L-Shaped Seal Arrangement for Gap Sealing and Cleanability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal arrangements for gaps between components are complex, prone to dirt buildup, and difficult to clean, especially in process engineering where sterilization and disinfection are critical.
Innovation Solution
An L-shaped seal arrangement with oversized dimensions that fits into an L-shaped groove, featuring channels for easy insertion and secure clamping, minimizing contact with the groove walls to prevent dirt accumulation and facilitate cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional L-shaped seal with groove is used, then sealing function is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and dirt buildup occurs in the groove
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into two perpendicular sealing limbs (first sealing limb and second sealing limb) that correspond to the L-shaped groove. Each limb independently seals one component, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining effective sealing across the gap between components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating a complex groove structure to achieve sealing, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple L-shaped seal that actively engages with a basic groove. The seal itself provides the complexity needed for effective sealing, while the groove remains simple and easy to clean.
2Reliability
If a groove with protrusion is created, then sealing is achieved, but dirt buildup occurs easily in the groove
Solution Approach 1:
The invention reverses the conventional approach by making the seal element complex rather than the groove. The L-shaped seal with its two perpendicular limbs provides the necessary sealing complexity, while the groove remains simple and open, preventing dirt accumulation and facilitating easy cleaning in process engineering applications.
3Reliability
If the seal is tightly clamped in the groove, then sealing effectiveness improves, but cleaning access is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The L-shaped seal is segmented into two perpendicular limbs that can be independently positioned and clamped. This segmentation allows the seal to be tightly secured in the groove for effective sealing while maintaining an open, accessible structure that facilitates cleaning operations in process engineering environments.
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 seal arrangement provides a secure, easy-to-clean, and effective sealing solution that reduces dirt buildup and enhances cleanability, sterilization, and disinfection capabilities in process plants.
Implementation Method 1
a seal (100) has been inserted into the groove (10), the seal likewise having an L-shape, corresponding to the L-shape of the groove, to which end it has a first sealing limb (101) and a second sealing limb (102) perpendicular thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A seal arrangement for a process device or installation. A component arrangement has two components adjoining one another in sections in the area of a gap. A groove toward the gap is formed on one of the two components, which groove is L-shaped and is open toward an edge of the gap. A seal is inserted into the groove, which seal also has an L shape that corresponds to the L shape of the groove, for which purpose the seal has a first sealing limb and a second sealing limb at right angle thereto. The first sealing limb is designed so that the first sealing limb is inserted into the first limb of the groove, and the second sealing limb is designed in such a way that the second sealing limb can be inserted into the second limb of the groove and is firmly clamped there, and the first sealing limb is firmly clamped into the first limb of the groove in the manner of a sealing foot with oversize.