Deformable Seal With Elastic And Conform Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Measurement systems require packaging solutions that provide an electromagnetic seal while allowing for opening and closing, but existing solutions fail to ensure a reliable and repeatable seal when reattached.
Innovation Solution
A measurement apparatus featuring a lid with a raised seal integrated into a microcircuit case, comprising an elastic deformable layer and a surface conforming layer, where the normal force of attachment causes plastic deformation of the surface conforming layer and elastic deformation of the elastic deformable layer, ensuring a secure and repeatable seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid seal is used to provide electromagnetic shielding, then the seal provides good electromagnetic protection, but the seal cannot accommodate surface irregularities and provides unreliable sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible seal structure consisting of multiple layers including an elastic deformable layer and a surface conforming layer. The elastic layer provides the necessary flexibility to deform and conform to the case surface, while the surface conforming layer ensures intimate contact. This flexible multi-layer construction resolves the contradiction by allowing the seal to adapt to surface irregularities while maintaining electromagnetic shielding effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is constructed as a composite structure with at least two distinct layers: an elastic deformable layer and a surface conforming layer. Each layer serves a specific function - the elastic layer provides deformability for accommodation, while the surface conforming layer ensures contact. This composite approach allows the seal to simultaneously achieve both reliability through elastic deformation and adaptability through surface conformity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a soft deformable seal is used to conform to surfaces, then the seal provides good adaptability, but the seal cannot provide sufficient electromagnetic shielding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite seal structure where the surface conforming layer provides adaptability to match case irregularities, while the elastic deformable layer behind it provides the structural integrity and electromagnetic shielding. The combination ensures that the soft outer layer conforms to surfaces while the elastic inner layer maintains sufficient rigidity and continuity for electromagnetic protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface conforming layer acts as a flexible thin film that can deform to match case surfaces, ensuring intimate contact and adaptability. This flexible outer layer works in conjunction with the elastic deformable layer to provide both surface conformity and electromagnetic shielding, resolving the contradiction between softness for adaptation and sufficient shielding capability.
3Strength
If a rigid seal structure is used, then the seal provides structural strength, but the seal cannot be repeatedly attached and removed without degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic deformable layer and surface conforming layer are designed to be flexible and elastically deformable, allowing the seal to be repeatedly compressed during attachment and to recover its shape during removal. This flexibility enables repeated operation without permanent deformation or degradation, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and repeatability.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal material properties are selected to allow elastic deformation within a specific range during attachment and removal operations. The elastic layer can temporarily change its shape under compression but returns to its original configuration, enabling repeated use. This controlled parameter change (deformation within elastic limits) maintains structural integrity while allowing repeated operation.
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 provides a reliable electromagnetic seal that prevents leakage of electromagnetic fields and gases, while allowing for repeated use and easy reattachment of the lid, maintaining the integrity of the seal over multiple openings and closings.
Implementation Method 1
the normal force of attachment causes plastic deformation of the surface conforming layer and elastic deformation of the elastic deformable layer
Implementation Method 2
the normal force of attachment causes plastic deformation of the surface conforming layer
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement apparatus is disclosed. The measurement apparatus includes a lid configured to be removably affixed to a case. The lid is formed from a substrate composed of a first material. An interior surface of the lid includes a surface coating of a second material. A raised seal is affixed to the substrate and extends beyond the interior surface in a direction orthogonal to the interior surface. The raised seal includes an elastic deformable layer adjacent to the substrate. The raised seal also includes a surface conforming layer configured such that, when the lid is affixed to the case, the surface conforming layer is adjacent to the case along a side opposite the elastic deformable layer. The surface conforming layer is composed of a material of a yield strength less than a normal force generated by fixation of the lid to the case.