Releasable Seal Assembly for Low-Force Watertight Panel Egress
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zip strip seals are not designed to facilitate multiple installation and removal of removable panels in passenger rail car vestibule doors, failing to consider the panel removal pull force and are not suitable for watertight applications.
Innovation Solution
A releasable seal assembly with asymmetrical locking strips and resiliently hinged side wings that allow for easy removal of panels without tools, providing a low pull force requirement and maintaining a watertight seal, even under high forces like foot kicks, with a design that minimizes cross-section thickness for pocket door applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing zip strip seals are used, then the seal structure is simple, but the seal cannot withstand multiple disassembly and reassembly operations
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into a core and multiple extension profiles that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each extension profile includes locking strips with retention tongues that engage with retention tongue recesses, allowing the seal to be segmented for easy installation and removal while maintaining structural integrity during multiple operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking strips are designed to be removable and repositionable, transforming the seal from a static structure to a dynamic one that can be repeatedly assembled and disassembled. The retention tongue and recess mechanism allows for controlled engagement and disengagement, enabling multiple installation and removal cycles without compromising seal reliability.
2Ease of operation
If existing zip strip seals are used, then the installation process is simple, but the panel removal requires excessive pull force
Solution Approach 1:
The locking strips are extracted as separate, removable components from the seal structure. These locking strips can be independently removed from the extension profiles, allowing the panel to be released without applying excessive pull force. The extraction of the locking mechanism enables tool-free panel removal by simply pulling the locking strips outward.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic release state through the removable locking strips. The locking strips can be easily pulled out to release the panel, and the resiliently hinged side wings allow the seal to flex and return to its original position, enabling repeated easy removal without excessive force.
3Reliability
If existing zip strip seals are used, then the seal structure is straightforward, but the seal cannot provide watertight sealing under high forces
Solution Approach 1:
The seal incorporates local quality variations through the core and extension profile structure. The core provides a stable base, while the extension profiles with locking strips create localized sealing zones. The resiliently hinged side wings provide localized flexibility to maintain sealing contact under high forces such as foot kicks, ensuring watertight sealing at critical locations without requiring complex overall design.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing zip strip seals are used, then the seal is easy to manufacture, but the seal cannot facilitate multiple installation and removal operations
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is segmented into a core and multiple extension profiles that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. Each extension profile includes integrated locking strips with retention tongues, allowing the seal to be produced in modular components. This segmentation enables the seal to facilitate multiple installation and removal operations while maintaining reasonable manufacturing simplicity through standardized modular parts.
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
Enables easy and tool-free removal of panels from both sides during emergencies, withstands repeated assembly and disassembly for testing, and provides significant panel retention and watertight sealing.
Implementation Method 1
a first exit panel side wing resiliently hinged to the core and configured to move from a first biased position to a second biased position
Data Source
AI summary
A releasable seal assembly is provided that may include a first extension profile and a second extension profile extending from a core. The first extension profile may include a first exit panel side wing resiliently hinged to the core, and a first host panel side wing extending from the core. The first exit panel side wing and the first host panel side wing may define a first key cavity, and the first exit panel side wing has a first arcuate surface that may define a first retention tongue recess of the first key cavity. Additionally, the first host panel side wing has a second arcuate surface that defines a second retention tongue recess of the first key cavity. The first exit panel side wing may include a first exit panel side wing tongue configured to be received within the second retention tongue recess.