Seal Assembly Mechanism for Solder Paste Nozzle Fitting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of fitting a sealing member onto a solder paste nozzle is labor-intensive and difficult due to the need to manually expand the sealing member mounting hole to accommodate the nozzle's base plate, which is time-consuming and costly.

Innovation Solution

A fitting apparatus with multiple power sources and insertion members that mechanically expand and contract the sealing member mounting hole to facilitate easy attachment of the sealing member onto the nozzle, utilizing a support plate, first and second power sources, and a control apparatus to synchronize the movements for precise fitting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual expansion of the sealing member mounting hole is used, then the sealing member can be fitted onto the nozzle, but the process is labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of fitting sealing memberVSAvoidfitting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical expansion process with an automated mechanical system consisting of an expansion tool, driving mechanism, and control unit. The driving mechanism automatically drives the expansion tool to expand the mounting hole, eliminating manual labor and reducing fitting time while maintaining the mechanical expansion function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual expansion of the sealing member mounting hole is used, then the sealing member can be fitted onto the nozzle, but labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of fitting sealing memberVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual labor with an automated mechanical system, which initially increases manufacturing complexity but reduces long-term operational costs by eliminating manual labor. The system includes a control unit that automates the expansion process, reducing dependency on skilled manual workers and associated labor costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated expansion mechanism is introduced, then fitting time is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefitting speedVSAvoidapparatus complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the automated expansion system into distinct functional modules: an expansion tool for hole expansion, a driving mechanism for power transmission, and a control unit for coordination. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture, making the complex function manageable through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The driving mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it drives the expansion tool, controls the expansion force, and coordinates with the control unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the mounting hole is expanded mechanically, then the nozzle base plate can be accommodated, but the sealing member structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of nozzle base plateVSAvoidsealing member complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic expansion process where the mounting hole is expanded on-demand to accommodate the nozzle base plate. The expansion tool dynamically adjusts the hole diameter during the fitting process, allowing the sealing member structure to remain relatively simple while achieving the required adaptability through controlled deformation rather than permanent structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12521826B2Assembly device of seal
Publication Date: 2026.01.13 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • US12521826B2 patent drawing
  • US12521826B2 patent drawing
  • US12521826B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present application discloses a fitting apparatus (100) for fitting a sealing member (110) onto a solder paste nozzle (230), the sealing member having a sealing member mounting hole (112), and the fitting apparatus comprising: a support plate (116); at least two first power sources (101, 102, 103, 104); at least two insertion members (121) and a second power source (105). By controlling the driving directions and driving sequence of multiple power sources, the fitting apparatus of the present application completes the work of expanding the sealing member mounting hole in a mechanical fashion; an operator then only needs to pass the base plate of the nozzle through the sealing member mounting hole in order to complete the fitting of the sealing member to the nozzle, so the operation is convenient and saves manpower.