Oval Plug Seal Structure for Flow Capacity and Offset Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug & seal technologies are limited by a constant circular bore section, restricting fluid flow capacity and misalignment compensation, which is inadequate for newer applications like electric vehicles with higher fluid volume requirements in constrained spaces.
Innovation Solution
A non-round plug & seal design featuring an oval tubular insert with variable elastomeric over-mold bead thickness, including a central stopper shoulder, to accommodate oval cross-section pipes and maintain sealing capacity under misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a constant circular bore section is used to maintain offset compensation capability, then sealing reliability is improved, but fluid flow capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from a circular bore section to an oval bore section. The oval geometry provides a larger cross-sectional area for fluid flow while maintaining the constant gap capability needed for offset compensation. This asymmetric shape allows the seal to accommodate higher fluid volumes in constrained spaces without sacrificing sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the bore section from circular to oval, and varies the bead thickness parameters along different sections of the seal. The bead thickness is increased at curved sections and reduced at flat sections, optimizing both sealing performance and fluid flow capacity while maintaining offset compensation capability.
2Quantity of substance
If an oval cross-section is used to increase fluid flow capacity, then fluid flow capacity is improved, but maintaining constant gap for offset compensation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the bead thickness at different locations around the oval cross-section. The beads are made thicker at the curved sections where they are needed most for maintaining the constant gap during offset, and thinner at the flat sections. This localized variation in bead properties ensures offset compensation capability is maintained while accommodating the oval geometry for higher fluid flow.
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 enhances fluid flow capacity and maintains offset compensation for oval cross-section pipes, ensuring effective sealing and strain management in non-circular geometries.
Implementation Method 1
An elastomeric over-mold is provided on an exterior of the oval shaped tubular insert
Data Source
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AI summary
A seal (10) for connecting between oval cross-section pipe sections includes an oval shaped tubular insert (16) having two flat wall sections connected to one another by two end curved sections. The oval shaped tubular insert has a pair of ends with a passage extending through the pair of ends. An elastomeric over-mold (14) is provided on an exterior of the oval shaped tubular insert. The elastomeric over-mold includes a pair of raised seal beads (22) each surrounding a respective one of the pair of ends. The pair of raised beads have a first bead thickness (Y) in a radial direction along the two flat wall sections and a gradually increasing bead thickness (X) from the ends of the flat wall sections to a center of the two end curved sections.