Thermally Activated Seal for Enclosed Assembly Gaps
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing assemblies, such as those in motor vehicles, struggle to create a fluid-tight seal between components, especially when space constraints and accessibility issues are present, like in sub-woofer systems or ballast tanks, where components become inaccessible during liquid treatments.
Innovation Solution
A method involving thermally activated seal means, where components are coupled with a gap allowing fluid flow, and then heated to expand the seal, forming a fluid-tight seal without requiring operator or tool access, using thermally activated mastic that expands to bridge the gap, even when components are enclosed within other structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If components are coupled with a gap allowing fluid flow for coating processes, then accessibility for liquid treatment is improved, but fluid tightness is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The seal means is pre-installed in the gap between components before coating operations. This preliminary placement allows the seal to be in position before the component becomes inaccessible, enabling subsequent heat treatment to activate the seal after coating is complete
Solution Approach 2:
The seal means changes its physical state from a compressed state during assembly and coating to an expanded state when heated. This parameter change allows the seal to transition from allowing fluid flow during manufacturing to blocking fluid flow during operation
2Volume of moving object
If components are enclosed within other structures to reduce space usage, then space efficiency is improved, but accessibility for sealing operations is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The seal means is installed in the gap between enclosed components before they are placed within the enclosing structure. This preliminary action ensures the seal is in position before the components become inaccessible, eliminating the need for later access
Solution Approach 2:
The seal means is designed to be self-activating through heat treatment. Once heated, the seal automatically expands and seals the gap without requiring operator intervention or tool access to the enclosed space
3Reliability
If thermally activated seal means is used to seal gaps after coating, then sealing capability is improved, but manufacturing process complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The seal means utilizes thermal expansion properties to change from a compressed state during assembly to an expanded state during sealing. This single parameter change (temperature) drives the sealing action, simplifying the overall system while adding a thermal processing step
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 method enables the formation of waterproof or airtight seals in inaccessible areas during manufacturing, allowing for efficient coating processes and reducing space usage, while maintaining the ability to drain excess liquids and provide support to enclosed components.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting the assembly to heat thereby to cause the seal means to expand and bridge the gap between the first and second components
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacture of an assembly comprising: forming an assembly by coupling a first component (150) to a second component (110) in spaced apart relationship therewith by means of coupling means (131); providing thermally activated seal means between the components, the first component, second component and seal means being arranged such that a gap exists between the first and second components allowing fluid flow therethrough; and subjecting the assembly to heat thereby to cause the seal means to expand and bridge the gap between the first and second components thereby to form a fluid tight seal between them. The second component may be at least partially enclosed between the first and a third component (161), and the second component may provide an aperture at a location opposite a portion of the third component whereby expansion of a seal means (112S,114S) around the aperture causes the aperture to be sealed by the seal means and said portion of the third component.