Electronic Device Seal Structure with Viscosity-Controlled Sealing Material

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic-device seal structures require high accuracy and result in variations in sealing properties and high manufacturing costs due to the need for precise components and additional features like projections or cut-and-raised parts to prevent sealing material inflow.

Innovation Solution

An electronic-device seal structure with a laminate terminal configuration, specific clearance dimensions, and tapered portions to control the flow of sealing material, reducing the need for additional preventive measures and lowering manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional seal structure with projections or cut-and-raised parts is used to prevent sealing material inflow, then sealing properties are improved, but manufacturing cost increases and manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing propertiesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the viscosity parameter of the sealing material to a specific range (39000-48000 mPa·s at 25±5°C) to control its flow characteristics, eliminating the need for additional structural features like projections or cut-and-raised parts. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable sealing through material property control rather than complex structural design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a specific dimensional relationship between the terminal body and case inner surface (0.16-0.25 mm) combined with controlled clearance dimensions (≤2.0 mm) to manage sealing material flow. By optimizing these dimensional parameters, the patent eliminates the need for additional preventive structures, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If conventional seal structure with projections or cut-and-raised parts is used to prevent sealing material inflow, then sealing properties are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing propertiesVSAvoidcomponent accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the viscosity parameter of the sealing material to a specific range (39000-48000 mPa·s at 25±5°C) to control its flow characteristics, eliminating the need for additional structural features like projections or cut-and-raised parts. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable sealing through material property control rather than complex structural design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a specific dimensional relationship between the terminal body and case inner surface (0.16-0.25 mm) combined with controlled clearance dimensions (≤2.0 mm) to manage sealing material flow. By optimizing these dimensional parameters, the patent eliminates the need for additional preventive structures, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If sealing material with low viscosity is used, then sealing material fills clearances effectively, but sealing material flows too deeply into the case

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing material distributionVSAvoidinflow distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the viscosity parameter of the sealing material to a specific range (39000-48000 mPa·s at 25±5°C) to control its flow characteristics, eliminating the need for additional structural features like projections or cut-and-raised parts. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable sealing through material property control rather than complex structural design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Length of stationary object

If sealing material with high viscosity is used, then sealing material inflow is controlled, but sealing material cannot sufficiently fill clearances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinflow distanceVSAvoidsealing material distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the viscosity parameter of the sealing material to a specific range (39000-48000 mPa·s at 25±5°C) to control its flow characteristics, eliminating the need for additional structural features like projections or cut-and-raised parts. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable sealing through material property control rather than complex structural design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration ensures effective sealing while reducing manufacturing costs by controlling the inflow of sealing material and maintaining sealing properties within the case, using sealing materials with optimal viscosity and clearance dimensions.

Implementation Method 1

the sealing material has a viscosity of 39000 to 48000 mPa·s in a range of 25±5°C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscous flow: Viscometer

Data Source

PatentEP3118879B1Electronic-device seal structure and electromagnetic relay using said electronic-device seal structure
Publication Date: 2019.06.12 OMRON CORP
  • EP3118879B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3118879B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3118879B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An electronic-device seal structure comprises a base (10), a case (30) which covers an upper surface of the base (10) and has an opening at a surface thereof, and a pair of terminals (40) attached to the base. A first clearance sealed with a sealing material is provided between the base (10) and the case (30), and a second clearance (46) is provided between the pair of the terminals (41, 41) attached to an end surface of the base (10) to face each other.