Replaceable Sealing Block Structure for Waterproofness Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sealing pads for inspecting waterproofness of semi-finished products require replacement when the sealing force of the protrusion portion is reduced, leading to resource waste.

Innovation Solution

A sealing unit with a replaceable sealing block as the protrusion portion, detachably coupled to a sealing pad, which is harder than the pad material, ensuring the pad can be reused by replacing only the worn-out block.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the protrusion portion is integral with the sealing pad, then the sealing structure is simple, but the sealing pad must be discarded when the protrusion portion wears out

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing structure complexityVSAvoidsealing pad waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing pad is divided into two separate components: the pad body and the protrusion portion (sealing block). The protrusion portion can be detached and replaced independently when worn, while the pad body remains in use. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing resource reuse of the pad body while maintaining sealing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusion portion is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the sealing pad. This allows the worn protrusion portion to be removed and replaced without discarding the entire sealing pad, thereby reducing resource waste while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of manufacture

If the protrusion portion is integral with the sealing pad, then manufacturing is easier, but resource waste increases when sealing force decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing pad manufacturingVSAvoidsealing pad waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the sealing pad into a reusable pad body and a replaceable protrusion portion, the manufacturing process can optimize each component separately. The pad body is manufactured once and reused, while only the worn protrusion portions need periodic replacement, reducing overall material consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of discarding the entire sealing pad when the protrusion portion wears out, the invention allows recovery and continued use of the pad body. Only the worn protrusion portions are discarded and replaced, significantly reducing resource waste while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Loss of substance

If a replaceable sealing block is used, then resource waste is reduced, but the sealing structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing pad wasteVSAvoidsealing structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing pad is segmented into a pad body and a protrusion portion that can be detachably coupled. This segmentation enables the protrusion portion to be replaced independently when worn, reducing resource waste. The coupling mechanism is designed to be simple, minimizing the increase in structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing structure transitions from a static integral design to a dynamic modular design where the protrusion portion can be detached and replaced. This dynamic capability allows resource reuse while the coupling mechanism is designed to be simple and intuitive, minimizing complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Duration of action of stationary object

If the sealing block is harder than the sealing pad, then the sealing block lifespan is extended, but adhesion to the pad may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing block lifespanVSAvoidadhesion reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing block is made of a harder material than the pad body to extend its lifespan and resist wear. The coupling interface between the sealing block and pad is designed with specific local properties (such as adhesive portions or mechanical coupling features) to ensure reliable adhesion despite the material hardness difference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing unit uses composite construction with different materials for the pad body and sealing block. The sealing block uses a harder, more wear-resistant material to extend lifespan, while the coupling mechanism incorporates adhesive or mechanical features that ensure reliable bonding between the dissimilar materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS20250377254A1Sealing unit for inspecting waterproofness of half-finished product

Publication Date: 2025.12.11 DMC CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a sealing unit for inspecting waterproofness of a semi-finished product, with the sealing unit coming into close contact with surfaces and holes of a semi-finished product so that a chamber space is formed in order to inspect waterproofness of the semi-finished product having multiple holes formed therein and having components mounted thereon. The sealing unit includes: a body; and a sealing pad detachably coupled to the body, and provided with an adhesive portion that adheres closely to a surface of the semi-finished product and a protrusion portion that tightly seals a hole of the semi-finished product. The protrusion portion is a replaceable sealing block of the sealing pad.