Sealing Device Axial Interval Control Hooks Stoppers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sealing devices for preventing the mixing of two kinds of liquids struggle to maintain the axial interval between sealing members effectively and are difficult to handle as a single assembly.

Innovation Solution

A sealing device comprising two sealing members with hooks and stoppers that restrict movement in both axial directions, allowing the members to be handled as a single assembly while maintaining the axial interval effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two sealing members are combined to prevent mixing of two kinds of liquids, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the handling difficulty increases and the axial interval maintenance becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing device is segmented into two separate sealing members (first sealing member with first hooks and first stoppers, second sealing member with second hooks and second stoppers) that can be individually manufactured and handled, yet function together as an integrated assembly. Each sealing member is independently sealable to the housing, allowing flexible handling while maintaining effective sealing between two liquid zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second sealing members are nested in series along the rotational shaft, with each sealing member containing sealing elements that contact the shaft. The hooks and stoppers of one sealing member interconnect with the corresponding elements of the other sealing member, creating a nested configuration where both sealing members occupy adjacent axial positions while maintaining their individual sealing functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If two sealing members are combined to prevent mixing of two kinds of liquids, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the axial interval maintenance becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidaxial interval maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The axial interval between the first and second sealing members is predetermined by the fixed axial distances from each sealing member's mounting position to its respective stoppers. The first stopper and second stopper are positioned at pre-calculated distances from their sealing members such that when both sealing members are mounted on the same rotational shaft, the stoppers automatically align and engage, establishing the correct axial interval without requiring additional adjustment operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The stoppers serve a dual function: they act as positioning elements that automatically establish the correct axial interval between sealing members, and simultaneously serve as engagement features that mechanically connect the two sealing members. When the sealing members are mounted in sequence on the rotational shaft, the stoppers self-align and engage with each other, automatically maintaining the predetermined axial interval without requiring external intervention or complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If hooks are used to connect sealing members, then the assembly is held together, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly integrityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hooks and stoppers serve multiple functions simultaneously: the hooks provide mechanical connection between sealing members to prevent detachment, the stoppers establish and maintain the predetermined axial interval, and both elements together form an integrated assembly unit that is easy to handle and install. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby simplifying the overall structure despite the added connection features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3825586B1Sealing device
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 NOK CORP
  • EP3825586B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3825586B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3825586B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A sealing device includes a first sealing member and a second sealing member that are mounted on a housing, the outer peripheral surface of the rotational shaft being in slidable contact with the first sealing member and the second sealing member. Distal portions of multiple first hooks formed on the first sealing member are hooked on the distal portions of multiple second hooks formed on the second sealing member for restricting movement of the second sealing member away from the first sealing member in the axial direction of the sealing device. Distal portions of multiple first stoppers formed on the first sealing member are in contact with the distal portions of multiple second stoppers formed on the second sealing member for restricting movement of the second sealing member toward the first sealing member in the axial direction.