Modular Automation Module Sealing for Low-Friction Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automation platforms face challenges in effectively sealing against moisture and dust ingress while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly of functional modules.
Innovation Solution
A modular automation platform design featuring a base module and functional modules with a cap structure comprising a hard component and a soft component, where the soft component forms a radial seal upon connection, reducing friction during assembly and disassembly, and providing effective sealing against environmental contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If seals are used between functional modules and base module to protect from moisture and dust, then protection against environmental contaminants is improved, but assembly and disassembly become more difficult due to increased friction
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing sleeve is pre-assembled with the engagement element during module manufacturing, so that the sealing function is already in place before assembly. This preliminary preparation allows the seal to be integrated into the connection mechanism without adding separate assembly steps, thus maintaining ease of assembly while ensuring protection against contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing sleeve is nested within or integrated with the engagement element, forming a compact combined structure. This nesting allows the sealing function to be incorporated into the existing connection geometry without increasing overall complexity or friction, enabling both effective sealing and smooth assembly/disassembly operations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If radial seals are compressed to provide sealing, then protection against contaminants is improved, but wear on seals increases due to continuous compression
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device incorporates a movable element that dynamically adjusts the compression force applied to the sealing sleeve. During normal operation, the dynamic movement allows the seal to maintain contact and sealing effectiveness while periodically relieving continuous compression, thereby reducing wear and extending seal life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the compression parameter of the sealing sleeve based on operational conditions. The movable element modulates the compression force, varying it between higher levels during sealing-critical phases and lower levels during normal operation, thus maintaining sealing effectiveness while minimizing cumulative wear on the seal material.
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 design facilitates easy assembly and disassembly of functional modules with reduced wear on seals, while ensuring robust protection against dust, moisture, and chemicals through efficient radial and axial sealing mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the soft component of the cap structure is radially compressed in areas between the projection in the base housing connection surface and the outer wall of the sealing sleeve
Implementation Method 2
the locking hook engages in the recess
Data Source
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AI summary
A base module (2) has a base-connection surface (13) with a first opening (22), wherein a protrusion (49) is formed so as to run around the first opening (22). A function module (3) has a function-connection surface (15) with a second opening (23), also has an engagement element (34), arranged on the second opening (23) and having an aperture (45), and additionally has a sealing stub (35), which runs around the second opening (23) An edge of the aperture (45) forms a stop (47). A hard component (38) of a cap structure (37) has a frame (40), which runs around the second opening (23), and also has a plug-in mount (41), which is connected to the frame (40) and has a latching hook (43). A soft component (39) of the cap structure (37) is arranged on the frame (40) so as to face the function-connection surface (15). The engagement element (34) is pushed into the plug-in mount (41) such that the soft component (39) butts against the sealing stub (35) and the latching hook (43) engages in the aperture (45). With the connecting device (16) between the function module (3) and base module (2) open, the soft component (39) arranges the hard component (38) on the function-connection surface (15) such that the latching hook (43) strikes against the stop (47) and the sealing stub (35) is supported on the soft component (39) such that the connection surfaces (13, 15) are at a distance from one another. With the connecting device (16) closed, the connection surfaces (13, 15) are pressed against one another, so that the soft component (39) is compressed between the protrusion (49) and the sealing stub (35) and the engagement element (34) is pushed into the plug-in mount (41) such that the latching hook (43) is at a distance from the stop (47).