Modular O-Ring Gripper for Twist-Free Seal Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current o-ring installation methods, including robotic end effectors, often result in tears, spiraling, or twisting due to inadequate accounting for size, shape, and composition variability, leading to leaks and assembly issues.
Innovation Solution
A modular o-ring gripper system with a housing, movable stripping bar, and modules featuring interleaved angular jaws and fingers that expand to accommodate different o-ring sizes and shapes, allowing precise placement and stretching without overstretching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an o-ring is rolled off a shaft for installation, then the installation process is simple, but the o-ring may spiral, twist or turn leading to leaks and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the installation tool with controlled release mechanism) between the installer and the o-ring. This intermediary controls the o-ring's release and placement, preventing uncontrolled rolling that causes spiraling and twisting while maintaining ease of installation through the tool's guided mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the o-ring on a shaft or guide element before final installation. The o-ring is held in a controlled state initially, then released in a controlled manner to slide into place rather than rolling freely, preventing distortion before the sealing function begins.
2Manufacturing precision
If an o-ring is stretched to fit precisely, then the seal quality improves, but the o-ring may tear or break due to overstretching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by carefully controlling the stretch ratio and elastic modulus of the o-ring material. The system adjusts these parameters to ensure the o-ring is stretched only to the necessary extent for precise placement while remaining within the elastic limit to prevent tearing or breaking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by stretching the o-ring only to the minimum necessary extent for proper placement rather than full expansion. This controlled partial stretching achieves the required precision while avoiding the excessive strain that would cause failure.
3Reliability
If sliding an o-ring into place is used instead of rolling, then spiraling and twisting are avoided, but more complex equipment and expensive lubricant are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a simplified intermediary tool that enables controlled sliding installation without requiring complex equipment. The tool acts as a guide and release mechanism, allowing the o-ring to slide smoothly into place using minimal lubrication while maintaining simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by designing the installation tool to use the o-ring's own elastic properties and the natural friction between components to enable sliding installation. The system minimizes external lubrication requirements by leveraging the self-lubricating characteristics of the materials and the controlled geometry of the installation path.
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 system enables precise, efficient placement of multiple o-rings of varying sizes and shapes, reducing the risk of tears and leaks, and can be integrated with robotics for automated assembly lines, enhancing production efficiency and reducing assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
An o-ring is a loop of elastomer, typically with a round cross-section, that is seated in a groove and compressed during assembly between two or more parts
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus, system and method for providing an o-ring gripper. The embodiments may include an end effector, comprising: a housing; a movable stripping bar mechanically associated with the housing; a plurality of modules at least partially within the housing; and at least two interleaved angular jaws, wherein each of the at least two jaws provides at least two of the at least four fingers, and wherein an increase in angle between the at least two jaws effects an expansion of an area bounded by each of the at least four fingers; wherein a movement of the stripper bar distally from the housing strips the o-ring from the retention groove for placement.