Gasket Assembly with Isolated Compression Limiting Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing static gasket assemblies face challenges in effectively limiting compression of elastomeric sealing elements while maintaining structural integrity under clamping loads, which can lead to reduced sealing effectiveness and potential damage to the carrier frame.

Innovation Solution

A gasket assembly with a free-floating compression limiting device isolated by elastomeric bonding material, which includes a locator pin for proper alignment, helps distribute sealing elements evenly and prevents overcompression, thereby enhancing sealing effectiveness without relying on the carrier frame to withstand clamping loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the carrier frame is made thick and strong to withstand clamping loads, then the structural integrity is improved, but the available sealing area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidsealing area
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The compression limiting function is segmented from the carrier frame structure by introducing a separate compression limiting device. This device is isolated from direct contact with the carrier frame by intervening elastomeric bonding material, allowing the carrier frame to be optimized for strength while the separate device handles compression limiting, thereby preserving sealing area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intervening elastomeric bonding material acts as an intermediary between the carrier frame and the compression limiting device. This intermediary isolates the compression limiting device from direct contact with the carrier frame, enabling the carrier frame to maintain structural integrity without needing to directly bear the compression limiting function, thus preserving sealing area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the carrier frame directly limits compression of sealing elements, then compression control is improved, but the sealing area is reduced and sealing effectiveness is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression controlVSAvoidsealing area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The compression limiting function is separated from the carrier frame by introducing a dedicated compression limiting device isolated by elastomeric bonding material. This segmentation allows the carrier frame to provide structural support while the isolated device controls compression, maximizing the sealing area available for effective sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric bonding material serves as an intermediary that isolates the compression limiting device from the carrier frame. This isolation enables the compression limiting device to control sealing element compression effectively while not encroaching on the sealing area, thereby maintaining both compression control and sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If a separate compression limiting device is introduced, then the sealing area is increased, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing areaVSAvoidgasket assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compression limiting device serves multiple functions: it limits compression of sealing elements, increases available sealing area, and includes a locator pin for proper alignment during installation. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of a separate device by providing multiple benefits beyond simple compression control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric bonding material acts as an intermediary that simplifies the overall assembly by providing both isolation and bonding functions. This single intermediary component enables the integration of the separate compression limiting device without requiring complex connection mechanisms, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 increases the available sealing area and improves sealing effectiveness by allowing even distribution of elastomeric sealing material, reducing the risk of carrier frame damage and ensuring a fluid-tight seal under compression.

Implementation Method 1

Elastomeric bonding material isolated the compression limiting device from direct contact with the carrier frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Elastomeric sealing material is molded on the carrier frame in surrounding relation to at least some of the openings and project outwardly of the carrier frame so as to be elastically deformable when the gasket assembly is compressed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP1910661B1Gasket assembly having isolated compression limiting device
Publication Date: 2014.09.17 FEDERAL MOGUL CORPORATION
  • EP1910661B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1910661B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1910661B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A manifold gasket includes a carrier frame with a plurality of media- conveying openings corresponding to openings communicating between two parts to be clamped, such as an intake manifold and a cylinder head. Elastomeric sealing material is molded to the carrier frame about the openings to seal the openings when clamped. A compression limiting device is disposed on the carrier frame and is isolated from direct contact with the carrier frame by intervening elastomeric bonding material to limit compression of said elastomeric sealing material when the gasket is clamped between the head and block. The elastomeric bonding material renders the compression limiting device free-floating relative to the carrier frame.