Extruded Aluminum Profile End Sealing Without Mechanical Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assemblies with extruded aluminum profiles require mechanical fastening means like screws or rivets to seal openings, which complicates the sealing process and may lead to leaks or media escape.
Innovation Solution
A two-part closing device with a sealant between its elements is used, where the sealant is displaced radially to form a circumferential sealing contour within the extruded profile, eliminating the need for mechanical fastening by using the same material for the extruded profile and closing device to ensure thermal compatibility and adhesive bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical fastening means such as screws or rivets are used to seal the opening, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the mechanical fastening means (screws, rivets) from the sealing system. Instead of using separate fastening components, the closing device itself forms the seal through its interaction with the sealant and the extruded profile, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining sealing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the sealing function with the closing device structure. The closing device, sealant, and sealing surface are combined into an integrated sealing system that achieves both closure and sealing functions without requiring separate mechanical fastening components
2Reliability
If mechanical fastening means are used to secure the closing device, then the tightness is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex requiring additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical fastening system with a chemical bonding system using sealant. The adhesive or chemically reacting sealant creates the secure connection between the closing device and the extruded profile, eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners and their associated drilling, countersinking, and fastening operations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the bonding mechanism from mechanical (screws, rivets) to chemical (adhesive or chemically reacting sealant). This parameter change in the bonding method simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating complex mechanical fastening steps while maintaining secure attachment and tightness
3Device complexity
If a single-element closing device is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sealing effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the closing device into two elements that work together with the sealant. This segmentation allows each element to have specific functions (one element provides the sealing surface, the other provides structural support), achieving effective sealing while keeping each individual element relatively simple in design
4Adaptability or versatility
If different materials are used for the extruded profile and closing device, then the adaptability is improved, but the thermal compatibility deteriorates due to different thermal expansion coefficients
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies homogeneity by using the same material (aluminum) for both the extruded profile and the closing device. This material homogeneity ensures matching thermal expansion coefficients, maintaining thermal compatibility and structural stability under temperature variations, while still achieving the desired sealing function through the sealant
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 solution provides a simple and effective sealing mechanism that prevents media escape or entry, maintaining tightness without mechanical fastening, suitable for applications under pressure or temperature changes.
Implementation Method 1
a sealant is arranged between mutually facing end faces of the elements, which sealant, when the closing device is mounted, is in contact with the inner wall of the opening and forms a closed sealing contour
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly (10; 10a), having an extruded profile (14) formed from aluminum, in which at least one channel (20) is formed in the direction of a longitudinal axis (18) of the extruded profile (14), having a closing device (35; 35a) for sealing an end-face end region (22) of the extruded profile (14), wherein the closing device (35; 35a) protrudes into an opening (24) of the extruded profile (14) formed in the end-face end region (22) of the extruded profile (14).