Door Actuator Housing Closure With Undercut Pressure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for closing openings in door operator housings, such as screws and plastically deformable covers, face challenges in achieving a pressure-tight seal efficiently and cost-effectively, leading to increased production and assembly costs, and potential leaks under internal pressure.
Innovation Solution
A pot-shaped closure element with a peripheral edge that forms an undercut area is used, allowing for a form-fitting arrangement within the opening, which can be widened using a tool to secure the element in place, and a sealing element is optionally inserted to enhance the seal, reducing the need for threaded components and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw-type locking element is used to seal the opening, then a pressure-tight seal is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase due to threading requirements and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the threading function from the locking element, eliminating the need for threads in both the locking element and the opening. Instead, the locking element has a smooth cylindrical shape that fits into an opening with an undercut, achieved through plastic deformation of the locking element's outer surface, thereby simplifying the structure while maintaining sealing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the locking element by forming an undercut on its outer surface through plastic deformation. This undercut creates a retention mechanism that prevents the locking element from being pushed out by internal pressure, achieving reliable sealing without requiring threaded structures
2Reliability
If a screw-type locking element is used to seal the opening, then a pressure-tight seal is achieved, but assembly costs increase due to extended assembly time
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element performs self-securing through plastic deformation. When inserted into the opening, the outer surface of the locking element is plastically deformed to form an undercut that engages with the opening's circumferential edge, automatically creating a retention mechanism without requiring separate threading operations or additional assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the time-consuming threading operation from the assembly process. By replacing threaded connections with a plastic deformation-based retention mechanism, the assembly process is simplified to insertion and deformation only, significantly reducing assembly time and costs
3Ease of operation
If a plastically deformable cover with convex surface is used to seal the opening, then simple installation is achieved, but sufficient seal is not achieved under increased internal pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces asymmetry in the form of an undercut on the locking element's outer surface. This asymmetric feature creates a mechanical interlock with the opening's circumferential edge, preventing the locking element from being pushed out by internal pressure while maintaining simple installation through plastic deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element features a curved outer surface that is plastically deformed during installation. This curvature allows the material to flow and form the undercut retention feature, combining the simplicity of deformation-based installation with the reliability of a mechanical interlock that resists internal pressure
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 method provides a cost-effective, efficient, and reliable pressure-tight seal for the door operator housing, maintaining the seal even under increased internal pressure without the need for complex threading or deformation, thus reducing assembly time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
the closure element is inserted into the opening such that the bottom faces inwards, and finally the method includes the step of widening the circumferential rim into the undercut area
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for shutting an opening (10) in a body (1), for example in a housing (1) of a door actuator, and a shutting arrangement of this kind, for which a shutting element (11) is provided which is inserted into the opening (10), the method involving the following steps: providing the shutting element (11) with a cup-shaped design such that the shutting element (11) has a base (12) and a peripheral edge (13) which projects from the extension plane of the base (12); providing the opening (10) with a peripheral edge (14) which protrudes into the opening (10) and behind which an undercut region (15) is formed; and inserting the shutting element (11) into the opening (10) such that the base (12) is directed inwards, and expanding the peripheral edge (13) into the undercut region (15).