Integrated Electrode Holding Strip for Uniform Boiler Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retaining plates for ignition electrodes in gas boilers often result in uneven sealing due to bulging, leading to leaks under boiler overpressure, as the seal acts as a fulcrum during fastening, causing uneven compression and potential gaps between the retaining plate and the boiler wall.
Innovation Solution
The retaining plate is designed with an integrated seal that remains in an optimal position during assembly, ensuring uniform contact pressure by being prefabricated with the seal applied over a large area or in a groove, preventing deformation and leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate seal is used between the retaining plate and the boiler wall, then the seal can be positioned close to the mounting hole for secure fastening, but the seal acts as a fulcrum causing the retaining plate to bulge and creating uneven sealing pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is integrated directly into the retaining plate by being applied over the fastening surface area, merging two previously separate components (retaining plate and separate seal) into one unified structure. This eliminates the fulcrum effect that occurred with separate seals positioned near mounting holes, while maintaining secure fastening and uniform sealing pressure across the entire fastening surface.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the seal is positioned close to the mounting hole for secure fastening, then fastening stability is improved, but the retaining plate bulges away from the wall on the side of the seal causing gaps and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the seal over the entire fastening surface area rather than positioning it locally near mounting holes, the seal becomes part of the structural fastening system itself. This distributed integration provides both fastening stability and prevents bulging-induced gaps, eliminating gas leaks without compromising fastening security.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is extended from a local linear position near the mounting hole to a two-dimensional area covering the entire fastening surface. This dimensional expansion transforms the seal from a point-like fulcrum into a distributed pressure distribution system, preventing localized bulging while maintaining overall fastening stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the seal is compressed uniformly over a large area, then sealing uniformity is improved, but the seal material may be excessively compressed reducing its service life
Solution Approach 1:
The seal design incorporates specific dimensional parameters including a thickness of 2-8 mm and an application area of 1-5 mm from the outer edge, fastening holes, and ignition electrode. These parameter specifications ensure uniform compression distribution across the fastening surface while preventing excessive compression that would reduce seal service life, achieving both sealing uniformity and durability.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The holding strip (1) for an electrode such as an ignition electrode or a monitoring electrode in gas boilers, for example, is provided with an integrated seal (2).