Adjustable Multi-Layer Seal for O-Ring Replacement Without Disassembly

Solution Overview

Problem

O-ring seals degrade over time and are prone to damage due to environmental conditions and machine operation, requiring time-intensive and complex replacement processes that risk damaging machine components.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable seal comprising a multi-layer strap with a non-sealing material exterior layer and a sealing material interior layer, featuring a locking mechanism that allows the strap to form a loop providing a seal without disassembling machine components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an O-ring seal is used to seal fluid or gas between components, then effective sealing performance is achieved, but the seal degrades over time and requires time-intensive replacement that risks component damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidreplacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The seal is divided into multiple independent segments that can be manipulated and repositioned separately. Each segment contains sealing elements that can engage with corresponding features on the component surfaces, allowing the seal to be applied without disassembling the components. The segments can be independently adjusted to accommodate surface irregularities and ensure proper sealing contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The seal incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow it to adapt to different positions and configurations. The segments can be moved along the component surfaces and repositioned as needed, providing dynamic adjustment capability that static O-rings lack. This enables the seal to maintain effective contact despite component movement or misalignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If an O-ring seal is replaced without disassembly, then component damage risk is reduced, but the continuous sealing material prevents proper replacement of degraded sections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereplacement easeVSAvoidseal replacement feasibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The seal is divided into multiple independent segments that can be manipulated and repositioned separately. Each segment contains sealing elements that can engage with corresponding features on the component surfaces, allowing the seal to be applied without disassembling the components. The segments can be independently adjusted to accommodate surface irregularities and ensure proper sealing contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The seal segments are designed to be replaceable and reconfigurable. When a segment becomes degraded or damaged, only that specific segment needs to be replaced rather than the entire seal assembly. The remaining segments can be retained and reused, reducing material waste and simplifying the replacement process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-layer strap with locking mechanism is used, then the seal can be adjusted and secured without disassembly, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seal is divided into multiple independent segments that can be manipulated and repositioned separately. Each segment contains sealing elements that can engage with corresponding features on the component surfaces, allowing the seal to be applied without disassembling the components. The segments can be independently adjusted to accommodate surface irregularities and ensure proper sealing contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The seal incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow it to adapt to different positions and configurations. The segments can be moved along the component surfaces and repositioned as needed, providing dynamic adjustment capability that static O-rings lack. This enables the seal to maintain effective contact despite component movement or misalignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12338046B2Adjustable seal

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 CATERPILLAR INC

AI summary

In some implementations, an adjustable seal includes a multi-layer strap having a first end and a second end. A first layer of the multi-layer strap comprises a non-sealing material. A second layer of the multi-layer strap comprises a sealing material. The first end of the multi-layer strap includes a locking mechanism on the first layer of the multi-layer strap. The second end of the multi-layer strap is configured to be inserted through an opening of the locking mechanism to cause the multi-layer strap to form a loop that is to provide a seal. The first layer of the multi-layer strap is to form an external layer of the loop and the second layer of the multi-layer strap is to form an internal layer of the loop.