Dual-Component Sealing Fastener for Compact Rib-to-Aperture Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing fasteners, such as bathtub fasteners and pour-over clips, face challenges including high manufacturing costs, space requirements, and difficulty in ensuring effective sealing due to centering issues.
Innovation Solution
A dual component sealing fastener comprising a U-base clip component and a seal component, featuring rib coupling barbs and aperture retention wings, which are designed to engage a rib and aperture respectively, allowing for a compact and cost-effective assembly with consistent sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bathtub fasteners are used to couple a rib to an aperture, then sealing is achieved, but the device requires relatively large space and has high manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into two separate components: a U-base clip component and a seal component. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall space requirements while maintaining sealing effectiveness. The U-base clip provides structural support and coupling, while the seal component provides sealing, eliminating the need for a bulky integrated bathtub structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is extracted from the metal clip structure and placed into a separate seal component. This allows the seal to be applied only where needed rather than requiring a large bathtub structure, significantly reducing space requirements while maintaining reliable sealing between the rib and aperture.
2Reliability
If bathtub fasteners are used to couple a rib to an aperture, then sealing is achieved, but manufacturing cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the fastener into separate U-base clip and seal components allows for more efficient manufacturing processes. The U-base clip can be formed from metal sheet using standard forming operations, while the seal component can be molded from elastomeric material, enabling cost-effective production of each component independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal component is made from elastomeric material that can be molded cost-effectively and replaced if needed, providing a more economical alternative to expensive metal bathtub fasteners while maintaining reliable sealing performance.
3Reliability
If pour-over clips are used to seal between components, then sealing is achieved, but it is difficult to ensure the clip is centered for an effective seal
Solution Approach 1:
The seal component is pre-formed with a specific geometry that includes a seal surface configured to mate with the rib. This preliminary preparation of the seal geometry ensures proper alignment and centering when the fastener is assembled, eliminating the centering difficulties associated with pour-over clips.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal component acts as an intermediary between the U-base clip and the rib, providing a controlled interface that ensures proper alignment. The seal's geometry mediates the connection, guaranteeing effective sealing without requiring precise manual centering of the clip.
4Reliability
If pour-over clips are used for sealing, then sealing is achieved, but material options are very limited
Solution Approach 1:
The seal component is made from elastomeric material rather than being limited to liquid pour-over materials. This parameter change in material state allows for a broader range of material properties and options, including different durometers, chemical resistances, and sealing characteristics, while maintaining effective sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener combines metal U-base clip material with elastomeric seal material, creating a composite structure that leverages the advantages of both materials. This allows selection from multiple metal types for the clip and multiple elastomeric types for the seal, greatly expanding material options compared to single-material pour-over clips.
Data Source
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AI summary
A U-base clip component can include a pair of rib coupling barbs which can extend inwardly from two opposing clip side walls. A seal component can include two opposing aperture retention wings coupled to a central wall. A first and a second component annular seal can extend from opposite respective sides of the central wall. The U-base clip component and the seal component can define an interior rib receiving cavity between both the clip side walls and the aperture retention wings. A pair of rib coupling barbs can extend into the interior rib receiving cavity from the clip side walls and the two opposing aperture retention wings can extend exteriorly from the clip side walls. The rib coupling barbs of the U-base clip can be designed to couple fastener to the rib and the aperture retention wings can be designed to couple the dual component sealing fastener to the aperture.