared or angled portion of the inner sidewall 109 is flared or angled such that the portion of the inner sidewall 109 narrowly tapers along its length in the longitudinal direction of the seal spring 100 (defined as the direction from the first surface 102 to the second surface 104, and vice versa), and narrowly tapers in a direction from the inner seal portion 130 toward the first surface 102. Additionally, the flared or angled portion of the inner sidewall 109 provides a portion of the surface 110 that is narrowly tapered along the length of that portion of the surface 110 relative to the aforementioned longitudinal direction of the seal spring 100, narrowly tapering in a direction from the inner seal portion 130 toward the first face 102. The flared or angled portion of the inner sidewall 109 also thereby increases the area or size of the inner aperture 108 along the distance from the inner seal portion 130 toward the first face 102, and conversely limits the size of the inner aperture 108 along the distance from the first face 102 toward the inner seal portion 130 in the longitudinal direction (defined as the direction from the second face 104 to the first face 102, and vice versa). As previously mentioned, the purpose of the flared or angled portion of the inner sidewall 109 of the seal spring 100 is to provide a spring function, which will be explained below.

[0013] 3 shows an outer housing 200 of the connector assembly. The outer housing 200 has a body 206 with an internal cavity 204. The internal cavity 204 has a sidewall 214. Furthermore, the internal cavity 204 of the outer housing 200 has an opening 202 in a first end portion 212 of the outer housing 200. Furthermore, the outer housing 200 has a second end portion 222. The internal cavity 204 of the outer housing 200 also has a seal front stop 250 with a surface 252. The seal front stop 250 and surface 252 extend substantially perpendicularly along the length of the sidewall 214 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the outer housing 200 (defined as the direction from the first end portion 212 to the second end portion 222, and vice versa). The seal front stop 250 and its surface 252 are provided to interact with the seal spring 100 when the seal spring 100 is inserted into the internal cavity 204 and when the seal spring 100 is in use with the outer housing 200 .

[0014] 3 also shows a first tab 230a and a second tab 230b of the external housing 200. The external housing 200 may have a pair of first tabs 230a as shown, but the number is not limited thereto. The external housing 200 may have a pair of second tabs 230b as shown, but the number is not limited thereto. The first tab 230a and the second tab 230b of the external housing 200 extend into the internal cavity 204 and extend substantially perpendicularly from a rear wall 240 of the external housing 200. The rear wall 240 is within the internal cavity 204 and extends substantially perpendicularly from a side wall 214 of the internal cavity 204 of the external housing 200 along the length of the rear wall 240 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the external housing 200 (defined as the direction from the first end portion 212 to the second end portion 222, and vice versa). The first tab 230a and the second tab 230b each have a tip 232a, 232b, respectively, located at the end of the tab 230a, 230b. The tabs 230a, 230b extend into the internal cavity 204 toward the opening 202, with the tips 232a, 232b facing substantially toward the opening 202 of the outer housing 200. The other opposite ends of the tabs 230a, 230b are attachment ends 239a, 239b. The attachment ends 239a, 239b are part of the tabs 230a, 230b and are attached to the rear wall 240 of the outer housing 200. Each tab 230a, 230b has a cantilever beam arm 238a, 238b, respectively. Cantilever beam arms 238a, 238b are formed by and along the length of tabs 230a, 230b, and more specifically, by the portions of tabs 230a, 230b between attached ends 239a, 239b and tips 232a, 232b.

[0015] The first tab 230a and the second tab 230b also each have an angled lead-in 236a, 236b, respectively. Each of the angled lead-ins 236a, 236b is angled or tapered toward the tip 232a, 232b generally along its length, tapering in a direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the outer housing 200 (defined as the direction from the first end portion 212 to the second end portion 222, and vice versa). Each of the angled lead-ins 236a, 236b substantially faces the sidewall 214 of the internal cavity 204 of the outer housing 200. The angled lead-ins 236a, 236b of each of the first tab 230a and the second tab 230b contact the seal spring 100 in use, as described below.

[0016] The first tab 230a and the second tab 230b also each have a first surface 234a, 234b and a second surface 235a, 235b, respectively. Each first surface 234a, 234b faces the internal cavity 204 of the outer housing. Each first surface may face the other of the first surfaces 234a, 234b. As seen in FIG. 1 , along its length, the first surface 234a of the first tab 230a substantially faces the opposite first surface 234b of the second tab 230b, and vice versa. The second surfaces 235a, 235b face the sidewall 214 of the internal cavity 204 of the outer housing 200.

