Seal Unit With Adjustable Width Holding Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal units for industrial robots require the use of shims to adjust gap widths, which is labor-intensive, prone to human error, and not suitable for automated assembly or mass production.
Innovation Solution
A seal unit with integrated means for adjusting its width, featuring a first adapting ring, a dynamic seal that slides relative to the adapting ring, and a holding device that changes states to alter the seal unit width, eliminating the need for shims.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If shims are used to adjust gap width, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of manufacture deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the gap adjustment function directly into the seal unit by providing the seal unit with an adjustable width capability. The seal unit integrates the sealing function and the gap adjustment function into a single component, eliminating the need for separate shims. This is achieved through the holding device that can adopt different states corresponding to different seal unit widths, allowing direct adjustment of the seal unit width to match the joint gap width without additional parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal unit is designed to be self-adjusting through the holding device that can adopt different states. The holding device enables the seal unit to automatically adapt to different gap widths by changing its own width, without requiring external adjustment components like shims. This self-service capability allows the seal unit to accommodate tolerance variations in the joint gap width independently.
2Manufacturing precision
If shims are used to adjust gap width, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing component and the gap adjustment mechanism into a single integrated seal unit. This eliminates the multiple steps required for shim selection, placement, and adjustment, allowing the seal unit to be installed in a single operation that simultaneously achieves both sealing and gap compensation. The holding device's ability to adopt different states enables this integrated functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If shims are used to adjust gap width, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seal unit is designed to autonomously adapt to different gap widths through the holding device's ability to adopt different states. The seal unit itself performs the adaptation function without requiring human operators to select and install shims. This self-service mechanism maintains adaptability while dramatically simplifying the assembly operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A seal unit for being installed in a joint, the seal unit having a first adapting ring concentric with a seal unit axis; a dynamic seal in contact with, and allowed to slide relative to, the first adapting ring; and a holding device configured to adopt two states, at least one of the states being associated with a unique seal unit width of the seal unit along the seal unit axis; wherein the holding device is configured to hold the dynamic seal compressed against the first adapting ring in at least one of the states. A joint, an industrial device and a method of installing a seal unit are also provided.