Seal Cover Assembly for Error-Proof Seal Member Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing seal cover design requires careful alignment to avoid attaching the seal member at 180 degrees, making the operation cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A seal cover design with a first and second seal member, a shield cover, and interlock connector, allowing independent movement of the seal members relative to the shield cover along a specific plane, with screws positioned to facilitate easy orientation and attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the seal member is attached at the center of the seal member to the shield case, then the attachment structure is simple, but the operator needs to be careful not to attach it in a rotated state (180 degrees from proper orientation), making the operation cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the interlock connector closer to the center of the first seal member than the first screw is in the alignment direction. This asymmetric arrangement creates a visually distinguishable correct orientation, allowing operators to easily identify the proper attachment direction without complex procedures or risk of 180-degree rotation errors.
2Ease of operation
If the first screw is attached at the center of the first seal member, then the attachment is symmetric and simple, but it does not provide clear orientation guidance for the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The first screw is positioned asymmetrically relative to the first seal member's center, creating a clear orientation reference. This asymmetric positioning provides visual guidance to operators for correct alignment while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through precise but not overly complex positioning requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by having different attachment point configurations for different components: the interlock connector is positioned closer to the center while the first screw is positioned farther away in the alignment direction. This differentiated local arrangement provides clear orientation guidance without requiring complex overall structural changes.
3Ease of operation
If both seal members are rigidly fixed to the shield cover, then the attachment is stable, but it does not allow for alignment adjustments during the attachment process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing the first seal member to be movable relative to the shield cover along one plane in accordance with the first clearance, and the second seal member to be movable relative to the shield cover along the same plane in accordance with the second clearance. This dynamic design enables alignment adjustments during attachment while maintaining stability once properly positioned, as the clearances permit controlled movement without compromising final attachment integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A first screw is inserted into a first through hole of a shield cover, and is attached to a first seal member, and a second screw is inserted into a second through hole of the shield cover, and is attached to a second seal member. The first through hole has a first clearance therein, and the second through hole has a second clearance therein. The first seal member is movable relative to the shield cover along one plane in accordance with the first clearance, the one plane being a plane that intersects a fitting direction. The second seal member is movable relative to the shield cover along the one plane in accordance with the second clearance. The first screw is attached at a position displaced from a center of the first seal member to one side in an alignment direction of the first seal member.