[0017] 4 shows the outer housing 200 with the seal spring 100 inserted. Here, the seal spring 100 is inserted into the outer housing 200 with the first face 102 first toward the rear 222 of the outer housing 200. The first face 102 and first face surface 112 of the seal spring 100 may also abut against the front stop 250 and its surface 252. The first tab 230a and second tab 230b of the outer housing 200 enter the internal aperture 108 of the seal spring 100, with their respective tips 232a, 232b initially entering the internal aperture 108 of the seal spring 100 and contacting the seal spring 100. Additionally, the angled lead-in lines 236a, 236b of each associated tab 230a, 230b further contact the inner sidewall 109 of the seal spring 100 as the seal spring 100 is further inserted into the outer housing 200, as shown.

[0018] 4, the seal spring 100 may be inserted into an outer housing 200, and the seal spring 100 is held within the outer housing 200 by a second outer housing 300. The cavity of the outer housing 200 and the aperture 108 of the seal spring 100 have a space into which a third outer housing 400 may be inserted and accommodated, as seen in FIG.

[0019] As explained above, the tabs 230a, 230b abut and contact the surface 110 of the interior sidewall 109 of the seal spring 100. More specifically, the tabs 230a, 230b abut and contact the flared or angled portion of the interior sidewall 109. When the tabs 230a, 230b enter the interior aperture 108 and contact the seal spring 100, the flared or angled portion of the interior sidewall 109 of the seal spring 100 is compressed, causing the seal spring 100 to exert a spring-like force against the tabs 230a, 230b. The tabs 230a, 230b press into the interior surface 109 of the seal spring 100, as shown in FIG. 4 . The seal spring 100 can be further inserted into the outer housing 200 and tabs 230a, 230b, and as the second outer housing 300 and subsequent third outer housing 400 are inserted, it presses further into the inner surface 109 of the seal spring 100 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). In use, the seal spring 100 provides and exerts an appropriate spring force against the tabs 230a, 230b, forcing the seal spring 100 itself in an outward direction while applying the spring force of the seal spring 100 toward and against the tips 232a, 232b, the angled lead-ins 236a, 236b, and the second surfaces 235a, 235b of the tabs 230a, 230b. Additionally, the angle or taper of the inner sidewall 109 is such that when the tabs 230a, 230b are in substantial contact with the surface 110 of the inner sidewall 109 of the seal spring 100, the angled lead-in portions 236a, 236b of the tabs 230a, 230b reside on the flared or angled portion of the inner sidewall 109. When the seal spring 100 is inserted into the outer housing 200, the first surface 102 of the seal spring 100 may not be in substantial contact with the tips 232a, 232b of each tab 230a, 230b. Here, when the seal spring 100 is inserted, the first surface 102 resides below the tips 232a, 232b, the angled lead-in portions 236a, 236b, and the second surfaces 235a, 235b. Additionally, the angle or taper of the interior sidewall 109 is such that the flared or angled portion of the interior sidewall 109 resides below the angled lead-in portions 236a, 236b of the respective tabs 230a, 230b.Thus, the spring force of the seal spring 100 is exerted on the tabs 230a, 230b by the angled or tapered portion of the inner sidewall 109. More specifically, the spring force is generally directed toward and against the angled lead-in portions 236a, 236b of the tabs 230a, 230b. The tabs 230a, 230b are slightly flexible, being flexible at the cantilever beam arms 238a, 238b along their lengths. When the tips 232a, 232b, the angled lead-in portions 236a, 236b, or the second surfaces 235a, 235b, here by the seal spring, are contacted, the tabs 230a, 230b deflect (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The angle or taper of the inner sidewall 109 of the seal 100 also prevents the seal spring 100 from being damaged, distorted, torn, broken, or otherwise destroyed when it comes into contact with tabs 230a, 230b or similar features of the connector housing during insertion and use.

