Stud Fastening Structure for Consistent Sealing Under Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fastening studs to underlying surfaces are user-dependent and lack reliable sealing, with quality of the connection depending on operator experience, and the sealing ring's compression state, which can lead to inconsistent sealing effects.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method featuring a stud with a sealing element made of elastic material and a force transmission element of rigid material, where the force transmission element transmits compressive and lateral forces to isolate the sealing element from these forces, ensuring reliable sealing by adjusting the contact pressure surface and supporting surface distances to optimize sealing area and pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sealing element is pressed to achieve sufficient sealing effect, then the sealing quality improves, but the sealing element may be excessively deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The stud is segmented into distinct functional zones: a sealing zone with the sealing element for creating the seal, and a force transmission zone with the force transmission element for bearing loads. This segmentation allows the sealing element to be compressed sufficiently for sealing without bearing the full attachment force, preventing excessive deformation while maintaining sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The force transmission element acts as an intermediary between the attachment element and the sealing element. It transmits compressive forces and lateral forces from the attachment element to the underlying surface, shielding the sealing element from these forces. This mediator allows the sealing element to maintain its shape while still achieving sufficient compression for sealing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the user adjusts fastening parameters manually, then the process is flexible, but the connection quality depends on user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The stud design is self-regulating: the force transmission element automatically transmits forces away from the sealing element, and the sealing element automatically achieves optimal compression based on the geometry of the contact zone and underlying surface. This eliminates the need for user adjustment of fastening parameters while ensuring consistent sealing quality regardless of operator experience.
3Reliability
If the sealing element is made elastic for sealing, then the sealing capability improves, but the sealing element is susceptible to force deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The stud is divided into functional zones: the sealing zone with the elastic sealing element that deforms to create seals, and the force transmission zone with the rigid force transmission element that resists deformation under load. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The force transmission element serves as a protective intermediary that shields the elastic sealing element from compressive and lateral forces. This allows the sealing element to remain elastic and compliant for sealing purposes while the force transmission element absorbs and redirects the mechanical loads away from it.
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 reliable and consistent sealing effect independent of the attachment force, ensuring a high-quality connection without deforming the sealing element, thereby improving the fastening process by maintaining the sealing integrity regardless of the forces applied.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing element is made preferably of an elastic material such as an elastomer, for example rubber or EPDM
Data Source
AI summary
A stud for fastening an attachment element to an underlying surface is provided, having a shank that defines a fastening direction, having a sealing element for sealing off a contact zone between the shank and the underlying surface, and having a force transmission element for transmitting compressive forces from the attachment element to the underlying surface.