Sealing Ring Mounting Tool With Spring-Expanded Single-Step Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assembly tools for sealing rings, such as O-rings, are predominantly manual, require frequent adjustments for different sizes, and lack automation, leading to inefficiencies in assembly time and cost.
Innovation Solution
An assembly tool with a receiving mandrel and expanding arrangement featuring sliding ramps and compression springs, allowing for automated expansion and installation of sealing rings in a single step, utilizing 3D printed housing components for adaptability and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual assembly methods are used for sealing rings, then flexibility in handling different sizes is maintained, but assembly time and labor cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The tool employs a movable expanding arrangement that can dynamically adjust its inner diameter to match different sealing ring sizes. The expanding arrangement includes movable segments that can be positioned at different radial distances from the central axis, allowing the tool to adapt to various sealing ring dimensions without requiring manual reconfiguration or multiple specialized tools.
2Extent of automation
If automated expansion mechanisms are implemented, then assembly efficiency improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The expanding arrangement is divided into multiple movable segments that can independently adjust radially. Each segment can be actuated separately or collectively to achieve the desired expansion, simplifying the overall mechanism while enabling automated operation. This segmented design allows for easier actuation and control compared to a monolithic expanding structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If custom tools are designed for each sealing ring size, then precision is maintained, but manufacturing cost and inventory complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly tool is designed as a universal device that can accommodate multiple sealing ring sizes through the adjustable expanding arrangement. The receiving mandrel and expanding arrangement work together to maintain precise alignment and positioning regardless of the sealing ring diameter, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools while preserving installation precision.
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
Facilitates automated, efficient, and cost-effective installation of sealing rings by simplifying the assembly process, reducing manufacturing costs, and enabling simultaneous expansion and mounting in a single operation.
Implementation Method 1
the receiving mandrel and the spreading arrangement are each supported vertically downwards by compression springs arranged coaxially to the receiving mandrel and to a central axis extending in axial direction A
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a mounting tool (10) for mounting a resilient sealing ring (2) on a component (4), the tool comprising a receiving mandrel (14) for receiving the component (4) and an expansion assembly (16) having a seat (18) for receiving the sealing ring (2) via the seat (18), in order to pull the sealing ring (2) over the component (4) in an expanded state. It is possible to carry out a plurality of work steps in a synchronised manner, and to widen the sealing ring (2), to position the component (4) for mounting the sealing ring (2), and to slip the sealing ring (2) onto the component (4) in one work step. A linear movement of the component (4) held on the receiving mandrel (14) in the axial direction results in the expansion assembly (16) being widened with respect to its circumference until the receiving mandrel (14) travels indirectly towards the expansion assembly (16) and strikes it. The relative movement between the receiving mandrel (14) and the expansion assembly (16) in the expanded position and the relative movement between the expansion assembly (16) and the housing (12) in the second end position takes place counter to one or any spring loads, wherein the receiving mandrel (14) and the expansion assembly (16) are each supported vertically downwards with respect to the housing (12) via compression springs (30, 32) arranged coaxially with the receiving mandrel (14) and with a central axis extending in axial direction A.