Elliptical O-ring Seal for Self-Vacuumizing Bio-Activated Containers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional O-rings used as gaskets in containers are prone to deformation under mechanical compression or atmospheric pressure, compromising the seal and allowing unwanted gas infiltration.
Innovation Solution
An elliptical cross-section O-ring design with a gasket seat and recess configuration that allows gas to enter and escape, while protecting the O-ring from deformation, using a cylindrical housing and cover assembly with angled flanges to maintain a constant point of contact and prevent deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional circular O-ring is used as a seal, then the seal prevents air or gas from entering the container, but the O-ring deforms under mechanical compression or atmospheric pressure, compromising the seal and allowing unwanted gas infiltration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the O-ring cross-section from a conventional circular shape to an elliptical shape. This asymmetric geometry provides a broader contact surface area with the gasket seat, distributing compressive forces more evenly and preventing the deformation that occurs with circular O-rings. The elliptical cross-section maintains consistent contact pressure across the seal interface, ensuring reliable sealing without shape compromise.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional O-ring is used as a seal, then the seal is simple and effective, but it cannot allow gas to escape the container during the self-vacuumizing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the O-ring into two functional segments: an inner segment contained within a gasket seat that provides the sealing function, and an outer segment contained within a recess of a housing cover that allows gas passage. This segmentation enables the single O-ring component to simultaneously perform both sealing and gas exchange functions during the self-vacuumizing process.
3Stability of the object's composition
If an elliptical cross-section O-ring is used, then the O-ring withstands deformation and maintains seal integrity, but the design complexity increases with the need for a gasket seat and recess configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the elliptical O-ring design with the housing structure. The gasket seat and recess are configured to work together with the elliptical O-ring, where the gasket seat provides support and the recess accommodates the outer segment. This merged design allows the increased structural elements to work synergistically, maintaining O-ring stability while enabling the necessary gas exchange functionality.
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 elliptical O-ring design effectively maintains a seal under pressure, allowing controlled gas exchange during a self-vacuumizing process without deforming, ensuring the integrity of the container's contents.
Implementation Method 1
The embodiment includes an O-ring that has an annular configuration about a housing. The housing has a cylindrical shape, so the O-ring is snugly fitted about the housing. The O-ring has an elliptical cross-section with an inner segment contained within a gasket seat in the housing and an outer segment contained within a recess of a housing cover. This enclosure defines a channel between the housing and the housing cover, thus allowing gas to enter and escape, as needed, during the self-vacuumizing process.
Data Source
AI summary
An O-ring with elliptical cross-section disposed within a gasket seat about a cylindrical housing that contains a bio-activated protective composition. When sealed off from the environment, the bio-activated protective composition undergoes a self-vacuumizing process and requires the flow of gas. The elliptical cross-section of the O-ring is received within a recess of a housing cover to define a channel between the housing cover and the housing. This channel allows the gas to be released and prevents deformation of the O-ring regardless of mechanical compression, atmospheric pressure and temperature.