Composite Seal Structure for Automated Regulator Valve Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing regulating valves in automobiles face complexity in thermal management solutions, requiring more sophisticated thermal management systems, and struggle with efficient sealing and assembly processes, which complicates their manufacturing and automation.
Innovation Solution
A seal comprising an elastic member and an embedded member with different hardness and elastic coefficients, where the embedded member supports the elastic member for stable installation and ensures effective sealing through deformation, facilitating a simple structure and automated assembly by utilizing an overmolding process and specific geometric configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex thermal management solution is used to meet emission control and fuel economy demands, then the regulating valve can achieve better thermal management performance, but the structure of the regulating valve becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The seal integrates multiple functions into a single component by combining the sealing function (elastic member) with the positioning and support functions (embedded member). This merging eliminates the need for separate sealing rings and positioning structures, thereby simplifying the overall regulating valve structure while maintaining effective sealing in complex thermal management systems
Solution Approach 2:
The seal employs composite material design with an elastic member (such as rubber or elastomer) combined with an embedded member (such as metal or hard plastic). This composite structure provides both the flexibility needed for sealing and the rigidity needed for positioning, enabling the seal to function effectively in complex thermal management applications without requiring additional components
2Reliability
If traditional sealing structures are used in regulating valves, then the sealing function can be achieved, but the assembly process becomes complicated and automation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The seal combines the sealing element and positioning element into a single integrated component that can be installed in one operation. The embedded member's geometric features (such as protrusions or shaped cross-sections) provide automatic positioning within the seal groove, eliminating the need for separate alignment and positioning steps that would hinder automation
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded member is designed with self-positioning geometric features that automatically align the seal within the seal groove during installation. The protrusions or shaped cross-section of the embedded member engage with corresponding features in the groove, providing self-alignment and self-positioning that facilitates automated assembly without requiring complex positioning mechanisms
3Reliability
If a seal with stable installation and effective sealing is designed, then the sealing performance is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The seal uses a composite structure where the elastic member provides sealing through its material properties (elasticity and deformability) while the embedded member provides structural support and positioning through its geometric features. This division of functions within a single integrated component achieves reliable sealing without requiring multiple separate parts
Solution Approach 2:
The seal applies different material properties and structural features to different parts of the same component: the elastic member is designed with high elasticity for sealing contact, while the embedded member is designed with higher hardness and specific geometric shapes for positioning. This local differentiation of properties within the integrated seal achieves both stability and sealing effectiveness without overall structural complexity
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 proposed seal simplifies the structure of the regulating valve, enables stable sealing assembly, reduces production costs, and facilitates automatic assembly, while maintaining effective sealing performance.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic coefficient of the elastic member is greater than that of the embedded member. The embedded member with a greater hardness can support the elastic member to ensure the stable installation of the seal, and the elastic member with a larger elastic coefficient enables a sealing function of the whole seal through its deformation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a seal and a regulating valve having the seal. The seal is used for sealing a flow channel between a pipe orifice of a housing and a valve body in the regulating valve. The seal includes an elastic member and an embedded member. The elastic member is ring-shaped, the embedded member is at least partially embedded in the elastic member, and the hardness of the embedded member is greater than that of the elastic member. The seal of the present disclosure has a simple structure, which not only enables miniaturization of the structure of the regulating valve, but also can simplify assembly steps of the regulating valve, thus facilitating assembly automation of the regulating valve.