[0020] FIG. 5 shows a connector system having an outer housing 200 and a second outer housing 300, with the seal spring 100 inserted into the outer housing 200. Here, as in FIG. 4, the seal spring 100 is inserted into the internal cavity 204 of the outer housing 200 with the first face 102 of the seal spring 100 inserted into the internal cavity 204 first and forced forward toward the rear end 222 of the outer housing 200. The second face 104 is exposed within the internal cavity 204 and faces toward the opening 202 of the outer housing 200. As shown, the second outer housing 300 is inserted into the internal cavity 204 of the outer housing 200 through the opening 202. The second outer housing 300 contacts the second face 104 and second face surface 114 of the seal spring 100, pressing against, contacting, and abutting the seal spring 100. As previously mentioned, second face 104 and second face surface 114 extend substantially perpendicular to side 106 of seal spring 100. Second outer housing 300 urges seal spring 100 further forward into internal cavity 204 and toward second end portion 222 and tabs 230 a, 230 b. At this point, first face 102 and first face surface 112 of seal spring 100 abut forward stop 250, which limits movement of seal spring 100 further into internal cavity 204 of outer housing 200. Seal spring 100 is now in a fixed, resting position within the connector system and within outer housing 200 and internal cavity 204. In this fixed, resting position within the internal cavity 204, with respect to the longitudinal direction of the outer housing 200 (defined as the direction from the first end portion 212 to the second end portion 222, and vice versa), the seal spring 100 resides within the internal cavity 204 between the end of the second outer housing 300 and the front stop 250 of the outer housing 200. Also, when the seal spring 100 is in this fixed, resting position, the seal spring 100 exerts a greater spring force against the tabs 230a, 230b than in its previous position inside the internal cavity 204 of the outer housing 200.At the same time, the tabs 230a, 230b are inserted further into the internal aperture 108 of the seal spring 100 and are moved and compressed further into the flared or angled portion of the internal surface 109 of the seal spring 100 compared to their previous position inside the internal cavity 204 of the outer housing 200.

[0021] As seen in Figure 6, the fully compressed and deformed orientation or state of the seal spring 100 provides a spring-like force and function toward and against the tabs 230a, 230b of the outer housing 200. Here, as in Figure 5, the seal spring 100 is inserted into the internal cavity 204 of the outer housing 200, with the first face 102 of the seal spring inserted into the internal cavity 204 first and urged forward toward the second end portion 222 of the outer housing 200. The second face 104 is within the internal cavity 204 and faces toward the opening 202 of the outer housing 200. Here, a second outer housing 300 is inserted into the internal cavity 204 of the outer housing through the opening 202. The second outer housing 300 enters the internal cavity 204 of the outer housing 200 and contacts the second face 104 and second face surface 114 of the seal spring 100, pressing against, contacting, and abutting the seal spring 100. The second outer housing 300 pushes the seal spring 100 further forward into the internal cavity 204 and toward the second end portion 222 and tabs 230a, 230b. At this point, the first face 104 and first face surface 114 of the seal spring 100 abut and contact the forward stop 250, which limits the movement of the seal spring 100 further into the internal cavity 204 of the outer housing. The seal spring 100 is now in a fixed, resting position within the connector system and within the outer housing 200 and internal cavity 204. In this fixed, resting position within the internal cavity 204, with respect to the longitudinal direction of the external housing 200 (defined as the direction from the first end portion 212 to the second end portion 222, and vice versa), the seal spring 100 resides within the internal cavity 204 between the end of the second external housing 300 and the forward stop 250 of the external housing 200.

[0022] Also in FIG. 6 , the third outer housing 400 is inserted into the internal aperture 108 of the seal spring 100. The illustrated compressed seal spring 100 also provides the appropriate spring force against the tabs 230 a, 230 b while maintaining and providing an external seal against the outer housing 200 and an internal seal against the third outer housing 400. The external seal portion 120 of the seal spring 100 seals against the side wall 214 of the internal cavity 204 of the outer housing 200 (see FIG. 6 ). The internal seal portion 130 of the seal spring 100 seals against the surface of the third outer housing 400 (see FIG. 6 ). Thus, the seal spring 100 seals against two separate and distinct surfaces. The seal spring 100 thus acts as an interface seal at this location within the connector system and also provides itself as an environmental seal when used in this manner. Thus, seal spring 100 has a dual purpose, acting simultaneously as both an environmental seal and a spring when in use within a connector assembly.

