Split-Ring Sealing Ring With Asymmetric Threads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing rings for watt-hour meters are cumbersome to install, often requiring disassembly and specific tools, and are difficult to manufacture due to complex designs, making them challenging to handle and secure in outdoor and hard-to-reach locations.
Innovation Solution
A sealing ring with a split-ring annular band featuring differently threaded tabs and a double-threaded fastener with ergonomic design elements, allowing for easier installation and security features like a center fastener wheel and offset screw position, facilitating both left and right-handed use without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a preassembled sealing ring with fastener screw threaded through both end tabs is used, then the device is ready for installation, but the split-ring aperture is limited and disassembly is required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is divided into a split-ring design with separate end tabs that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the ring to be opened wider by separating the tabs, enabling installation without disassembling the fastener from both tabs, thus resolving the contradiction between preassembly convenience and installation accessibility.
2Device complexity
If the fastener screw is positioned in the same central plane as the sealing ring, then the design is compact, but the screw is difficult to engage and tighten
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener screw is repositioned from the central plane of the sealing ring to an offset position in a different spatial dimension. This dimensional change provides better access for tool engagement and tightening operations while maintaining the compact overall design through strategic placement away from the ring's central plane.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sealing ring is designed to accommodate both left and right handed users by allowing screw reversal, then user versatility is improved, but complete disassembly is required
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring employs asymmetric threading on the end tabs - one tab has right-handed threads and the other has left-handed threads. This asymmetric design allows the fastener to be installed and tightened without complete disassembly, while still accommodating both left and right-handed users by providing appropriate thread directions on each side, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and time loss.
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 sealing ring is easier and quicker to install, reduces the need for tools, and provides enhanced security and safety during handling, accommodating various watt-hour meters without requiring disassembly, while being simpler to manufacture and use.
Implementation Method 1
each watt-hour meter is secured in a socket in the meter base through frictional and sometimes other means of engagement
Implementation Method 2
secured with a threaded bolt, screw or other fastener
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the present invention includes a sealing ring having a split-ring annular band which includes a first and second end. A first tab is disposed at the first end, with the first tab extending away from the annular band. The first tab also includes a first threaded aperture. A second tab is disposed at the second end, with the second tab also extending away from the annular band The second tab also includes a second threaded aperture. Additionally, a thread of the first aperture is different from a thread of the second aperture. Further, the sealing ring includes a fastener threadedly engaged with the first and second apertures. Rotation of the fastener adjusts a radial dimension of the annular band.