Seal Insertion Tool for Wrinkle-Free Groove Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inserting seals into grooves often result in non-uniform fits, leading to wrinkles and premature failures due to high compressive forces, particularly in elastomeric seals used in electrostatic chucks.
Innovation Solution
An insertion tool with a seal lifting portion that moves the seal between lifted and unlifted positions, stretching it below its plastic region to relieve stress without additional compressive forces, ensuring even distribution of internal stresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flattening jig is used to force the seal into the groove, then the seal is inserted into the groove, but high compressive forces cause cracking and displacement of the elastomeric seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical flattening jig system with a specialized insertion tool that uses controlled stretching and compression forces. The tool features a stretching portion that applies tensile force to expand the seal, followed by a groove engagement portion that guides the seal into the groove without excessive compressive force, thereby preventing cracking while achieving proper installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the force application parameters from direct compression to a sequence of stretching followed by controlled compression. The stretching portion applies tensile force to expand the seal to a greater diameter, then the groove engagement portion applies controlled compressive force to insert the expanded seal into the groove, distributing stress more evenly and avoiding the high localized compressive forces that cause cracking.
2Shape
If force is applied to flatten wrinkles in the elastomeric seal, then the seal appears smooth, but the compressive stresses cause cracking at the centerline of the seal
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying compressive force to flatten wrinkles as in traditional methods, the invention inverts the approach by first applying tensile force through the stretching portion to expand the seal uniformly. This stretching process actually smooths the seal material from the inside out, eliminating wrinkles without creating the damaging compressive stresses that occur when force is applied from the outside to flatten wrinkles.
3Ease of operation
If the elastomeric seal is stretched to fit into the groove, then the seal can be inserted, but high compressive forces may cause premature failures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary stretching portion that acts as a mediator between the operator and the seal. This stretching portion gradually expands the seal to a greater diameter using controlled tensile force, preparing the seal for insertion without subjecting it to sudden high compressive forces. The groove engagement portion then serves as a second intermediary that guides the expanded seal into the groove with controlled, distributed compression, preventing premature failure while maintaining ease of installation.
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
Facilitates faster and easier seal installation with even stress distribution, preventing premature failures by aligning seals without compressive damage.
Implementation Method 1
The seal may be stretched to h2 in the lifted position and returned to h1 in the unlifted positioned in the associated groove of the component
Implementation Method 2
stretching the electrostatic seal well below its plastic region on a Stress-Strain curve but enough to remove any points of high stress
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion tool may be utilized for placement of a seal into a groove of a component. The insertion tool may comprise a base and a seal lifting portion. The seal lifting portion may comprise a surface configured to selectably engage with a seal to move the seal between a lifted position and an unlifted position within an associated groove of a component. The surface of the seal lifting portion may be configured to continuously move the seal between the lifted position and unlifted position. The seal may have a first height h1 and a second height h2, wherein h2 may be less than h1. The seal may be stretched to h2 in the lifted position and returned to h1 in the unlifted positioned in the associated groove of the component.