Seal Arrangement Sensor Wheel Positioning Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sealing arrangements for motor vehicle engine crankshafts face challenges in assembly, particularly with encoder wheels, where the sensor wheel can rotate freely during assembly, leading to incorrect positioning and the need for manual adjustment, complicating the calibration process.
Innovation Solution
A positioning device is integrated to fix the sensor wheel within predetermined angular ranges during transport and assembly, allowing limited rotation to prevent misalignment and facilitate automated calibration, while being removable post-assembly to allow free rotation for accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the sensor wheel is allowed to rotate freely during assembly, then automated assembly can be performed, but the sensor wheel positioning becomes incorrect and manual adjustment is necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the sensor wheel at a defined angular position using the positioning device before the actual assembly process. The positioning device includes a positioning element that engages with a positioning recess on the sensor wheel, establishing a predetermined angular relationship between the sensor wheel and the sensor holder. This preliminary positioning ensures that when automated assembly occurs, the sensor wheel is already correctly positioned, eliminating the need for subsequent manual adjustment while maintaining manufacturing precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If the sensor wheel is fixed rigidly during transport and assembly, then positioning is maintained, but the sensor wheel cannot be adjusted to the correct position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing a positioning device that provides conditional fixation - rigid during transport and assembly to maintain positioning precision, but removable or adjustable to allow correction if needed. The positioning device can be detached after assembly or includes an adjustment mechanism that allows the sensor wheel to be repositioned if the predetermined position requires correction, thus combining both positioning stability and operational flexibility.
3Device complexity
If no positioning device is used, then the assembly structure is simpler, but the sensor wheel cannot be prevented from rotating and losing its position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a positioning device as an intermediary element between the sensor wheel and the housing to prevent unwanted rotation during transport and assembly. This positioning device includes a positioning element that engages with a positioning recess on the sensor wheel, creating a temporary mechanical constraint. The positioning device serves as a mediator that provides the necessary positional stability during critical phases without becoming a permanent part of the final assembly, thus maintaining reliability while adding minimal complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a
Figure 2
AI summary
The sealing device (1) includes a housing closing cap (2) with a through aperture (3) for the shaft to be sealed, containing a dynamic sealing lip (4), a sensor holder (5) and a setting wheel (6) fitting on the shaft. The setting wheel is fixed in the through aperture by a positioning device, only permitting it limited rotation within a preset angle.