Elastically Deformable Rolling Element for Variable Passage Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for variable passage openings in strand-shaped product extrusion face challenges in maintaining high surface quality due to unwanted contact and require multiple rolling elements, leading to increased complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
The device employs elastically deformable rolling elements with a recess that deforms more in width than depth when prestressed, preventing unwanted contact by expanding in planes parallel to the passage opening, allowing for a simple and adjustable seal with improved surface finish.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two rolling elements with semicircular groove sections are used to form a variable passage opening, then the passage opening diameter can be adjusted, but an undercut occurs in a parallel plane behind the passage plane due to reduced groove width or depth, causing unwanted contact with the product and poor surface quality
Solution Approach 1:
The groove sections are designed with different width and depth characteristics along their main extension, creating local variations in the recess geometry. This allows the rolling elements to maintain contact in the passage plane while avoiding undercut that would cause unwanted contact in parallel planes, thereby improving surface quality while preserving adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The solution addresses the undercut problem by considering and modifying the groove geometry in three-dimensional space. By varying the width and depth along the main extension of the recess, the design accounts for deformations in planes parallel to the passage opening, preventing unwanted contact and improving surface quality
2Manufacturing precision
If at least three rolling elements are used to avoid undercut and improve surface quality, then product surface quality improves, but the number of sealing points increases significantly, leading to increased device complexity and manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple rolling elements into a single rolling element design. By incorporating appropriately shaped groove sections with varying width and depth along the main extension, one rolling element can perform the function that would otherwise require multiple elements, thereby reducing sealing points and device complexity while maintaining surface quality
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling element is designed with multi-functional groove sections that can accommodate different passage opening requirements while maintaining proper contact characteristics. The recess geometry is optimized to prevent undercut in all operating positions, making the single rolling element universal for various adjustment positions without requiring additional sealing points
3Adaptability or versatility
If the recess width or depth is reduced to adjust the passage opening, then the passage opening diameter changes, but an undercut protrudes into the free passage cross-section in a parallel plane, causing unwanted contact with the product
Solution Approach 1:
The groove sections are designed with different width and depth characteristics along their main extension, creating local variations in the recess geometry. This allows the rolling elements to maintain contact in the passage plane while avoiding undercut that would cause unwanted contact in parallel planes, thereby improving surface quality while preserving adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The recess geometry is pre-designed to compensate for potential undercut before it occurs. By carefully controlling the width and depth variations along the main extension of the recess, the design prevents the formation of undercut that would protrude into the free passage cross-section, thereby eliminating unwanted contact with the product before it can affect surface quality
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
This solution enables high-quality strand-shaped product production with reduced manufacturing effort and cost, as the device can function with just two rolling bodies, ensuring minimal deformation-induced contact and maintaining surface quality.
Implementation Method 1
each rolling body (6) has at least one elastically deformable region (12) enclosing the respective recess (7), so that the rolling bodies (6) lying against one another along the contact line together in an undeformed rest position enclose a passage opening (2'), which deviates significantly from the circular shape or another desired shape, in particular an oval one, by a defined material deformation in an elastically deformed working position that is prestressed against one another along the linear contact surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The device (1) has two rolling elements (6) tangentially along linear contact surfaces, where the rolling elements have a concave recess that runs sectionally around circumference. Each rolling element has an elastically deformable area that encloses the recess, so that the rolling elements enclose commonly in a non-deformed resting position of a passage opening. The passage opening encloses in an elastically deformed working position by a defined material deformation.