Integrated Pressure Bar for Sealing Profile Application

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching sealing profiles to body components are space-demanding and require long adjustment paths, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in applying sealing profiles, especially when the body component surface arches and has undercuts.

Innovation Solution

A pressure strip with a holding tab and a pressing bar, formed in one piece, allows for direct application of pressing force to the sealing profile, reducing the need for energy-consuming compression and enabling shorter positioning paths, while a retaining groove and receiving channel enhance secure attachment and positioning accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate retaining strips and pressure devices are used to hold and press the sealing profile, then the sealing profile can be securely held and applied, but the device becomes space-consuming and requires long adjustment paths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure holding and application of sealing profileVSAvoidspace-consuming design with long adjustment paths
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the retaining strip and pressure device into a single integrated pressure bar element. The pressure bar features a retaining tab for holding the sealing profile and a pressure ridge for pressing it against the body panel, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing spatial requirements while maintaining secure holding and application functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure bar serves multiple functions simultaneously: it holds the sealing profile in the pre-positioned position via the retaining tab, presses the sealing profile against the body panel via the pressure ridge, and enables direct force transmission without requiring separate retaining strips and pressure devices, thereby reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the hose portion of the sealing profile is compressed before applying pressure to the sealing base, then the sealing profile can be applied, but energy is wasted and the actuator requires a longer stroke

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication of sealing profileVSAvoidenergy consumption for compressing hose section
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the hose section compression step from the application process. The pressure bar is designed to apply clamping force directly to the sealing base through the retaining tab without requiring compression of the hose section, thereby eliminating unnecessary energy consumption and reducing the actuator stroke required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If straight retaining strips are used for mounting the sealing profile, then the sealing profile can be held, but the insertion direction undercuts the sealing slot and adjacent contour when the sheet metal area curves inwards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding of sealing profileVSAvoidapplicability to curved and undercut surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a curved or angled pressure ridge configuration in the pressure bar that can adapt to curved body panel surfaces and undercut geometries. This curved design allows the pressure bar to follow the contour of the body panel and properly engage the sealing profile in positions where straight retaining strips would fail due to undercutting the sealing slot

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 design results in energy savings, improved positioning accuracy, and better contact pressure distribution, allowing for secure application of sealing profiles in undercuts and curved surfaces with reduced air consumption and increased compactness.

Implementation Method 1

the retaining tab can be subjected to a pressing force via the pressure ridge against a surface of the body component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Force

Data Source

PatentEP3459771B1Pressure bar for holding and pressing a seal profile
Publication Date: 2020.11.04 THYSSENKRUPP SYST ENG
  • EP3459771B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3459771B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3459771B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a pressure bar for holding and pressing a sealing profile, in particular a hollow profile seal, via an application system for body components.