Asymmetric Gap Sealing for Particle Intrusion in Moving Parts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gaps between parts of a device performing periodic motion allow particles to enter and get stuck, affecting performance and lifetime.

Innovation Solution

An arrangement with a structured surface and flexible structure is used to delimit the gap, featuring asymmetric slopes to prevent particle intrusion and facilitate removal, utilizing a flexible structure to transport particles out of the gap during motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a gap is formed between two parts performing periodic motion, then the device can operate with necessary movement freedom, but particles can enter and get stuck between device parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement freedomVSAvoidparticle intrusion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible sealing structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the two parts performing periodic motion. This sealing extends into the gap and works in conjunction with asymmetric structured surfaces to prevent particle intrusion while allowing the necessary reciprocating motion to continue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The structured surface features an asymmetric profile with steep first slopes facing the intrusion direction and gentler second slopes facing the particle removal direction. This asymmetry creates directional resistance that allows motion freedom in one direction while blocking particle intrusion from the opposite direction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of operation

If particles enter the gap, then the gap allows natural motion, but particles get stuck and affect performance and lifetime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenatural motionVSAvoiddevice lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric structured surface converts the harmful particle intrusion into a beneficial self-cleaning mechanism. The gentler second slopes allow particles to be swept out during the reciprocating motion, transforming the potential harm of particle accumulation into a useful cleaning function that extends device lifetime

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs self-cleaning through its own reciprocating motion. The asymmetric structured surface and flexible sealing work together to automatically remove particles during normal operation without requiring external cleaning mechanisms, maintaining performance and extending lifetime

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a sealing structure is added to prevent particle intrusion, then particle entry is reduced, but the complexity of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle preventionVSAvoidsealing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible sealing structure is used instead of complex rigid sealing mechanisms. This flexible element can be attached to one part and extends into the gap, providing effective particle prevention through its flexibility and interaction with the asymmetric structured surface while adding minimal complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing function is merged with the structured surface geometry. The asymmetric profile with steep and gentler slopes integrates the sealing action into the surface structure itself, eliminating the need for separate complex sealing components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12516736B2Arrangement, sealing and method for limiting the intrusion of particles into a gap

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 HAFNER PHILIPP

AI summary

Provided are means for limiting the intrusion of particles into a gap formed between parts of a device which are to perform a periodic motion relative to each other when the device is in use. The means include an asymmetric structured surface which is configured to delimit the gap towards one of the parts and a flexible structure which is configured to be attached to the other part and to extend into the gap.