O-Ring Vacuum Seal Structure for Compression and Scratch-Free Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing O-ring vacuum seal technology faces challenges in achieving the required rate of compression due to the venting slot, leading to inadequate sealing and the need for special tools during O-ring removal, which can cause scratching.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an O-ring retainer housing and retainer within the vacuum sealing assembly ensures the integrity of the O-ring groove, allowing for the predetermined rate of compression and eliminating the need for special tools during O-ring removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a venting slot is provided on the O-ring groove to facilitate O-ring removal and outgassing, then ease of operation is improved, but the integrity of the O-ring groove is compromised, leading to insufficient compression rate and poor sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the groove structure into two separate components: the O-ring groove and the venting slot, positioned at different locations. The O-ring groove maintains its integrity for proper sealing, while the venting slot is created separately in the sealing surface to allow outgassing and facilitate O-ring removal without compromising the groove's compression effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting function is extracted from the O-ring groove structure and implemented as a separate venting slot in the sealing surface. This separation allows the O-ring groove to maintain its integrity and achieve the required compression rate, while the venting slot independently provides outgassing and ease of O-ring removal.
2Loss of energy
If a venting slot is provided on the O-ring groove, then outgassing is improved, but the compression rate of the O-ring is reduced, leading to inadequate sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The groove and venting functions are segmented into separate structures. The O-ring groove is designed as an independent feature with precise dimensions to ensure the required compression rate, while the venting slot is positioned separately in the sealing surface to enable trapped air removal without interfering with the groove's compression geometry.
3Ease of operation
If a special O-ring pick tool is used for O-ring removal, then ease of operation is improved, but the sealing surface and O-ring may be scratched, compromising future sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The venting slot is designed to serve multiple functions: it allows trapped air to escape during vacuum pumping, and it provides a built-in feature that facilitates O-ring removal by hand without requiring special tools. The slot's geometry enables the O-ring to be easily grasped and removed, eliminating the need for pick tools that could scratch the sealing surface.
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
This solution achieves better sealing by ensuring the required rate of compression and prevents scratching of the O-ring and sealing surfaces during installation and removal, maintaining the sealing effect when the O-ring is reused.
Implementation Method 1
The O-ring, when mechanically squeezed, experiences compression-caused elastic deformation and makes contacts with the sealing surface under compressive stress, such that proper sealing is achieved
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an O-ring vacuum sealing structure, and a vacuum apparatus that includes the O-ring vacuum sealing structure. The O-ring vacuum sealing structure includes O-ring vacuum sealing structure, including a vacuum sealing assembly, and an O-ring; wherein, the vacuum sealing assembly has an O-ring groove; the O-ring is arranged within the O-ring groove; and the O-ring vacuum sealing structure further includes an O-ring retainer housing, and an O-ring retainer; the O-ring retainer housing is formed within the vacuum sealing assembly and is on either side of the O-ring groove; the O-ring retainer is removably arranged within the O-ring retainer housing and abuts against the O-ring.