Integral Seal Slide Gate Assembly for Easier Manufacture
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Solution Overview
Problem
The labor-intensive and costly process of cold forming materials for slide gate assemblies, which can lead to seal failures and complex repairs, is inefficient and prone to costly maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The integration of additive manufacturing and hybrid manufacturing to form integral seals within the slide gate and gate frame, providing a permanent and reliable sealing solution by depositing additive material onto textured regions and precision-machining it to shape, eliminating the risk of seal detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cold forming a strip of material into a groove of the slide gate to create a seal, then the seal can be installed, but the process is labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is integrally formed with the slide gate as a single monolithic structure, merging two previously separate components (gate body and seal) into one. This eliminates the need for separate installation processes and reduces labor intensity while maintaining sealing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide gate is divided into distinct functional regions: the gate body and the integrally formed seal portion. This segmentation allows the seal to be designed as a specific functional element with optimized geometry for sealing engagement, while being manufactured as part of the gate structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If cold forming a strip of material into the groove, then the seal can be formed, but the seal may become dislodged and fail
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is made integral to the gate body through monolithic formation, eliminating the interface between separate components that could allow dislodgement. The seal and gate body become indistinguishable structurally, ensuring the seal cannot become detached during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal features a curved engagement surface that contacts the frame seating face. This curved geometry provides mechanical interlocking and distributes contact forces, preventing the seal from being dislodged by operational stresses while maintaining reliable sealing contact.
3Ease of manufacture
If using cold formed strip material for sealing, then the initial seal can be created, but repairs are extremely costly and complex when seal failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The integral seal design means the seal is part of the gate body structure itself. When seal wear or damage occurs, the entire gate assembly can be inspected and replaced as a unit, or the seal portion can be re-machined in place, eliminating complex repair procedures required for detached strip seals.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is pre-formed with precise geometry and surface finish during the initial gate manufacturing process. This preliminary formation ensures optimal sealing characteristics from the start, preventing premature failure and reducing the frequency of repairs needed.
4Ease of manufacture
If cold forming the strip material, then the seal can be installed, but the process is costly
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is formed as an integral part of the gate body in the monolithic casting or machining process, eliminating separate materials, separate manufacturing steps, and separate installation labor. This consolidation reduces overall manufacturing cost despite the added complexity of forming the integral seal geometry.
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
This approach reduces manufacturing time and labor, minimizes material waste, and ensures a durable seal that prevents costly repairs, enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of slide gate assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
The integral gate seal can be formed by depositing additive material onto a face of the gate body and then precision-machining it to shape
Implementation Method 2
The integral gate seal can be formed by depositing additive material onto a face of the gate body and then precision-machining it to shape
Data Source
AI summary
A slide gate assembly is disclosed, comprising a gate frame with an integral frame seal and a slide gate slidably mounted on the gate frame. The gate frame includes a frame opening, a frame support structure, and the integral frame seal with a frame seating face. The slide gate consists of a gate body and an integral gate seal with a gate seating face that seals and slides along the frame seating face. The slide gate is movable between an open orientation, allowing fluid flow through the frame opening, and a closed orientation, restricting fluid flow through the frame opening.