Snap-On Seal Assembly With Expandable Anchors to Cut Retainer Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal systems, particularly those with retainers, are heavy and costly due to the substantial weight and material requirements of the retainers, which also increase the overall cost and fuel consumption in applications like aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A seal assembly using stem fasteners with expandable anchor arms that nest in seal cavities, reducing material usage and weight, and employing a leverage principle for easy installation, thereby minimizing the need for lengthwise retainers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional retainers are used to attach seals, then the seal system provides reliable attachment and sealing, but the weight and cost of the seal system increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into multiple discrete fasteners spaced along the seal length, each with its own anchor arms. This segmentation allows the seal to be attached through multiple small connection points rather than a continuous heavy retainer, reducing overall weight while maintaining attachment reliability through distributed fastening points
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor arms nest within cavities in the seal body when in the retracted position, and extend outward to engage with the substrate. This nesting mechanism allows the fastening components to be compact when not in use while providing full engagement capability when needed, reducing material requirements and weight
2Strength
If traditional retainers are used to attach seals, then the seal system provides secure fastening, but the material usage and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor arms are designed to be movable, transitioning from a retracted position during installation to an extended engagement position during operation. This dynamic behavior allows the same component to facilitate easy installation with minimal force while providing strong fastening when engaged, reducing the material needed compared to static heavy retainers
Solution Approach 2:
The seal body includes pre-formed cavities positioned to receive the anchor arms in their retracted state. This preliminary preparation of the seal structure allows the anchor arms to be easily received and guided into position during installation, reducing installation complexity and material requirements for alignment features
3Weight of moving object
If expandable anchor arms are used instead of traditional retainers, then weight and material usage are reduced, but installation complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor arms are designed to automatically extend from their retracted to engaged position as the seal is pushed onto the fastener during installation. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for separate extension actions or complex actuation systems, maintaining ease of installation while reducing weight compared to traditional retainers
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor arms utilize curved or angled geometries that leverage the insertion force to automatically transition from retracted to extended position. This geometric design converts the simple axial pushing motion into the required radial extension motion, simplifying the installation process while maintaining the weight benefits of the expandable design
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 provides a lightweight, cost-effective seal system that maintains a tight fit and reduces assembly component material, leading to significant cost savings by minimizing weight and installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
employing a leverage principle for easy installation
Data Source
AI summary
A seal assembly is disclosed. The seal assembly may include a seal with a seal body. The seal body may include a seal bottom surface and a cavity along a lengthwise direction of the seal body. The seal assembly may include a fastener with a shank disposed along an axis, a stem protruding up from the shank and disposed along the axis, and an anchor coupled to the stem. The anchor may include one or more anchor arms, each with a pivot and coupled to an arm lever located at a distal end of the fastener. Each anchor arm may be configured to rotate around the pivot between an uncoupled position and a coupled position upon application of a longitudinal force to the arm lever, causing an extendable portion of the anchor arm to rotate radially outwards relative to the axis.