O-Ring Mounting Template for Uniform Seal Groove Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of long, thin o-rings into seal grooves is problematic due to uneven stretching and compression, leading to inconsistent sealing and potential failure, and current methods are time-consuming and inconsistent.
Innovation Solution
A carrier with a holding groove and alignment features is used to uniformly transfer the o-ring into a seal groove, facilitated by a deformable tray that allows the o-ring to be pressed into the groove using an insertion tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a long thin o-ring is installed by hand into a seal groove, then the installation can be performed with simple tools, but the installation is time-consuming and produces inconsistent results with uneven stretching and compression
Solution Approach 1:
The o-ring is pre-loaded into a holding groove on the carrier before installation. The carrier is then positioned over the seal groove and pressure is applied to deform the carrier and transfer the pre-positioned o-ring into the seal groove, ensuring uniform installation without manual manipulation during the actual installation process
Solution Approach 2:
A deformable carrier acts as an intermediary tool between the installer and the o-ring. The carrier holds the o-ring in a controlled manner and transfers it uniformly to the seal groove when pressure is applied, eliminating the need for direct manual handling of the o-ring during installation
2Reliability
If a long thin o-ring is manually installed into a seal groove, then the process requires minimal equipment, but the o-ring becomes stretched in some locations and compressed in other locations leading to inconsistent sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is designed with a holding groove that provides localized control over the o-ring's position and shape before installation. The groove's geometry is specifically designed to maintain the o-ring's uniform cross-section and prevent deformation during transfer to the seal groove
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable carrier serves as a controlled intermediary that distributes pressure evenly across the o-ring during transfer, preventing localized stretching or compression that would compromise sealing effectiveness
3Productivity
If hand installation methods are used for o-rings, then the equipment required is simple, but the installation is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The o-ring is pre-positioned in the carrier's holding groove, allowing for rapid transfer to the seal groove in a single motion. This eliminates the time-consuming manual manipulation required in traditional hand installation methods
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier is designed to be deformable under pressure, allowing it to flex and transfer the o-ring efficiently. This dynamic property enables rapid installation while maintaining simplicity of the tool itself
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
Facilitates rapid, accurate, and consistent installation of o-rings, ensuring uniformity and effective sealing by aligning the o-ring with the groove and applying pressure to deform the carrier.
Implementation Method 1
The tray is deformable in response to a pressure applied to the back surface such that the seal member is pushed out of the holding groove
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for inserting a seal member into a seal groove includes a tray. The tray includes a holding groove formed in a front surface for containing the seal member. The holding groove is sized and shaped to correspond with the seal groove. A method of installing a seal member into a seal groove includes aligning the holding groove with the seal groove, and applying a pressure to a back surface of the tray, thereby deforming the tray and inserting the seal member into the seal groove.