Master Cylinder Sealing Element Radial Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brake system master cylinders require multiple components to achieve effective sealing, which increases complexity and potential for hydraulic fluid loss compensation issues without pressure, affecting the clutch or brake system functionality.

Innovation Solution

A master cylinder design with a single annular sealing element that includes both an outer and inner sealing lip, where the piston's chamfer and elastic deformation of the sealing element ensure sealing without axial movement, eliminating the need for separate seals and reducing component count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate seals are used to seal the pressure chamber and hydraulic fluid supply, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of seal components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single annular sealing element. This sealing element includes an outer sealing lip that seals the hydraulic fluid supply against the pressure chamber, and a sealing structure on its back side that seals the pressure chamber from the environment. By merging these functions into one component, the patent reduces device complexity while maintaining sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The annular sealing element performs multiple sealing functions simultaneously: it seals the hydraulic fluid supply, seals the pressure chamber from the environment, and enables pressureless compensation of hydraulic fluid losses. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while ensuring comprehensive sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the piston moves the sealing element axially to seal the hydraulic fluid supply, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the compensation function for hydraulic fluid losses is adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidhydraulic fluid compensation function
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing element is segmented into distinct functional zones: an outer sealing lip for sealing the hydraulic fluid supply, a reinforcement zone for structural support, and a sealing structure on the back side for sealing the pressure chamber. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently, enabling effective sealing while maintaining the compensation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of relying on axial movement of the sealing element, the patent uses radial deformation of the outer sealing lip to achieve sealing. When pressure builds up in the pressure chamber, the outer sealing lip deforms radially to seal the hydraulic fluid supply, while the sealing structure on the back side maintains contact with the piston to enable pressureless compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design effectively seals the pressure chamber from the environment and hydraulic fluid supply, reducing component complexity and maintaining system functionality while compensating for fluid losses without pressure, thus enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the brake system.

Implementation Method 1

due to the elastic deformation of the sealing element caused by this, the outer sealing lip is pressed against the housing and thus seals the hydraulic fluid supply provided in the area of the sealing element against the pressure chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3887216B1Master cylinder with seal element
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
  • EP3887216B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3887216B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3887216B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a master cylinder (1) for a clutch system or brake system, in which master cylinder a sealing element (6) for sealing a pressure chamber (3) is provided. The sealing element (6) is provided with a sealing lip (61) for sealing a feed (21) of hydraulic fluid from a reservoir (24) arranged on a housing (2) of the master cylinder (1) into the pressure chamber (3) and is provided with a sealing structure (63, 64) for sealing the pressure chamber (3) against a surroundings of the pressure chamber (3).