Deformable Sealing Element With Indentation For Vehicle HVAC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing elements for vehicle heating/air-conditioning units are complex and costly to produce due to their multi-component design, which affects their sealing efficiency when tubes pass through walls.
Innovation Solution
A deformable sealing element with distinct regions, differentiated by an indentation, allows independent deformation and function optimization, enabling a simple and inexpensive production process while maintaining effective sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multi-component sealing element design is used to seal tubes passing through walls, then sealing performance is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single monolithic sealing element made of deformable material. The sealing element integrates both the tube sealing region and wall sealing region into one component, eliminating the need for separate sealing components while maintaining effective sealing at both interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is divided into functionally distinct regions separated by an indentation. The first region is optimized for tube sealing with radial deformation capability, while the second region is optimized for wall sealing with axial deformation capability. This segmentation allows each region to perform its function independently without interfering with the other.
2Ease of manufacture
If a monolithic sealing element design is used, then production simplicity and cost are reduced, but independent deformation of sealing regions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic sealing element incorporates an indentation that creates functionally independent regions. The first region surrounding the aperture can deform radially to seal around the tube, while the second region can deform axially to seal against the wall. The indentation acts as a separation that allows independent deformation modes despite the single-piece construction.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sealing element are designed with different deformation characteristics. The first region is configured for radial deformation to accommodate tube sealing, while the second region is configured for axial deformation to accommodate wall sealing. This local differentiation of material behavior enables the monolithic element to adapt to different sealing requirements in different regions.
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 allows for a cost-effective, efficient sealing of tubes through walls with improved sealing performance by decoupling regions for independent deformation, reducing production complexity and enhancing sealing efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
A sealing element of a deformable material has a first region with an aperture (12) which is designed to receive a tube (14), and a second region (24) which is designed to rest against a wall (16), the two regions being differentiated at least in part by an indentation (22)
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing element (10) of a deformable material for sealing an opening in a wall (16), which separates two different chambers, comprises at least one aperture (12) which is arranged in a sealing first region (20) and is designed to receive a tube (14), and a yielding second region (24) which is designed to be pressed against the wall (16), wherein the second region (24) is differentiated from the first region (20) at least in part by an indentation (22).