Conical Gasket Sealing for Thermal Expansion in Hazardous Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing arrangements for electronic devices in hazardous areas are inadequate as they fail to maintain gas and moisture tightness due to temperature coefficient differences between parts, causing gaskets to lose effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A sealing apparatus comprising a gasket, an end adapter, and a support element that compresses the gasket against the cover, utilizing conical sections to maintain tightness across varying temperatures by inducing forces that counteract thermal expansion and contraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid attachment methods are used to secure parts, then structural strength is improved, but the ability to maintain tight sealing under thermal expansion and contraction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by replacing rigid attachment with a dynamic sealing mechanism. The conical support element allows controlled movement and deformation under thermal stress, transforming the static rigid connection into a dynamic system that adapts to temperature changes while maintaining both strength and sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the gasket as a flexible sealing element that can deform under thermal stress. Combined with the conical support element, this flexible component accommodates dimensional changes in the housing while maintaining the sealing function, resolving the contradiction between rigid structural strength and flexible sealing adaptability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the housing is made substantially gas tight with seals, then protection against hazardous gases is improved, but the complexity of the device increases due to additional sealing components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the sealing function into distinct components: the gasket for sealing and the conical support element for force application. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide effective protection against hazardous gases.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical support element acts as an intermediary between the housing structure and the gasket. It mediates the transmission of compressive force from the rigid housing to the flexible gasket, enabling effective sealing while maintaining structural integrity and simplifying the overall design.
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 solution ensures the electronic device remains substantially gas and moisture tight despite temperature changes, maintaining sealing integrity even when parts with different temperature coefficients expand or contract.
Implementation Method 1
the end adapter and the support element are adapted to induce a force towards a surface of the cover of the electronic device for improving sealing between the gasket and the cover
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4d
Figure 4e~4g
AI summary
The invention relates to sealing apparatus for an electronic device (1) comprising a cover (3). The sealing apparatus comprises a gasket (6) having an outer circumference, an inner circumference, and at least a first side (6b); an end adapter (4) and a support element (5) for the gasket (6). The gasket (6) comprises a first conical section (6a). At least one of the support element (5) and the end adapter (4) comprises a support section (5a) for restricting movement of the gasket (6) in at least one direction. The first side (6b) of the gasket (6) is adapted to butt against the end adapter (4) of the electronic device (1) ), and the end adapter (4) and the support element (5) are adapted to induce a force (F2) towards a surface of the cover (3) of the electronic device (1) for improving sealing between the gasket (6) and the cover (3). The invention also relates to an electronic device (1) and a luminaire comprising the sealing apparatus.