Sealing Means With Transverse Surfaces For Angled Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices face a risk of leaks when the shaft penetrates the first and/or second object at an angle, due to inadequate sealing, particularly when external media like moisture can ingress.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device design featuring a head with an abutment, an elongate shaft, and a sealing means with a sealing element and a cover element made of different materials, where the sealing surfaces are oriented transversely to the axis, and the cover element has a larger diameter than the sealing element, providing enhanced sealing capabilities and robustness against shearing forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-material sealing element is used, then the device structure is simple, but the sealing reliability deteriorates when the shaft penetrates at an angle
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing means comprises a sealing element made of a first material (e.g., elastomer) and a cover element made of a second material (e.g., metal or plastic), arranged in the axial direction between the sealing element and the head. This composite structure combines the advantages of different materials: the elastomer provides flexibility and sealing conformability, while the metal or plastic cover provides structural strength and resistance to shearing forces, thereby improving sealing reliability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing means is divided into multiple functional components: a sealing element and a cover element, which can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and enables modular replacement or maintenance, improving sealing reliability while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through standardized assembly
2Reliability
If the sealing surfaces are oriented parallel to the axis, then the device structure is simple, but the sealing performance deteriorates under transverse forces
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing surfaces are oriented transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the axis of the shaft. This parameter change in surface orientation allows the sealing surfaces to be directly supported by the abutment, creating a sealing configuration that is effective against transverse forces and directional components acting in the direction of the axis, thereby improving sealing performance under varied loading conditions
3Reliability
If the sealing element has the same diameter as the shaft, then the device structure is compact, but the sealing capability deteriorates under shearing forces
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element, made of a second material different from the sealing element, has a larger inside diameter and/or outside diameter than the sealing element. This dimensional differentiation creates a stepped configuration where the larger-diameter cover element provides enhanced structural support and resistance to shearing forces, while the smaller sealing element maintains close contact with the shaft for effective sealing
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sealing means have different diameters and material properties optimized for their specific functions: the sealing element has a smaller diameter optimized for conforming to the shaft surface, while the cover element has a larger diameter optimized for providing structural strength and shear resistance, creating local quality variations that improve overall sealing capability
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 design significantly reduces the risk of leaks by ensuring effective sealing, even when forces act transversely to the axis, and accommodates variations in object thickness, making it suitable for diverse applications.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing means has a first sealing surface for sealing against the first object and a second sealing surface for sealing against the abutment... the sealing element comprises a first material and the cover member comprises a second material different from the first material... robustness against shearing forces
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
The device (10) comprises an elongate shaft and a head (20) having an abutment (30) for supporting an object. A shaft (40) defines an axis (50) in its longitudinal direction, where a sealing unit comprises a sealing surface (70) for a seal against the object. Another sealing surface is provided for a seal against the abutment. A cover element (100) comprises a metal or an alloy.