Sensor O-ring Sealing via Insert-Molded Fitting Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor apparatuses face issues with fluid sealing due to squeezed-out projections or level differences along the parting line of the case, leading to gaps between the O-ring and the annular depression, resulting in potential leakage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an O-ring fitting ring member formed separately from the case, which is insert-molded and forms the bottom and side surfaces of the annular depression, ensuring tight contact with the O-ring and eliminating squeezed-out projections or level differences, thereby enhancing fluid sealing properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the case is molded using a divided mold die along a parting line, then the manufacturing process is simplified and production efficiency is improved, but squeezed-out projections or level differences are formed along the parting line, causing gaps between the O-ring and annular depression that compromise fluid sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into two separate components: the main case body and the O-ring fitting ring member. This segmentation allows the case body to be molded using a divided mold die for efficient production, while the O-ring fitting ring member is formed separately with a smooth surface that prevents squeezed-out projections, thereby maintaining fluid sealing integrity without compromising productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The O-ring fitting ring member acts as an intermediary component between the case body and the O-ring. It provides a smooth, projection-free bottom surface for the annular depression, mediating between the molded case body (which may have parting line defects) and the O-ring (which requires a smooth sealing surface), thus ensuring fluid sealing while allowing efficient case manufacturing
2Reliability
If an O-ring fitting ring member is added to form the bottom surface of the annular depression, then fluid sealing is improved by eliminating squeezed-out projections, but the device structure becomes more complex and manufacturing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The O-ring fitting ring member is integrated into the case body through insert molding, merging two separate manufacturing processes into a single integrated structure. This reduces the need for additional assembly steps and minimizes structural complexity while maintaining the fluid sealing benefits of a smooth, projection-free bottom surface
3Manufacturing precision
If the O-ring fitting ring member is formed separately and insert-molded, then the bottom surface of the annular depression is free from squeezed-out projections, but the manufacturing process requires additional steps
Solution Approach 1:
The O-ring fitting ring member is prepared in advance with a smooth surface finish before being insert-molded into the case body. This preliminary action ensures that the bottom surface of the annular depression is free from squeezed-out projections and level differences, achieving high manufacturing precision while the insert molding process itself remains a straightforward, well-established manufacturing technique
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 improves fluid sealing by ensuring the O-ring is in tight contact with the annular depression surfaces, reducing the risk of leakage and maintaining a watertight seal, while also simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an O-ring fitting ring member that is formed separately from the case and that is insert-molded in the case
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor apparatus including a detecting element integrated in a case formed of a synthetic resin material, an O-ring fitted into an annular depression provided on the case, and an O-ring fitting ring member that is formed separately from the case and that is insert-molded in the case, wherein a bottom surface of the annular depression is formed by an outer peripheral surface of the O-ring fitting ring member exposed to an outer surface of the case.