Compressor Sealing Cap Ring Tab for Easy Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sealing caps for compressors protrude and interfere with other components in the engine compartment, making them difficult to remove and requiring excessive pulling force, which can strain the fingers and hinder efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A sealing cap design featuring a plate-like body with integrated plug, tab, and bolt insertion portions, where the tab portions are formed to not protrude and include annular rings with openings that allow easy finger insertion, reducing interference and the required pulling force for removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tab portion protrudes from the joint portion in the longitudinal direction, then the sealing cap can be easily gripped for removal, but it interferes with other components in the engine compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The tab portion is repositioned from a longitudinal protrusion to a lateral extension on the front surface of the body portion. This dimensional change allows the tab to be accessible for gripping from the side rather than requiring longitudinal space, eliminating interference with other components while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the tab portion protrudes from the joint portion, then it provides a gripping surface, but it creates obstacles when workers try to hook their fingers through the tab portion
Solution Approach 1:
The tab portion is designed with an annular ring shape that serves multiple functions: it provides a lateral gripping surface for finger insertion, allows passage of tools through its opening, and maintains structural integration with the body portion. This multi-functional design eliminates obstacles while enhancing operational versatility.
3Ease of operation
If excessive pulling force is applied to remove the sealing cap, then the sealing cap can be removed from the compressor, but it causes strain on fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The tab portion acts as an intermediary element between the user's fingers and the sealing cap body. By providing a dedicated gripping surface with an annular ring structure, it distributes the applied force more effectively and reduces the strain on fingers while maintaining sufficient removal capability.
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 sealing cap design prevents interference with other components, allows for easy removal with reduced finger strain, and facilitates efficient plugging and unplugging of compressor ports with less force, while also accommodating tools during stud bolt mounting and tightening.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing cap is made of an elastically-deformable material and includes a plug portion, a bolt insertion portion, a tab portion, and a plate-like body portion
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing cap for a compressor is made of an elastically-deformable material and includes a plug portion, a bolt insertion portion, a tab portion, and a plate-like body portion. The plug portion is to be inserted into a fluid port of a compressor to plug the fluid port. The plate-like body portion integrally joins the plug portion, the bolt insertion portion, and the tab portion. The bolt insertion portion extends from a front surface of the body portion. The tab portion is formed on the front surface of the body portion. The plug portion is projectingly formed on a rear surface of the body portion. The tab portion includes a ring having an annular shape, and is located opposite to the bolt insertion portion across the plug portion. The ring has an opening that extends through the ring in a direction that crosses insertion direction of the plug portion.