Push-In Seal Fasteners With Pivoting Anchors for Lightweight Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seal systems with lengthwise retainers are heavy and costly due to the substantial weight and material required for the retainers, which is a concern particularly in applications like aircraft where weight directly impacts fuel costs.

Innovation Solution

A seal assembly using stem fasteners with pop-out anchor arms that nest in seal cavities, reducing the need for extensive retainer material and allowing for a lightweight, cost-effective seal system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional lengthwise retainers are used to attach seals, then the seal system provides reliable attachment and sealing, but the weight and cost of the system increase substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal attachment reliabilityVSAvoidseal system weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer is divided into multiple discrete stem fasteners distributed along the seal length, rather than using a continuous lengthwise retainer. Each stem fastener is a separate component that can be independently installed and provides localized attachment, reducing the total material required while maintaining sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor arms are designed to nest within cavities in the seal body when in the retracted position, and extend outward when deployed. This nesting mechanism allows the fastening components to be compact during installation while providing full attachment function when engaged, reducing overall system weight without compromising attachment strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If traditional lengthwise retainers are used to attach seals, then the seal system provides reliable attachment and sealing, but the material usage and cost increase substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal attachment reliabilityVSAvoidretainer material usage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stem fasteners are designed as simpler, more economical components compared to traditional retainers. Each fastener uses minimal material with a focused function of providing attachment at a specific location, reducing overall material consumption and cost while maintaining the necessary attachment reliability for the seal application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If traditional seal systems with retainers are used, then adequate sealing is achieved, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor arms are designed with dynamic movement capability, allowing them to be inserted in a compact state and then automatically or manually extended to engage with the seal body. This dynamic mechanism simplifies the installation process compared to rigid retainers that require precise alignment and complex fastening operations, while still providing reliable sealing when engaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stem fasteners with extendable anchor arms are designed to self-align and self-engage with the seal body cavities during installation. The anchor arms naturally guide themselves into the correct position and lock into place through their extension mechanism, reducing the need for complex installation tools or procedures while ensuring proper sealing engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 proposed seal assembly is lighter, cheaper, and easier to install compared to traditional systems, offering significant cost savings by reducing material usage and weight, which is particularly beneficial in aircraft applications.

Implementation Method 1

Each anchor arm may be configured to rotate around the pivot between an uncoupled position and a coupled position upon application of a longitudinal force to the arm lever, causing an extendable portion of the anchor arm to rotate radially outwards relative to the axis.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentEP4571130A1Push-in and snap-on seals

Publication Date: 2025.06.18 BE AEROSPACE INC

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AI summary

A seal assembly is disclosed. The seal assembly may include a seal with a seal body. The seal body may include a seal bottom surface and a cavity along a lengthwise direction of the seal body. The seal assembly may include a fastener with a shank (502) disposed along an axis, a stem (508) protruding up from the shank (502) and disposed along the axis, and an anchor (210) coupled to the stem (508). The anchor (210) may include one or more anchor arms (212), each with a pivot (216) and coupled to an arm lever (220) located at a distal end of the fastener. Each anchor arm may be configured to rotate around the pivot (216) between an uncoupled position and a coupled position upon application of a longitudinal force to the arm lever (220), causing an extendable portion of the anchor arm to rotate radially outwards relative to the axis.