Robot Joint Seal Structure for Cleanable Hygienic Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing structures for robot joints fail to provide a smooth or seamless transition between components, making them difficult to clean and not meeting the stringent standards required for food and drug safety.
Innovation Solution
A sealing assembly comprising a housing, a flange, and an elastic sealing ring with a coupling portion and a sealing portion, designed to provide a seamless transition and high corrosion resistance, facilitating easy cleaning and meeting industry standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional radial sealing structures are used between robot joint components, then stable sealing is achieved for normal industry processes, but the structure cannot provide smooth or seamless transition between components, making cleaning difficult and failing to meet food and drug safety standards
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure employs curved and rounded transition surfaces between components, eliminating sharp edges and crevices where contaminants can accumulate. The flange and housing features smooth transitional curvature that facilitates complete cleaning coverage while maintaining effective sealing contact surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing assembly is divided into distinct functional segments including a housing, a flange, and a seal member, each optimized for specific functions. The flange acts as an intermediate component that provides both sealing and smooth transitional surfaces, separating the sealing function from the structural connection function.
2Device complexity
If traditional sealing structures are used, then the structure is simple, but corrosion resistance is reduced and hygiene protection performance is insufficient for food and drug fields
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing assembly utilizes materials with enhanced corrosion resistance properties, such as stainless steel or other hygienic-grade materials, particularly for components exposed to cleaning agents and moisture. The seal member may employ elastomeric materials resistant to degradation from cleaning chemicals and environmental exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the sealing structure are made from materials or finishes optimized for their specific functions and exposure conditions. Surfaces subject to cleaning and moisture are given enhanced corrosion-resistant properties and smooth finishes, while internal non-exposed components may use standard materials.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If seals are specially designed to meet food and drug standards, then hygiene protection performance is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flange component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the sealing contact surface, creates smooth transitional geometry for cleanability, and acts as a structural connector between components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components while meeting hygienic design requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function and the smooth transitional surface function are merged into a single integrated sealing structure rather than using separate components. The seal member is positioned within a housing and flange arrangement that inherently provides both sealing and cleanable surfaces, eliminating the need for additional protective covers or complex multi-component assemblies.
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 sealing assembly enables easy cleaning of robot joints, enhances corrosion resistance, and meets the high sealing and hygiene protection requirements of the food and drug fields, ensuring compliance with standards such as EHEDG Doc. 8 and NSF 51.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic sealing ring comprising: a coupling portion coupled to the circumferential coupling section; and a sealing portion arranged between the housing and the flange with an interference fit
Implementation Method 2
a sealing portion arranged between the housing and the flange with an interference fit
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing assembly which has a housing adapted to be arranged on and cover an end of a first component of a robot. The sealing assembly includes a circumferential coupling section; a flange adapted to be arranged on and cover an end of a second component of the robot that is coaxially rotatable relative to the first component; and an elastic sealing ring. The elastic sealing ring includes a coupling portion coupled to the circumferential coupling section; and a sealing portion arranged between the housing and the flange with an interference fit.