Modular Seal With Segmented Casing And Interchangeable Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of manufacturing radial seals for various industrial applications is exacerbated by the need for custom designs and small batch orders, which can lead to inventory management issues and reduced economic viability due to the complexity of maintaining a wide range of sizes and configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular seal design featuring a generally annular casing with a separately formed engaging feature and sealing element, allowing for custom sizing and the attachment of accessories to enhance functionality, thereby simplifying manufacturing and inventory management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If seals are custom-designed for each machine application, then sealing performance and adaptability are improved, but manufacturing complexity and inventory management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into modular components: a reusable casing and interchangeable sealing elements. Each sealing element is designed for specific applications, while the casing remains consistent across multiple seal configurations. This segmentation allows custom sealing solutions without requiring custom casings for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The casing is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple different sealing elements through standardized engagement features. This multi-functionality allows a single casing design to serve various sealing applications by simply changing the sealing element, reducing the need for custom-designed casings.
2Loss of time
If a large inventory of every seal size and configuration is maintained, then customer order fulfillment speed is improved, but inventory costs and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the seal into reusable casing and interchangeable sealing elements, the inventory strategy shifts from stocking complete custom seals to stocking universal casings and a limited array of sealing elements. This reduces total inventory quantity while enabling rapid fulfillment of various seal configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the inventory parameter from complete seal assemblies to modular components. Instead of maintaining inventory of every possible seal configuration, the system maintains inventory of standardized casings and a smaller set of sealing elements that can be combined to meet diverse customer needs.
3Ease of manufacture
If the number of seal parts is reduced to simplify manufacturing, then manufacturing process simplicity is improved, but seal functionality and adaptability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is segmented into two main parts: a standardized casing and interchangeable sealing elements. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing mass production of the common casing while the sealing elements can be produced in smaller batches for specific applications, maintaining functionality without requiring complete custom manufacturing for each seal type.
Solution Approach 2:
The casing is designed as a universal component with standardized engagement features that can accommodate multiple sealing elements. This universality reduces the total part count needed in the system while preserving adaptability, as the same casing can be used with different sealing elements to meet various functional requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A seal and a seal assembly. The seal includes a generally annular casing, an engaging feature coupled to or integral with the casing and configured to be coupled to an accessory that is separate from the casing, and a generally annular sealing element coupled to the casing, the engaging feature, or both. The sealing element is configured to seal with a relatively movable member, wherein the engaging feature is separately-formed from the sealing element.