Sealing Plug with Deformable Latches for Reduced Insertion Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sealing plugs for motor vehicle components require high insertion force, increasing energy consumption and installation complexity, necessitating a design that reduces this force for easier insertion.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a sealing plug with a head portion and a leg portion featuring radially extending latches, where each latch is resiliently deformable, with a larger first half and a smaller second half, allowing for reduced insertion force through deformation and recovery, and can be made of thermoplastic elastomeric material with specific Shore D hardness and shape configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional sealing plugs are used, then the sealing function is achieved, but the insertion force is high increasing energy consumption and installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is designed as a resilient, deformable component that dynamically changes shape during insertion. The latch deforms elastically when the plug is inserted and then snaps back to its original position, creating a dynamic insertion process that reduces the force required compared to rigid latch designs
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric geometry of the latch (first half larger than second half) changes the mechanical parameters of the latch during insertion. This parameter change allows the latch to deform and recover, reducing the insertion force required while maintaining the sealing function
2Force
If conventional sealing plugs are used, then the sealing function is achieved, but the insertion force is high increasing installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient latch provides a dynamic insertion mechanism that simplifies installation. The latch automatically deforms and snaps back during insertion, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or multiple installation steps required by rigid latch designs
3Force
If the latch is made symmetric, then the structure is simpler, but the insertion force cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is designed with asymmetric geometry where the first half is larger than the second half. This asymmetry is crucial for reducing insertion force as it allows the latch to deform and recover in a controlled manner during insertion, which would not be possible with a symmetric design
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 solution effectively reduces the insertion force required for sealing plug installation, simplifying the process while maintaining the sealing function by using deformable latches that snap back to retain the panel, thus easing plug insertion and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
Each latch is resiliently deformable about an axis defined by the base of each latch. The passing of the leg portion and the at least two latches through the panel opening causes resilient deformation of each latch, such that each latch deforms and recovers thereby causing the panel to be retained
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing plug (100) for a panel opening, the plug having an axis (132) and including a head portion (110) having a first diameter larger than of the panel opening and a leg portion (120) concentric to the head portion (110) and having a second diameter shorter than the first diameter, the leg includes at least two latches (130) extending radially towards the head portion (110), and wherein the passing of the leg portion (120) and the at least two latches (130) through the panel opening causes resilient deformation of each latch (130), such that each latch (130) deforms and recovers thereby causing the panel to be retained by the at least two latches (130) and between the at least two latches (130) and the head portion (110) of the plug (100).