Sensor Seal Ring Structure to Prevent Rotation-Induced Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sealing structures in electronic devices, such as photoelectric sensors, suffer from reduced sealing performance due to excessive rotation of sealants caused by friction when the setting parts are operated, leading to potential liquid infiltration.
Innovation Solution
A seal ring with a curved surface part and a pair of end parts, where the end parts have a shape different from the curved surface and extend along the axial direction, is used to surround the shaft and housing, allowing them to contact and stabilize the seal ring during operation, preventing excessive rotation and maintaining sealing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealant in an annular shape is provided between the housing and the switch shaft to seal the gap, then the sealing property is improved, but excessive rotation of the sealant occurs due to friction when the switch is operated, leading to reduced sealing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The seal ring is divided into three functional segments: a curved surface part for sealing contact with the shaft, and a pair of end parts that extend axially to contact either the shaft or housing. This segmentation allows different portions of the seal ring to perform different functions - sealing and rotational constraint - thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining sealing contact and preventing excessive rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the seal ring are given different geometric properties: the curved surface part has a specific curvature for optimal sealing contact with the shaft, while the end parts have extended axial surfaces for contacting the shaft or housing to prevent rotation. This local differentiation of properties allows the seal ring to simultaneously achieve sealing and rotational stability.
2Reliability
If the seal ring is made to contact the shaft for sealing, then sealing performance is improved, but friction causes the seal ring to rotate excessively during operation, compromising the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The seal ring is segmented into a curved surface part for sealing contact and end parts for rotational constraint. This allows the sealing function and operational smoothness to be decoupled - the curved surface maintains sealing while the end parts control rotation to prevent friction-induced excessive rotation during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The end parts of the seal ring act as intermediaries between the seal ring body and the shaft/housing. They provide a controlled contact mechanism that prevents excessive rotation without directly interfering with the primary sealing contact between the curved surface and the shaft, thereby maintaining both sealing performance and operational smoothness.
3Ease of manufacture
If the seal ring structure is simplified to a basic annular shape, then manufacturing is easier, but the seal ring cannot prevent excessive rotation during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The seal ring is designed with segmented functionality - the curved surface part and end parts are integrated into a single annular component that can be manufactured as one piece. This segmentation of function rather than physical separation maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving the dual goals of sealing and rotational prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than complicating the overall structure, the invention applies local geometric modifications to the annular seal ring - a curved surface portion and extended end parts. These localized features are easily incorporated into standard sealing ring manufacturing processes while providing the necessary functional differentiation.
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 configuration effectively suppresses the decrease in sealing performance, ensuring the electronic device remains watertight even during operation of the setting parts, without compromising operability.
Implementation Method 1
a seal ring (60) in an annular shape, provided to surround the shaft (18b) and sealing a gap between the shaft (18b) and the housing (12)
Implementation Method 2
excessive rotation (for example, a twist in which an axis H shown in FIG. 10 (i.e., an axis that passes through a center of the sealant 260 in an axial direction (up-down direction in FIG. 10) and is orthogonal to the axial direction in a cross-sectional view) rotates to an axis H′) of the sealant 260 in contact with the shaft 218b of the switch 218 may occur due to friction
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor and an electronic device are provided. The sensor includes a setting part and a seal ring in an annular shape. The setting part changes a setting of a sensor main body. The seal ring is provided to surround a shaft of the setting part and seals a gap between the shaft and a housing. The seal ring has a curved surface part and a pair of end parts. The curved surface part is curved convexly in a cross-sectional view. The pair of end parts have a shape different from the curved surface part and extend in an axial direction of the seal ring, on two sides of the curved surface part in the axial direction of the seal ring.