Battery Housing Sealing Plug With Axial Seal Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plugs for energy storage systems, such as those using O-rings, suffer from material deterioration due to radial deformation during installation and removal, leading to a reduced sealing effect, especially under thermal and mechanical stress, and require complex and costly assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A plug design featuring a sealing element that is deformed axially, eliminating radial deformation, and a plug body with a sealing area that accommodates this element, ensuring a secure and cost-effective sealing solution through axial force application, enhanced by a force coupling mechanism and a groove for secure molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional O-ring sealing elements are used that are deformed by radial crushing stress during installation, then a sealing effect is achieved, but the sealing ring material deteriorates due to frequent installation and removal, reducing the sealing effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional sealing mechanism by switching from radial deformation to axial deformation. Instead of crushing the sealing element radially during installation, the sealing element is deformed axially by a sealing bead that presses it against the sealing surface. This inversion eliminates the harmful radial stress that causes material deterioration while maintaining effective sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the deformation parameter from radial to axial direction. The sealing element is designed to be compressed axially rather than radially, fundamentally altering the stress application mode. This parameter change preserves the sealing function while eliminating the wear mechanism that limited the service life of conventional sealing rings.
2Reliability
If conventional O-ring sealing elements are used, then a sealing effect is achieved, but the material is damaged by frequent temperature changes, leading to reduced sealing effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the sealing mechanism to apply axial rather than radial stress, which significantly reduces the impact of thermal expansion and contraction on the sealing element. The axial compression mode is less sensitive to temperature-induced dimensional changes, thereby improving material stability under thermal cycling conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the deformation direction from radial to axial, the patent alters how the sealing element responds to temperature changes. The axial compression allows for better accommodation of thermal expansion without compromising the sealing force, thereby maintaining material stability and sealing effectiveness across a wider temperature range.
3Reliability
If conventional O-ring sealing elements are used, then a sealing effect is achieved, but complex assembly processes are required for installing separately manufactured sealing rings, making installation time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing element with the plug body by integrating it into the plug's structure. The sealing element is positioned in a sealing region of the plug body and is deformed by a sealing bead that is part of the plug. This integration eliminates the need for separate installation of the sealing ring, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug body is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the connecting region for engagement with the opening and simultaneously houses the sealing element and sealing bead mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps, making the overall system simpler and more cost-effective to manufacture and assemble.
4Reliability
If sealing elements are deformed by radial crushing stress, then a sealing effect is achieved, but counter-rotating movements caused by vibrations lead to deterioration of the sealing element material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the sealing mechanism from radial to axial deformation, which fundamentally changes how the sealing element interacts with vibrational forces. The axial compression by the sealing bead creates a sealing force that is less sensitive to counter-rotating movements and vibrations, thereby reducing vibration-induced wear and material deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the deformation direction from radial to axial, the patent alters the stress state of the sealing element during operation. The axial compression mode is more resistant to the effects of vibration and counter-rotating movements, as the sealing force is applied in a direction that maintains contact pressure despite rotational or vibrational disturbances.
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 axial deformation of the sealing element maintains a consistent sealing effect under dynamic loads and thermal changes, reducing material wear and simplifying assembly, while the plug's design minimizes manufacturing costs and assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing region is designed to accommodate a sealing element designed to be deformed, when the plug is installed, by a force acting entirely in the axial direction of the plug
Implementation Method 2
These are based on being deformed by the radial crushing stress that occurs during the screwing-in process, creating a sealing effect due to this crushing stress
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A stopper (1) for closing and sealing an opening (120) in a housing (110) of an energy storage system (100), in particular for closing and sealing an opening (120) in a housing (110) of a lead acid storage battery, wherein the stopper (1) comprises a connecting region (20), which is configured to engage with the opening (120) in the energy storage system (100), and a sealing region (30), which is disposed above the connecting region (20) in the axial direction (A) of the stopper (1), wherein the sealing region (30) is configured to accommodate a sealing element (32) which is designed to be deformed by a force acting at least partially, in particular completely, in the axial direction (A) of the stopper (1) when the stopper (1) is in the installed state.