Discoidal Gasket with Central Tabs for Threaded Caps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaskets with tabs projecting from the entire thickness or edge are not symmetrical, leading to instability during mechanized assembly, detachment due to mechanical vibrations, and difficulty in adapting to threads with varying pitches, as well as sensitivity to thermal stresses.
Innovation Solution
A gasket with tabs located in the central zone of the thickness, allowing for reversible insertion and flexibility with different thread pitches, and reduced sensitivity to thermal size variations, achieved through a disk-shaped design with circular segment tabs that elastically snap-fit into the cap's inner thread.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tabs project from the entire thickness of the gasket, then the gasket can be attached to the cap, but the gasket becomes unstable during mechanized assembly and detaches due to mechanical vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs are repositioned from the outer edge to the central zone of the gasket thickness, changing their spatial dimension and location. This dimensional repositioning allows the tabs to engage with the cap's internal features in a way that provides stability during mechanized assembly while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs are given different properties than the main gasket body - they are located in the central zone rather than at the edge, and have specific dimensional characteristics (thickness less than the gasket body) that differentiate them locally. This local differentiation optimizes their function for stable engagement during assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gasket is made asymmetrical with tabs at the edge, then it can engage with the cap, but it becomes non-reversible and difficult to adapt to threads with different pitches
Solution Approach 1:
While the overall gasket remains symmetrical, the tabs introduce a controlled asymmetry in their placement within the central zone. This allows the gasket to engage with the cap in a specific orientation during assembly, providing adaptability to different thread pitches while maintaining ease of insertion through the symmetrical disk shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket design with tabs in the central zone provides universal adaptability to caps with different thread pitches, while the symmetrical disk shape maintains ease of insertion and reversibility. The tabs serve multiple functions: engagement with the cap, indication of orientation, and adaptability to varying thread configurations.
3Ease of manufacture
If the gasket edge and tabs are uniform in size, then manufacturing is simplified, but thermal stresses cause size changes that affect the tabs and their engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs are given different dimensional properties than the main gasket body - specifically, the tabs have a thickness that is less than the gasket body thickness. This local differentiation means that when thermal expansion or contraction occurs uniformly across the gasket, the tabs are less affected and maintain their engagement capability with the cap.
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 gasket remains stably attached to the cap, ensuring secure assembly and adaptability to various thread pitches while withstanding mechanical and thermal stresses, enhancing the reliability of automated assembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
The tabs (4), which, in plan view, substantially have the shape of a circular segment, are contained in the thickness (5) of the disk shape and project from the lateral edge (6) of the gasket (1) at a central portion (61) of the edge (6)
Data Source
AI summary
A discoidal gasket (1) for threaded closing elements is made of flexible material and comprises a plurality of tabs (4). The tabs (4) are contained within the thickness (5) of the disk shape, projecting from its outline (6), in such a way that they engage with a snap-fit action in the closing element.