L-Shaped O-Ring Collar Seal for Dynamic Leak-Free Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seals, such as O-rings, struggle to provide reliable and leak-free sealing in dynamic applications with varying temperature and pressure conditions, particularly in battery pack enclosures, due to imperfect mating surfaces and relative motion between components.
Innovation Solution
An O-ring collar seal with a cylindrical structure featuring an L-shape cross-section, comprising a first section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, a second section parallel to it, and a third section configured to generate sealing pressure, which is retained on the component via friction and compressed to form a unitary seal, using compliant materials like HNBR or EPDM.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional O-ring is used to seal the interface between adjacent components, then the sealing function is provided, but reliable and leak-free sealing cannot be achieved under varying temperature and pressure conditions due to imperfect mating surfaces and relative motion between components
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into two distinct functional sections: a collar section with an L-shaped cross-section that provides structural support and maintains compression, and an O-ring section that provides the actual sealing function. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall sealing reliability under varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar section is designed to maintain dynamic compression of the O-ring section against the mating surfaces even when relative motion occurs between components. The collar's rigid structure compensates for surface irregularities and maintains consistent sealing pressure throughout temperature and pressure variations.
2Reliability
If the second section length is increased to improve retention on the first component, then the sealing stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar section serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, maintains compression on the O-ring, engages with the mating surface for retention, and compensates for surface irregularities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, maintaining simplicity while improving sealing stability.
3Reliability
If the third section diameter is increased to improve sealing pressure generation, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the compression force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar section is pre-compressed during assembly to establish and maintain consistent compression pressure on the O-ring section throughout operation. This preliminary compression action ensures the O-ring remains seated and maintains sealing effectiveness without requiring excessive ongoing compression forces.
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 O-ring collar seal provides reliable, leak-free sealing under varying conditions by ensuring predictable compression and retention, minimizing moisture and gas leakage, and facilitating easy installation, either manually or via automation.
Implementation Method 1
The third section has a round shape and is configured to be compressed by the adjacent components to generate sealing pressure therebetween
Implementation Method 2
The second section is configured to engage a first portion of an exterior surface of the first component arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis to thereby retain the O-ring collar seal on the first component
Data Source
AI summary
An O-ring collar seal for an interface between adjacent first and second components includes a cylindrical structure arranged along a longitudinal axis and characterized by an L-shape in a cross-sectional view. The L-shape includes a first section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, with a distal end extending toward the axis for being sandwiched between the components. The L-shape also includes a second section extending from the first section, arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis, and configured to retain the O-ring collar seal on the first component. The L-shape additionally includes a round shape third section arranged on the first section's distal end for being compressed by the adjacent components to generate sealing pressure therebetween when the O-ring collar seal is installed in the interface. The first and second sections of the L-shape together define a collar portion and the third section defines an O-ring portion of the O-ring collar seal.