Non-Planar Sealing Assembly for EMI Shielding and Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sealing devices, such as O-rings, are limited in application due to their planar sealing perimeter, which restricts their use in non-planar surfaces and fails to effectively address thermal expansion differences and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding needs in complex environments.
Innovation Solution
A sealing system comprising a non-planar sealing member and support member that aligns with a generally non-planar sealing perimeter, providing both environmental sealing and EMI shielding, with the sealing member made from materials like electrically conductive silicone rubber and the support member designed to maintain the non-planar configuration, capable of operating across a wide temperature range and accommodating different thermal expansion coefficients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional planar sealing devices like O-rings are used, then the sealing structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sealing perimeter is limited to planar surfaces and cannot accommodate non-planar geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member transitions from a planar configuration to a three-dimensional non-planar configuration, allowing it to conform to complex sealing perimeters that exist in multiple dimensions rather than being restricted to a single plane
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member incorporates curved and non-linear geometric features that allow it to conform to rounded or irregular surfaces, replacing the straight edges and flat surfaces of conventional planar sealers
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sealing devices are used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different thermal expansion coefficients and temperature ranges is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is designed to accommodate parameter changes in thermal expansion by incorporating compliant features and selecting materials with appropriate thermal properties, allowing the seal to adapt as the components expand or contract with temperature variations
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system employs composite material selection where the sealing member is made from a material with thermal expansion characteristics intermediate between the two components being sealed, or where the sealing member combines materials with different thermal properties to accommodate differential expansion
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional sealing devices are used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but EMI shielding capability is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function and EMI shielding function are merged into a single integrated sealing member, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system complexity despite adding functional capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing environmental sealing, EMI shielding, and accommodation of thermal expansion, making it a universal component that replaces multiple conventional components
4Reliability
If conventional planar sealing devices are used, then the ease of operation is high, but the reliability in complex environments with non-planar surfaces is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member incorporates locally varied properties and geometries that are optimized for specific regions of the sealing perimeter, allowing it to conform to non-planar surfaces and irregular geometries that a uniform planar seal cannot accommodate
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 offers a low-cost, reversible, and adaptable sealing solution that can handle complex 3D shapes and varying thermal expansion, while providing EMI shielding and vibration damping, suitable for applications like missiles, with a wide range of tolerances and temperature resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing member configured for providing sealing between said first component and said second component with respect to said opening and along a generally non-planar sealing perimeter
Implementation Method 2
said sealing member is electrically conducting
Implementation Method 3
a support member configured for supporting said sealing member in a generally non-planar configuration corresponding to said generally non-planar sealing perimeter
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly (500) is provided including: a first component (10) having a first outer surface (15) defining an opening therein; a second component (30) having second surface (60); and a sealing system (100). The sealing system includes a sealing member (200) and a support member (300). The sealing member is configured for providing sealing between the first component and the second component with respect to the opening and along a generally non-planar sealing perimeters. The support member is configured for supporting the sealing member in a generally non-planar configuration corresponding to the generally non-planar sealing perimeter. At least one of the second component and the support member is configured for enabling the sealing system to be mounted to the second component in a sealing position wherein to align the sealing member with the second component along the sealing perimeter. The support member is configured for being sealingly affixed to the first component subsequent to the system being mounted to the second component in the sealing position.