Annular Piston Seal Structure for Constant Contact Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piston devices and sealing elements are difficult to produce efficiently and inexpensively while maintaining effective sealing performance.
Innovation Solution
A piston device with an annular sealing element comprising a base body embedded in an elastomer body, featuring a metallic base body with a specific cross-section, such as L-shaped or Z-shaped, allows for easy and cost-effective production and assembly, with the elastomer body forming sealing rings to provide efficient sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing element is designed with a complex structure to achieve efficient sealing, then sealing performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is divided into two distinct components: a metallic base body providing structural support and mounting functionality, and a separate elastomeric body providing sealing functionality. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, achieving efficient sealing without requiring a complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element combines two different materials with complementary properties: metal (base body) for structural stability and mounting, and elastomer (sealing body) for flexible sealing contact. This composite construction enables the sealing element to achieve reliable sealing performance while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured cost-effectively.
2Reliability
If a sealing element is designed with a complex structure to achieve efficient sealing, then sealing performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sealing element into a metallic base body and an elastomeric sealing body, each component can be manufactured using standard, cost-effective processes (metal forming and elastomer molding respectively) rather than requiring expensive complex integrated manufacturing. The segmented design allows for independent optimization of manufacturing processes for each material type.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite construction enables the use of inexpensive, well-established manufacturing processes for each material: stamping or forming for the metal base body and injection molding or compression molding for the elastomeric body. This approach achieves reliable sealing performance without incurring the high costs associated with manufacturing complex integrated structures.
3Reliability
If a sealing element is designed to provide constant contact pressure over time, then sealing reliability is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric body's material properties (viscoelasticity, compressibility) are utilized to provide constant contact pressure over time. The elastomer naturally maintains sealing pressure through its material characteristics rather than requiring complex mechanical spring elements or adjustable mechanisms, achieving reliable constant contact pressure with a simple structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of rigid metal base body and compliant elastomeric body creates a structure where the elastomer provides the necessary compliance for constant contact pressure. This material pairing achieves reliable sealing pressure maintenance without adding structural complexity, as the elastomer's inherent properties provide the pressure-maintaining function.
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 solution enables a stable and efficient sealing performance over time, with a constant contact pressure and effective sealing in both radial and axial directions, suitable for transmission arrangements in motor vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomer body is molded onto the base body. For example, the elastomer body can be molded onto the base body in an injection molding process.
Implementation Method 2
Due to the use of the base body, a constant contact pressure is preferably achieved over a long period of time, which ultimately enables a high level of tightness of the sealing element.
Data Source
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AI summary
The aim of the invention is to provide a sealing element that is simple and economical to produce and enables efficient sealing. This aim is achieved, according to the invention, in that the sealing element is annular and comprises a main body, which is partially or completely embedded in an elastomer body, wherein the main body comprises a hollow cylindrical section extending parallel to an axial direction of the sealing element, wherein the hollow cylindrical section comprises an inner side lying inside with respect to a radial direction, which inner side is partially or completely covered by the elastomer body, wherein the elastomer body comprises a sealing lip, which protrudes outward in the radial direction or at an angle thereto away from the main body.