Composite Molded Seal Structure for Thermal Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a demand for further improvement in the performance of the seal between an inner molded portion and an outer molded portion in composite components.
Innovation Solution
A composite molded component is designed with an inner molded portion, an outer molded portion, and a ring-shaped seal portion that surrounds the hole between them, where the ring-shaped seal portion is made of a softer material than the inner molded portion, allowing it to deform and maintain sealing even with thermal changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a hard material is used for the inner molded portion to ensure strength, then the structural strength is improved, but the seal performance deteriorates due to inability to accommodate thermal deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the sealing structure into two segments: a hard inner molded portion for structural strength and a soft ring-shaped seal portion for sealing. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function - the hard portion maintains structural integrity while the soft seal portion accommodates thermal deformation to maintain sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by making only the sealing portion (ring-shaped seal portion) soft while keeping the main body (inner molded portion) hard. This localized softness at the sealing interface allows the seal to deform with thermal changes without compromising the overall structural strength of the component.
2Reliability
If a soft material is used for the seal portion to improve sealing, then the seal performance is improved, but the structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into a hard load-bearing portion and a soft sealing portion. The hard inner molded portion carries the structural load while the soft ring-shaped seal portion provides sealing, allowing each material to be optimized for its specific function without compromising overall performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Softness is applied locally only where sealing is needed (ring-shaped seal portion), while the rest of the structure remains hard. This localized application of softness provides sealing compliance without reducing the overall structural strength of the component.
3Reliability
If thermal expansion and contraction are prevented to maintain seal integrity, then the seal performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter (hardness) of the seal portion to be softer than the inner molded portion. This parameter change allows the seal to naturally accommodate thermal expansion and contraction through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for complex thermal compensation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The soft ring-shaped seal portion acts as an intermediary between the hard inner molded portion and the outer molded portion. It mediates the thermal deformation by deforming elastically, thereby maintaining seal integrity without requiring complex thermal management structures.
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 seal performance between the inner and outer molded portions is enhanced, maintaining sealing integrity while preserving the required strength of the composite component.
Implementation Method 1
the ring-shaped seal portion is formed of a softer material than the inner molded portion, allowing it to deform and maintain sealing even with thermal changes
Data Source
AI summary
The object of the present invention is to further improve the performance of a seal between an inner molded portion and an outer molded portion. A composite molded component includes: an internal component; an inner molded portion that covers the internal component; and an outer molded portion that covers the inner molded portion. A hole that reaches the inner molded portion is formed in the outer molded portion. A ring-shaped seal portion that surrounds the hole is provided between the inner molded portion and the outer molded portion. The ring-shaped seal portion is formed of a softer material than the inner molded portion.