[0023] 6 is fully compressed and deformed when provided with the third outer housing 400 inserted into its internal aperture 108. The insertion of the third outer housing 400 places pressure on the internal seal portion 130 of the seal spring 100 and a return pressure against the third outer housing 400 by the internal seal portion 130. In this final compressed and deformed state, the seal spring 100 exerts a greater spring force on the tabs 230a, 230b than its previous interaction within its position within the external housing cavity. The seal spring 100 provides compression and spring force on the tabs 230a, 230b, forcing them against the third outer housing 400 when assembled, providing substantial contact between the tabs 230a, 230b and the third outer housing 400. More specifically, the cantilever beam portions of the tabs 230a, 230b may be in substantial contact with the third outer housing 400. More precisely, the direction of deflection of the tabs 230a, 230b is generally inward, toward the internal cavity 204, the internal aperture 108, or an opposing force, be it another tab 230a, 230b. The spring seal 100 provides a greater force, an additional force, than would be present without the seal spring 100 due to the higher contact pressure of the tabs 230a, 230b against the third outer housing 400. This force and associated pressure are much more resistant to stress relaxation compared to the use of tabs 230a, 230b, cantilever beam arms 238a, 238b, and outer housing 200 made from resin alone. A benefit of the seal spring 100 is the higher contact pressure between the outer housing 200 and the third outer housing 400. At the same time, tabs 230a, 230b are inserted further into the internal aperture 108 of seal spring 100 and are moved and compressed further into the flared or angled portion of the internal surface 109 of seal spring 100 when compared to their previous position inside the internal cavity 204 of the outer housing 200. The third outer housing 400 is preferably a plated resin housing and is conductive, aiding in shielding of the connector assembly.Outer housing 200 is also preferably conductive and constructed of metal-infused resin, and also aids in shielding of the connector assembly in use. Part of the grounding scheme for a connector assembly using outer housing 200 can be completed when tabs 230a, 230b contact conductive third outer housing 400, which also preferably has a conductive coating.

[0024] The elastic properties and durability of the seal spring 100 material are optimized to provide the aforementioned combination of properties and benefits. Furthermore, the seal spring 100 of the present invention is not limited or defined by its geometry to a spring section or a sealing section. Therefore, the seal spring 100 can function anywhere where dual functionality of sealing and spring functions is required, rather than based on geometry. Furthermore, the size or spacing of the internal cavity 204 of the outer housing 200 may be optimized and tailored to allow deformation of the seal spring 100 to transition between, but not disrupt, its spring function or internal and external sealing characteristics. Alternatively, the size of the seal spring 100 may be optimized and tailored to allow deformation of the seal spring 100 to transition between, but not disrupt, its spring function or internal and external sealing characteristics within a housing, such as the illustrated outer housing 200.

[0025] While the foregoing description is directed to preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is noted that other variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Furthermore, any element, structural arrangement, or feature described in connection with one embodiment of the present invention may be used in combination with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above.

Claims

1. a housing including a flexible tab extending from an interior wall; a side having a surface; a first face having a surface; a second face having a surface; an internal aperture having a sidewall; an outer sealing portion located on a portion of the side and formed by a portion of the surface of the side; an internal seal portion located in a portion of the side wall and inside the internal aperture; a seal spring that interacts with and seals against the housing; Equipped with the internal aperture is a through hole between the first surface and the second surface; the sidewall has an angled portion toward the first surface; the angled portion is tapered; the angled portion is configured to receive and press against a flexible tab of the housing and to exert a spring-like force against a portion of the flexible tab; the angled portion is configured to be wedged between an angled lead-in of a cantilever beam arm of a housing and a body of the housing; the internal seal portion is located near the second surface, and the flexible tab bends when the angled portion of the side wall of the seal spring contacts the tip of the tab, the internal seal portion, or the second surface.

2. 2. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer seal portion is formed by a portion of the surface of the side of the seal spring.

3. The connector assembly of claim 2 , wherein the internal seal portion is formed by a portion of a side surface of the side wall.

4. The connector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the outer seal portion is configured to interact with and seal against a wall of the housing.

5. The connector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the inner seal portion is configured to interact with and seal against a housing.

6. The connector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the outer seal portion is not evenly positioned on the sides relative to the first and second surfaces.

7. The connector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the angled portion is configured to be wedged between a tip of a cantilever beam arm of a housing and a body of the housing.

8. The connector assembly of claim 7 , wherein the angled portion is configured to exert a spring-like force on the tip.

9. 2. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the side portion, the first and second surfaces, the internal aperture, the external seal portion, the side wall, and the internal seal portion form the seal spring as a single, unbroken, continuous structure.

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