Depth Gauge Seal Geometry for Free Diaphragm Pivoting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical depth gauges face challenges in ensuring reliable sealing and sensitivity of the pressure sensor due to complex manufacturing of deformable diaphragms, which can lead to inaccuracies and premature wear from salt residue accumulation.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical depth gauge with a deformable diaphragm and a sealing gasket having a specific cross-section, such as a polygonal or quarter-circle shape, that allows the diaphragm to pivot freely while maintaining sealing, eliminating the need for grooves or channels that trap salt residues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a circular groove is used to house the sealing gasket, then sealing is ensured, but salt residues accumulate in the groove causing corrosion and premature wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidsalt residue accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the circular groove structure from the depth gauge housing. Instead of housing the sealing gasket in a groove, the gasket is positioned in a grooveless configuration where it can be compressed directly between the deformable diaphragm and the housing surface, eliminating the trap for salt residues while maintaining sealing effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than using a groove to contain and compress the sealing gasket, the invention inverts the approach by using a grooveless design where the sealing gasket is compressed against the diaphragm from the opposite direction, allowing it to function effectively without a traditional housing groove

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If the deformable diaphragm is rigidly attached to the housing, then sealing is improved, but the diaphragm's elastic deformation capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesealingVSAvoidsensor accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sealing function from the diaphragm attachment function. The sealing gasket is separated as an independent element that provides sealing without rigidly attaching the diaphragm to the housing, allowing the diaphragm to maintain its elastic deformation capability while still achieving reliable sealing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing gasket acts as an intermediary element between the diaphragm and the housing. It provides the sealing function without creating a rigid connection, allowing the diaphragm to pivot and deform elastically while maintaining the seal through the gasket's compression against the diaphragm's peripheral region

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If welding is used to attach the deformable membrane, then sealing is achieved, but the membrane's elastic deformation range is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesealingVSAvoidmembrane elastic deformation range

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the welding process with a mechanical compression system. Instead of thermally joining the membrane to the housing (welding), the sealing gasket is mechanically compressed against the membrane's peripheral region, achieving sealing without the heat-affected zone and material property changes that welding creates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the sealing mechanism from a permanent thermal bond (welding) to a reversible mechanical compression. The sealing gasket can be compressed to different degrees depending on pressure conditions, allowing the membrane to maintain its elastic deformation capabilities while still achieving reliable sealing through parameter-adjustable compression

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 consistent sealing and prevents premature wear by allowing the diaphragm to pivot freely, maintaining sensitivity and accuracy over a wide pressure range without groove-related corrosion issues.

Implementation Method 1

a deformable diaphragm and a sealing gasket having a specific cross-section... that allows the diaphragm to pivot freely while maintaining sealing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

eliminating the need for grooves or channels that trap salt residues

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface geometry optimization:

Data Source

PatentEP4083572B1Depth gauge with seal

Publication Date: 2025.11.05 BLANCPAIN SA

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AI summary

One aspect of the invention relates to a sealing gasket (21, 121) for a depth gauge (1) with an axis of revolution (Z) comprising a radially internal flank (213, 223) and a radially external flank (214, 224), characterized in that the radially internal flank (213, 223) of said sealing gasket (21, 121) has a height (h1) greater than a height (h2) of the radially external flank (214, 224).