Conductive Sealing Disc Clamping for Machine Element Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing elements for electrically conductive connections between machine elements require complex and costly integration methods, often involving pre-treatment steps and integrally bonded connections, which can be inefficient and prone to detachment.
Innovation Solution
A sealing element comprising a sealing disc made of electrically conductive non-woven fabric secured to a support ring via a clamping connection, allowing direct contact with the machine element and reducing thickness by 10-30% for a secure, cost-effective, and efficient electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If an integrally bonded connection is used to secure the sealing disc to the support ring, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to required pre-treatment steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (integrally bonded connection requiring pre-treatment steps) with a mechanical fastening system (clamping connection using a clamp element). This substitution eliminates the need for surface preparation, adhesives, or curing processes while providing sufficient mechanical strength to secure the sealing disc to the support ring.
2Ease of manufacture
If a clamping connection is used to secure the sealing disc, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of the connection may worsen due to potential detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp element is designed with localized clamping zones that apply concentrated force at specific points on the sealing disc and support ring. This local quality approach ensures that the clamping force is sufficiently high at the connection points to prevent detachment, while the overall manufacturing process remains simple and tool-free.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the sealing disc is compressed between 5% and 50% of initial thickness, then the clamping connection stability is improved, but the sealing disc thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the compression parameter within a specific range (5%-50% of initial thickness) to achieve the best balance between connection stability and overall thickness. This parameter change ensures sufficient compression for reliable electrical contact and mechanical stability while avoiding excessive thickness that would increase component size and material usage.
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 clamping connection provides a stable and conductive link between machine elements with improved electrical conductivity and reduced risk of detachment, while eliminating the need for pre-treatment steps and integrally bonded processes, enhancing the sealing element's durability and service life.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing disc being formed from an electrically conductive non-woven fabric
Implementation Method 2
the sealing disc is compressed between 5% and 50% of the initial thickness
Data Source
AI summary
Sealing element for producing an electrically conductive connection between a first machine element and a second machine element, including at least one sealing disc and a support ring, the support ring comprising an axial flange and a radial flange, the sealing disc being formed from an electrically conductive non-woven fabric, and the sealing disc being secured at least in sections along the axial flange by means of a clamping connection between the support ring and the second machine element.