Seal Ring Transfer Module for Damage-Free Automated Installation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Manual installation of seal rings on components is inefficient and prone to damage due to their adhesive nature, leading to low efficiency and high failure rates.

Innovation Solution

A seal ring installation module comprising a pickup and transfer device with a support member and an outer cylinder, allowing for automated handling and transfer of seal rings to components under a biasing force, facilitated by a movable support member and axial movement relative to the outer cylinder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual installation of seal ring is used, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but installation efficiency is low and seal ring damage occurs frequently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoidinstallation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is designed with an external shape corresponding to the component, allowing it to self-align with the component during insertion. The outer cylinder automatically pushes the seal ring onto the component when the support member is inserted, eliminating the need for complex alignment mechanisms or manual positioning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The support member acts as an intermediary tool between the operator and the seal ring. It provides a structured interface for holding and transferring the seal ring, replacing direct manual handling with a mediating device that ensures proper positioning and reduces handling damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual handling of seal ring is used, then equipment cost is low, but seal ring damage occurs due to excess handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal ring integrityVSAvoidseal ring handling difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The seal ring is pre-positioned on the support member before the actual installation process. The support member is designed to hold the seal ring in a predetermined position, allowing the seal ring to be transferred as a complete assembly rather than being manipulated separately, thus preventing damage from excess handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The support member is designed with an external shape that corresponds to the component, creating a template or copy of the component's geometry. This allows the seal ring to be positioned accurately by simply inserting the support member, eliminating the need for complex alignment operations that could damage the seal ring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If mechanical transfer device is implemented, then installation precision is improved, but device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal ring positioning precisionVSAvoidtransfer device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer device is segmented into two functional parts: the support member for holding and positioning the seal ring, and the outer cylinder for pushing the seal ring onto the component. This segmentation allows each part to have a simple, focused structure while achieving precise positioning through their coordinated interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of designing a complex mechanism to position the seal ring on the component, the invention inverts the approach by designing the support member to already have the seal ring pre-positioned in the correct configuration. The installation process then becomes a simple insertion operation where the pre-positioned seal ring is transferred as-is.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enhances the efficiency and reduces damage to seal rings during installation by enabling automated and precise transfer, improving the overall installation process.

Implementation Method 1

transfer the seal ring supported on the one end of the support member from the support member to the component under a biasing force applied by an end face of one end of the outer cylinder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiasing force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12595849B2Seal ring installation module and seal ring installation system

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 TYCO ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO LTD

AI summary

A seal ring installation module comprises a seal ring pickup and transfer device adapted to pick up a seal ring and transfer the seal ring to a component. The pickup and transfer device includes a support member and an outer cylinder sleeved on the support member. The support member has an external shape or at least one external dimension corresponding to those of the component. One end of the support member protrudes from an opening at one end of the outer cylinder to pick up and support the seal ring. One of the outer cylinder or the support member is movable axially relative to the other and is adapted to, with the component axially aligned with and contacting the one end of the support member, transfer the seal ring supported on the one end of the support member from the support member to the component under a biasing force applied by an end face of one end of the outer cylinder.