Bonding Device Sealing for Corrosion Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical bonding devices, such as WEEB connectors, are susceptible to corrosion from air and water infiltration around the teeth, leading to degradation of the electrical connection between frames.
Innovation Solution
A bonding device with serrated metal teeth that embed into metal surfaces, featuring resilient sealing material both inward and outward from the teeth to create an air-tight and water-tight seal, protecting the bonding location, and optionally including an extended central collar for installation without adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flat washer with twisted teeth is used to create electrical bonding between frames, then good electrical connection is achieved, but air and water can infiltrate around the teeth causing corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible sealing element, specifically an O-ring, is introduced to create a protective barrier around the bonding interface. The O-ring conformally seals the gap between the washer teeth and the frame surfaces, preventing air and water infiltration while maintaining the electrical bonding function of the twisted teeth.
Solution Approach 2:
The bonding device combines two distinct functional elements: the metallic washer with twisted teeth for electrical bonding and the elastomeric O-ring for environmental sealing. This composite structure integrates both electrical connectivity and corrosion protection into a single assembly.
2Ease of operation
If an O-ring is added around the inner diameter to prevent rotation, then anti-skid function is achieved, but the seal is only on one side and water/air can still infiltrate around the outside of the teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing approach transitions from a single-point inner diameter seal to a circumferential seal that extends outward to the outer perimeter of the washer. This dimensional expansion of the sealing zone ensures that the entire interface between the washer and frames is protected, not just the central region.
3Ease of manufacture
If o-rings are placed on one side only to provide sealing, then installation simplicity is maintained, but electrical connection remains open to corrosion on the other side
Solution Approach 1:
The O-ring, as a flexible sealing element, is positioned to wrap around the outer perimeter of the washer, creating a conformal seal that adapts to the frame surfaces. This placement ensures that the sealing barrier extends to the critical interface where the teeth contact the frames, protecting both sides of the bonding interface.
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 effectively prevents corrosion and ensures a durable electrical bond between metal surfaces by sealing out environmental elements, enhancing the longevity of the connection.
Implementation Method 1
A bonding device with serrated metal teeth that embed into metal surfaces, featuring resilient sealing material both inward and outward from the teeth to create an air-tight and water-tight seal
Data Source
AI summary
A bonding device electrically bonds metallic surfaces through serrated metal teeth which embed into each metal surface as a fastener is tightened. A sealing material circumferentially outward and inward from the teeth create an air-tight and water-tight seal around the teeth, protecting the bonding location. The device can have an extended central collar extending axially from the through-hole in the center of the device, which will allow it to be installed in holes, or on a stud without the use of adhesives or other retaining methods.