Captive Fastening Means for Door Seal Assembly Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual assembly of door seals in larger door factories is labor-intensive and expensive, and existing mechanical assembly methods require separate delivery of fastening means, which is not optimal.
Innovation Solution
The fastening means are integrated captively onto the seal housing, allowing for tool-free installation and disassembly, eliminating the need for separate delivery and enabling easier mechanical assembly, with options including press, adhesive, force-fit, friction-fit, or form-fit connections, and potential bending or pivoting mechanisms for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual assembly of door seals is used in door factories, then assembly simplicity and flexibility are maintained, but labor intensity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening means are integrated directly into the seal housing structure, merging two previously separate components (seal and fasteners) into a single unit. This integration enables automated handling and assembly while maintaining installation simplicity, resolving the contradiction between manual assembly flexibility and automated production efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If fastening means are supplied separately from the seal, then component independence and flexibility are achieved, but assembly complexity and handling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening means are structurally integrated into the seal housing, combining previously separate delivery and assembly processes into a single integrated component supply. This eliminates the need for separate fastener handling and feeding mechanisms, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the functional versatility of the fastening system
3Productivity
If integrated captive fastening means are used on the seal housing, then assembly automation and labor efficiency improve, but manufacturing complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated fastening system is designed as a modular component that can be manufactured separately and then attached to the seal housing through simple connection methods such as adhesive bonding, press-fitting, or clipping. This segmentation allows standard manufacturing processes to be used for both the seal housing and fastening components, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the integration benefits
Data Source
Figure 1~1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2~2a
AI summary
The invention relates to a seal, in particular a self-lowering bottom seal for doors, comprising a sealing housing (2), a sealing element preferably located in the sealing housing (2), and fastening means (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11) for securing the sealing housing (2) in a groove of a door, window, or the like. For the purpose of improved machine installation of the seals in the door, window, or the like, the fastening means (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11) are at least partially captive on the sealing housing (2) before the seal is installed in the groove.