T-Shaped Seal for Quick Connectors Managing Axial Tolerances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connectors for fluid lines, particularly in the automotive sector, face challenges in sealing due to high interlocking forces and axial tolerances, with current seals being either too costly or unsuitable for large diameters and medium pressure ranges, and lacking ease of installation.
Innovation Solution
A seal with a 'T' shape design made from elastically deformable polymer materials, featuring a peripheral leg and transverse bar, which can compensate for axial and radial tolerances without requiring modifications to existing connectors, ensuring sealing effectiveness in low to medium pressure ranges and easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional seals (O-ring, lip seal, Y seal) are used, then sealing is provided, but they cannot compensate for high axial tolerances (0-2.5 mm) and radial tolerances (0.8 mm) while maintaining low nesting forces
Solution Approach 1:
The seal design changes its physical parameters (shape, position) in response to tolerance variations. The T-shaped profile with bar allows the seal to adapt its configuration based on the actual assembly tolerances encountered, maintaining sealing effectiveness across the full range of axial (0-2.5 mm) and radial (0.8 mm) tolerances without requiring high assembly forces
Solution Approach 2:
The seal transitions from a static conventional design to a dynamic adaptive structure. The T-shaped geometry enables the seal to dynamically adjust its position and deformation characteristics during assembly, automatically compensating for tolerance variations and maintaining optimal sealing contact under varying assembly conditions
2Reliability
If O-ring with large torus diameter is used to compensate axial clearances, then sealing is provided, but bulk increases and cost becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the torus diameter parameter to compensate for axial clearances, the invention changes to a T-shaped profile with bar that provides axial compensation through a different geometric parameter (bar length and positioning), thereby achieving the same sealing function with significantly reduced seal bulk
3Reliability
If conventional lip seals are used, then sealing is provided, but manufacturing cost increases and complex housing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is segmented into distinct functional zones: the peripheral leg for radial sealing and the bar for axial tolerance compensation. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently, simplifying the overall design and reducing manufacturing complexity compared to conventional lip seals that require complex integrated structures
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the seal have different local properties optimized for their specific functions. The peripheral leg provides radial sealing contact while the bar provides axial compliance, allowing the seal to achieve effective sealing with simpler materials and manufacturing processes than conventional designs
4Reliability
If seal is designed for chamfer sealing, then sealing on chamfer is provided, but axial tolerances cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The T-shaped seal introduces asymmetry with the bar extending in a specific direction from the peripheral leg. This asymmetric design allows the bar to specifically address axial tolerance compensation while the peripheral leg maintains chamfer sealing, creating a seal that handles both functions simultaneously but with different geometric characteristics
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 seal effectively seals fluid lines with low to medium pressure up to 2 MPa, accommodating axial tolerances of 0-2.5 mm and radial tolerances of 0.8 mm, while maintaining low assembly forces (30-80 N) and being economical to manufacture, suitable for automatic assembly.
Implementation Method 1
A seal with a 'T' shape design made from elastically deformable polymer materials, featuring a peripheral leg and transverse bar, which can compensate for axial and radial tolerances
Data Source
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AI summary
The aim of the invention is to propose a joint for a quick connector that can be produced economically, and provides a seal in a wide range of fluid pressures while having reduced fitting forces. - More specifically, the present invention concerns an annular seal (10) made from an elastically deformable material, having an axis of revolution (AR) and a transverse axis (AT): and being generally T-shaped in the longitudinal axial section, having in the rest position: ~ a peripheral strut extending parallel to the axis of revolution (AR) and having an inner face, turned towards the axis of revolution (AR), an opposing peripheral outer face, and two lateral faces linking the inner and outer faces, ~ a bar substantially perpendicular to the strut extending parallel to the transverse axis (AT), from the inner face of the strut to the axis of revolution (AR), in which the outer face of the strut is concave.