Modular Sealing Assembly for Dynamic Track Construction Gaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sealing devices for track construction devices are complex to assemble, prone to errors, and not robust enough to withstand mechanical and dynamic stresses, as well as corrosion, especially when exposed to rainwater, dirt, and dust at high speeds.

Innovation Solution

A sealing device with a base part and a coupling part that allows for precise and reliable attachment of a sealing part to the base part, avoiding direct connection to the body and enabling easy replacement, thus providing a robust and economical solution that can handle dynamic loads and varying sealing gaps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the sealing part is directly glued to the first and second bodies, then the sealing device can be assembled, but the assembly is complex and error-prone, and not robust against wear and corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobustness against wear and corrosionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing device is divided into multiple components: a sealing part, a base part, and a coupling part. The sealing part is separated from the base part and connected via a coupling part, allowing each component to be optimized independently. The coupling part acts as an intermediary that simplifies assembly while maintaining robustness against wear and corrosion through its protective function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling part serves as an intermediary element between the sealing part and the base part. It mediates the connection, enabling simple attachment while protecting the sealing part from direct exposure to mechanical stresses and corrosion. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by providing both assembly simplicity and operational robustness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the sealing part is directly connected to the body, then the connection can be made, but assembly cannot be carried out with high precision and reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly precisionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the sealing device into a sealing part, base part, and coupling part, the invention enables precise assembly of each component independently. The coupling part provides a standardized interface that ensures high-precision connection between the sealing part and base part, while the modular structure reduces overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling part is designed with specific local features that enable precise alignment and connection. This localized precision design allows the sealing part to be attached with high accuracy to the base part, which is then connected to the body with precise positioning, resolving the contradiction between assembly precision and structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the sealing part is directly attached to the body, then the connection can be made, but the sealing part may be overstressed and the device is not robust in operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling part acts as a protective intermediary between the sealing part and the body, absorbing and distributing mechanical stresses. This prevents direct transmission of excessive forces to the sealing part, thereby preventing overstress and improving operational reliability while maintaining a relatively simple connection structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling part is designed to provide beforehand cushioning against mechanical stresses and corrosion. It anticipates and mitigates potential damage to the sealing part by providing a protective barrier that absorbs wear and corrosion before they can affect the sealing part, thereby ensuring operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Strength

If the sealing device uses a simple direct connection, then manufacturing is economical, but it cannot handle dynamic loads and relative movements between bodies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrength against dynamic loadsVSAvoidmanufacturing economy
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented design with separate sealing part, base part, and coupling part allows each component to be manufactured using simple and economical processes. The coupling part is designed to handle dynamic loads through its structural features, providing strength against relative movements while keeping the overall manufacturing process economical through modular production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling part is designed with dynamic characteristics that enable it to accommodate relative movements between the first and second bodies. It provides flexible connection that can handle dynamic loads while maintaining sealing effectiveness, resolving the contradiction between strength against dynamic loads and manufacturing economy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4353505A1Sealing device for sealingly connecting a first body to a second body, in particular for a track construction device
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 PLASSER & THEURER EXPORT VON BAHNBAUMASCHINEN GMBH
  • EP4353505A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4353505A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4353505A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sealing device (14) for tightly connecting a first body (15) to a second body (16), in particular for a track construction device (1), comprises a sealing part (19), a first base part (17) for attaching to the first body (15), and a first coupling part (18), with a first connecting element (20) for connecting to the sealing part (19) and a second connecting element (21) for connecting to the first base part (17). A device (1) comprises a first body (15), a second body (16), and at least one sealing device (14) connected to the first body (15) and to the second body (16).