Expandable Feed Seal for Filling Viscous Component Cavities

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing component systems require complex and time-consuming assembly processes to fill cavities with highly viscous liquids, often necessitating additional mechanical locking means to secure the feed element against filling pressure.

Innovation Solution

A component system featuring an elastically expandable closure and sealing element that switches between a closed and release position, providing a sealing and blocking mechanism without the need for additional fixing or sealing means, using a high adhesive contact to secure the feed element during filling and releasing it post-filling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a feed element is used to introduce highly viscous liquid into a narrow cavity, then the filling process can be performed, but the feed element requires mechanical fixation to withstand the injection pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring feed element against filling pressureVSAvoidmechanical locking devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure and sealing element changes its physical state from compressed (during insertion) to expanded (during sealing), altering its dimensional parameters to achieve the sealing function. This parameter change eliminates the need for complex mechanical locking devices while reliably securing the feed element against filling pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The closure and sealing element is designed as a dynamic component that transitions between different states (compressed and expanded) based on the filling process stage. This dynamic behavior allows the same component to serve multiple functions: enabling insertion during compression and providing sealing/fixation during expansion, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If complex mechanical locking devices are used to secure the feed element, then the feed element can withstand filling pressure, but the assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring feed element against filling pressureVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The closure and sealing element performs self-service by automatically transitioning to its expanded sealing state upon insertion into the feed section. This self-activating mechanism eliminates the need for separate locking operations, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining reliable fixation against filling pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the locking function from separate mechanical devices and integrates it into the closure and sealing element itself. By combining the sealing and fixation functions into a single component that activates automatically, the assembly process is streamlined and time is reduced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the feed element is securely fixed during filling, then the sealing is reliable, but the removal of the feed element becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing during fillingVSAvoidremoval of feed element
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The closure and sealing element is designed as a dynamic component that can transition between expanded (sealing/fixation) and compressed (removal-friendly) states. During filling, it expands to provide reliable sealing and fixation. After filling, it can be compressed to release the fixation, enabling easy removal of the feed element without compromising the sealing reliability during the filling process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables easy and reliable filling of cavities with viscous heat-conducting materials, reducing assembly time and eliminating the need for complex mechanical locking, while ensuring the feed element is securely positioned during filling and easily removable afterward.

Implementation Method 1

the closure and sealing element is designed as an elastically expandable body which is adapted to change between the closure position and the release position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Injecting highly viscous liquids into narrow cavities requires a high injection pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscosity:

Data Source

PatentEP4456687A1Component system
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 ZKW GRP GMBH
  • EP4456687A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP4456687A1 patent drawingFigure 2b~2c
  • EP4456687A1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

Component system (1) comprising at least two components (2a, 2b) between which a cavity (3) to be filled is formed, wherein the cavity (3) has a feed section (3a), and a filling device (4) for filling the cavity (3) via a feed element (4a) which can be inserted into the feed section (3a) of the cavity (3) before the filling process, wherein the feed element (4a) has a closure and sealing element (4b) which is configured to close and seal the feed section (3a) of the cavity (3) in a closed position during the filling process, wherein the closure and sealing element (4b) is designed as an elastically expandable body which can change between the closed position and a release position, wherein during insertion of the feed element (4a) into the feed section (3a) the closure and sealing element (4b) is in the release position and can then be moved into the closed position.wherein in the closed position a movement of the feed element (4a) contrary to the insertion direction of the feed element (4a) is blocked.