Reversible Elastomeric Vacuum Seal for User Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum systems face challenges with user-replaceable seals, which are often permanently affixed, prone to premature failure due to stress and misalignment, and require multiple sizes for different system configurations, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A reversible elastomeric sealing element with a U-shaped transverse cross-section, positioned between radially extending arms, that can be easily installed and reversed to extend its lifespan, accommodating various system sizes and shapes without adhesives or grooved surfaces, reducing stress and allowing for misalignment tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a seal is permanently affixed to the system, then the seal is secure and reliable, but the user cannot easily remove, clean, and replace the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed as a segmented structure with a body portion and a distal portion that can be separated. The distal portion is removable from the body portion, allowing users to detach and replace only the worn sealing surface while retaining the main seal body, thus combining security during operation with ease of maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is positioned within a groove structure where the body portion resides in a first groove and the distal portion extends into a second groove. This nested arrangement allows the seal to be securely held during operation while enabling easy removal and replacement of the distal portion
2Manufacturing precision
If a seal is positioned in a groove, then the seal is properly installed, but it still requires replacement by the factory to ensure proper installation
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the seal into a permanent body portion and a replaceable distal portion, the design allows users to replace only the worn end without requiring factory-level precision installation, as the modular design simplifies the replacement process
Solution Approach 2:
The seal design enables end-users to perform maintenance themselves by simply pushing the distal portion out of the groove and replacing it, eliminating the need for factory service while maintaining proper installation through the self-contained groove structure
3Reliability
If seals are designed with strict tolerances, then the seal makes full contact and prevents leaking, but the components must be precisely aligned during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The seal utilizes an elastomeric material that provides flexibility and compliance, allowing the seal to conform to slight misalignments between components while maintaining full contact and sealing effectiveness, thereby reducing the need for precise alignment during installation
4Reliability
If a seal is designed for a component having a very specific size, then the seal fits properly, but a user may need to stock a large number of different seals for systems having minor size variations
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed with a universal configuration where the body portion can accommodate multiple sizes and configurations of systems. By replacing only the distal portion, users can adapt the same seal body to different applications, reducing the need to stock multiple seal types for minor size variations
5Reliability
If portions of the seal are subjected to localized stresses and pinching, then the seal provides proper sealing, but tears and premature failure occur
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the seal into a stress-resistant body portion and a replaceable distal portion, the design allows the main body to withstand repeated installation and operational stresses while the distal portion can be replaced when worn, extending the overall lifespan of the seal assembly
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing a seal that withstands all stresses throughout its entire lifespan, the design inverts the approach by making the stress-exposed distal portion replaceable, allowing the main body to be reused and thereby extending the total service life of the sealing system
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 a longer-lasting, versatile sealing element that can be easily installed and reversed, reducing the need for multiple seals and minimizing maintenance, while maintaining a secure seal across different system configurations.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric sealing element configured to be positioned about the lid
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum chamber system is provided which includes a vacuum chamber body, a lid, and an elastomeric sealing element. The elastomeric sealing may be positioned about the lid. The elastomeric sealing element includes a body having a base portion positioned between a first arm and a second arm. Each of the first and second arms have inner lid contacting surfaces and outer surfaces. The elastomeric sealing element has a generally U-shaped transverse cross-section defined by the base portion and the first and second arms, and is generally reversible between first and second configurations.