Pivoting Sealing Element for Vehicle Drainage Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drainage plugs for vehicle cavities, such as side skirts, face issues with complex structures, potential leaks due to large contact surfaces, and jamming of sealing elements, which compromise the reliability of sealing and drainage efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A drainage plug with a base body and pivoting sealing element mounted via a holding axis, utilizing a clip or snap-in connection for the retaining bolt, ensuring the sealing element cannot jam and allowing easy replacement, and featuring a circumferential sealing edge and wind deflector for enhanced sealing and dirt prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the sealing element is mounted on a vertical pin with large contact surface, then the sealing element is protected from displacement, but leaks occur when stones or dirt get between the base body and sealing element
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is segmented from the base body through the pin connection, allowing independent movement and rotation. This segmentation enables the sealing element to be pushed upward for sealing while maintaining the ability to rotate and drain, preventing the jamming issue that would occur with a fully integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element transitions from a static mounted state to a dynamic state where it can be pushed upward by pressure differences during driving and rotated during drainage. The pin connection enables this dynamic behavior, allowing the sealing element to adapt between sealing and drainage functions without jamming.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover element is added to protect the sealing element, then protection from stone chips is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element itself provides protection through its positioning and movement characteristics. By being mounted on the pin and capable of upward movement and rotation, the sealing element naturally resists stone chips and dirt accumulation without requiring an additional cover element, thus avoiding increased structural complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the sealing element has large contact surface on the base body, then mounting stability is improved, but leaks occur when stones or dirt get between the base body and sealing element
Solution Approach 1:
The contact between the sealing element and base body is segmented through the pin connection rather than a large continuous contact surface. This segmentation reduces the areas where stones or dirt can accumulate while maintaining mounting stability through the pin's securing function.
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 solution provides reliable sealing and efficient drainage by preventing leaks and jamming, while the wind deflector aids in maintaining the sealing element's protection and pressure-assisted closure during driving, ensuring effective water and dirt management.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing element is moved into the closed position by pressure differences on the outside and inside of the cavity
Implementation Method 2
the sealing element is moved into the open position by gravity
Implementation Method 3
a wind deflector, in particular a spoiler, can be provided on the base body. A corresponding shape of the spoiler or wind deflector on the outside of the base body allows water or dirt to be deflected away from the drainage opening by the relative wind
Data Source
AI summary
In a drainage plug (10) for a cavity (16) of a vehicle, in particular a side sill (14), with a base body (18) that can be fixed in a through-hole (12) of the cavity (14) and has an opening (20) in which a sealing element (22) is arranged that can be moved between a closed position in which the opening (20) is tightly closed and an open position in which the opening (20) is open, the sealing element (22) is pivotably mounted in the base body (18) about a retaining axis (36).