Sealing Structure With Elastic Arm For Drain Plug Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sealing structure for oil pans, particularly the drain plug, experiences discomfort and reduced operability due to excessive force application and reaction when detaching, leading to inefficiencies in the reverse rotation mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A sealing structure featuring a main body with a thread part and an elastically deformable arm part, where a convex or concave part is designed to fit with a corresponding part on the predetermined member, allowing for controlled rotation and reduced force application during detachment, with specific angles formed by force directions and rotation centers to minimize arm part rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If arcuate arm parts are used with locking meshing parts in a recess-protrusion manner, then the sealing member can be securely locked to the predetermined member, but excessive force is applied to the arcuate arm parts during reverse rotation causing discomfort and reduced operability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the arm parts by making them substantially straight rather than arcuate, and adjusts the angle formed by the force direction and the line connecting the contact part to the rotation center to be less than 90 degrees. This parameter change reduces the radial outward force component during reverse rotation, thereby improving operability while maintaining the locking function through the convex-concave part engagement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the arm part is designed to be elastically deformable, then the convex part can climb over the wall part of the concave part during reverse rotation, but large reaction force due to bend outward occurs causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters by designing substantially straight arm parts with specific angle relationships (angle less than 90 degrees between force direction and radius line). This changes the mechanical advantage and force distribution, reducing the bending moment and reaction force experienced by the elastically deformable arm part during reverse rotation, while preserving the climbing capability over the wall part.
3Reliability
If the convex part fits in the concave part to prevent rotation, then the sealing member is securely locked, but excessive force is required to initiate reverse rotation for detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric configuration by making arm parts substantially straight and setting the angle between the force direction and the line connecting the contact part to the rotation center to be less than 90 degrees. This optimization reduces the mechanical disadvantage during reverse rotation initiation, lowering the force required to detach the sealing member while maintaining secure locking when engaged.
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
This design enhances operability by reducing the force required for detaching the sealing member from the predetermined member, improving ease of use and reliability, even when strong torque is applied, and maintaining thread integrity.
Implementation Method 1
One end of a main body 30a is inserted into a discharge hole 20c of the drain plug fastening part 20 and the other end is rotated in a normal rotation direction X, whereby the main body 30a is screwed into the discharge hole 20c. At this time, an arm part 30c elastically deforms while a claw part 30g slides on a top surface 20d
Implementation Method 2
When the main body 30a is rotated in a reverse rotation direction Y, the claw part 30g slides on and climbs over a first wall part 20f of the concave part 20e of the claw part 30g while the arm part 30c is elastically deformed
Data Source
AI summary
[Problem to be Solved] To improve operability in detaching a sealing member.[Solution] A sealing structure 10 according to the present invention includes a main body 30a, a female thread part 20h fixed to the main body 30a, the female thread part 20h being screwed into a discharge hole 20c of a drain plug fastening part 20 by the main body 30a being rotated in a normal rotation direction, and an elastically deformable arm part 30c, one end of which is joined to the main body 30a. A concave part 20e is formed in the drain plug fastening part 20 and a claw part 30g is formed in the arm part 30c. When the main body 30a is rotated in the normal rotation direction, the arm part 30c is elastically deformed while a part of the arm part 30c slides on a top surface 20d of the drain plug fastening part 20 until the main body 30a is rotated to a predetermined rotational position and, when the main body 30a is rotated to the predetermined rotational position, the claw part 30g fits in the concave part 20e and the elastic deformation of the arm part 30c is released, whereby the rotation of the main body 30a from the predetermined rotational position is prevented. When the main body 30a is rotated in a reverse rotation direction from the predetermined rotational position, the claw part 30g slides on and climbs over a first wall part 20f of the concave part 20e while the arm part 30c is elastically deformed, whereby the prevention of the rotation of the main body 30a from the predetermined rotational position is released. The claw part 30g or the concave part 20e is formed such that, when the main body 30a is rotated in the reverse rotation direction and the claw part 30g is sliding on the first wall part 20f, an angle A formed by a direction of force applied to the arm part 30c from the drain plug fastening part 20 and a straight line connecting a contact part of the claw part 30g and the first wall part 20f and a rotation center of the main body 30a is smaller than 90 degrees when viewed in a rotation center direction of the main body 30a.