Seal Channel Retention Tabs for Reliable Gasket Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for retaining seal members in seal channels, such as those used in industrial and construction machines, are inefficient due to the need for expensive machining processes and can result in improper sealing or failure, especially when components are assembled at non-standard orientations, and the use of non-Newtonian gels can mask leak detection issues.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a component with a seal channel and retention tabs that are formed by deforming raised protrusions into the channel, allowing for secure retention of seal members without the need for dovetail profiles or expensive machining, and eliminating the use of assembly gels that interfere with leak testing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional machining processes are used to create seal retention features, then seal retention is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal retentionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates retention tabs directly into the mold during the initial component formation process, rather than adding them through subsequent machining operations. This preliminary action eliminates the need for expensive post-manufacturing machining while ensuring seal retention features are already in place before assembly begins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical machining processes with a molding process that forms retention tabs directly from the mold cavity. This substitution eliminates complex machining operations and reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining effective seal retention functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If seal members are retained during assembly, then sealing reliability improves, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retention tabs are designed to automatically engage with the seal member during the normal assembly process without requiring additional retention mechanisms or complex assembly steps. The seal member itself interacts with the tabs to achieve retention, making the system self-retaining during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the seal retention function with the existing seal groove structure by integrating retention tabs directly into the groove walls. This merging eliminates the need for separate retention mechanisms and simplifies the overall assembly process while maintaining sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If assembly gels are used to retain seals, then seal retention during assembly improves, but leak detection capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal retention during assemblyVSAvoidleak detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the assembly gel from the system entirely and replaces it with mechanical retention tabs integrated into the component structure. This extraction eliminates the interference gels cause with leak detection while maintaining effective seal retention during the assembly process through the tab-and-groove mechanical engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This solution ensures reliable sealing across various orientations without pinching or damaging seal members, reduces manufacturing costs, and allows for consistent and detectable leak testing, preventing leaks until the components are in the field.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of retention tabs extending into the seal channel at or below the mounting surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical retention: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

deforming the plurality of mounds of material to form a plurality of retention tabs extending into the seal channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS11499500B2Systems and methods for seal retention

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 CATERPILLAR INC

AI summary

A component comprises a mounting surface to male with another component, a seal channel extending into the mounting surface, and retention tabs extending into the seal channel at or below the mounting surface, wherein the retention tabs are spaced from each other about a perimeter of the seal channel. A method for manufacturing a component comprises producing a component with a seal channel in a flat mate face and mounds of material adjacent the seal channel that extend away from the flat mate face, and deforming the mounds of material to form retention tabs extending into the seal channel.