Sealing Bushing Rib Profile for Lower Connector Assembly Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors require high assembly forces due to the uniform and simultaneous compression of axisymmetric O-rings, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A sealing bushing with an annular rib having an axial component parallel to the bushing axis, allowing for progressive compression during assembly, reduces the assembly force required and ensures an optimal seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an axisymmetric O-ring is used with uniform compression, then the seal is simple to manufacture, but the assembly force required is high
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing bushing employs an asymmetric cross-sectional profile with a rounded side and a flat side, eliminating the axisymmetric shape of conventional O-rings. This asymmetric geometry enables progressive compression during assembly, where the rounded portion compresses first followed by the flat portion, thereby reducing peak assembly forces while maintaining effective sealing
2Device complexity
If simultaneous compression of the O-ring is used, then the assembly process is simple, but the assembly force peak is high and assembly is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing bushing design transforms the static simultaneous compression into a dynamic progressive compression process. The asymmetric profile causes different portions of the sealing element to compress at different stages of insertion, creating a progressive force distribution that reduces peak forces and enables faster assembly without complex mechanisms
3Device complexity
If simultaneous compression of the O-ring is used, then the sealing mechanism is simple, but the assembly operation is fatiguing
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing bushing incorporates local quality variations through its asymmetric cross-section, where the rounded portion and flat portion have different compression characteristics. This local differentiation allows the sealing action to occur progressively at different locations during assembly, reducing the overall force requirement and making the assembly operation less fatiguing while keeping the mechanism simple
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
The progressive compression of the annular rib reduces the peak assembly force, makes assembly faster and less fatiguing, and ensures a high-efficiency seal with reduced assembly time and workforce fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
The progressive compression of the annular rib 6 grows linearly as a function of the penetration of the male component 3 into the sealing bushing 4
Implementation Method 2
The compression of the annular rib takes place gradually, from one end of the sealing bushing to the other, as the male component is inserted into the sealing bushing
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A sealing bushing (4) for a connector (1) for distributing a fluid comprising a female component (2) in which a bushing seat (24) is obtained and a hollow male component (3) engaged to one another. The sealing bushing (4) is inserted into the bushing seat (24), allowing the sealing engagement between said components (2, 3), and is constituted by a cylindrical body (40) that extends about a bushing axis (X-X). On at least one inner side surface (52) or on one outer side surface (54) of the cylindrical body (40), at least one annular rib (6) is obtained that is suitable for creating a fluid seal with an outer surface (14) of the male component (3) or with an inner surface (25) of the bushing seat (24). The annular extension profile of the annular rib (6) has at least one axial component parallel to the bushing axis (X-X) such that the compression of the annular rib (6) during the insertion of the male component (3) into the sealing bushing (4) occurs gradually.