H-Shaped Second Scissor Element for Reliable Retractable Seals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seals with scissor mechanisms are complex to manufacture and prone to functional impairments due to individual parts disassembly or guide failure, particularly in the overtravel mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A second scissor element is designed as an H-shaped, single-piece component with pivotally mounted arms and legs, featuring inward and outward pins for secure assembly and enhanced force transmission, and a bearing system to guide and support the scissor elements, reducing complexity and improving reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the scissor mechanism uses multiple individual parts for the lowering mechanism, then the mechanism can be assembled and disassembled, but the manufacturing complexity increases and reliability decreases due to potential part disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidnumber of individual parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple individual parts of the scissor mechanism into a single integrated component. The second scissor element combines the arm, leg, and connecting web into one piece, eliminating the need for separate parts that could disassemble or fail at connection points. This integration directly reduces manufacturing complexity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the scissor mechanism uses multiple individual parts with guides, then the parts can be assembled, but the guide structure becomes complex and prone to failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly capabilityVSAvoidguide failure resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The guide structure is integrated into the single-piece second scissor element rather than being separate components. The connecting web and arms/legs form an inherent guide structure that eliminates complex external guides, reducing failure points while maintaining assembly capability through the pivotal connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the second scissor element is designed as a single H-shaped piece, then manufacturing is simplified and reliability is improved, but the structural design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoidstructural design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The H-shaped second scissor element is designed with distinct functional segments (arms and legs extending from a connecting web) that provide pivot points and movement paths. This segmentation within a unified structure achieves reliability through integration while maintaining design simplicity through the regular H-shape geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If the scissor mechanism uses slidably guided ends on trigger rods, then the mechanism can accommodate movement, but the guide can fail and parts can fall out

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement accommodationVSAvoidguide stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable connections are integrated into the single-piece second scissor element structure rather than using separate slidable guides on trigger rods. This integration eliminates the risk of parts falling out while maintaining the necessary movement accommodation through the pivotal joints at the H-shaped element's corners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design simplifies manufacturing and enhances the seal's functionality by ensuring secure assembly and improved force transmission, preventing disassembly and guide failure, thus ensuring reliable operation.

Implementation Method 1

two pins projecting outward in opposite directions at the ends of the arms. The pins may have a circular cross-section. It is possible for the second scissor element to have two pins at the ends of the legs that extend inward in opposite directions.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3805509B1Second scissor element for a scissor mechanism for a seal
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 ATHMER
  • EP3805509B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1a
  • EP3805509B1 patent drawingFigure 2~6a
  • EP3805509B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4a

AI summary

The invention relates to a second scissor element for a scissor mechanism (Sa, Sb) for a seal with a retractable sealing strip (13, 14), wherein the scissor mechanism (Sa, Sb) has a first scissor element (6a, 6b) and a second scissor element (7a, 7b) which are pivotably mounted to one another, wherein the second scissor element is essentially H-shaped.