Threshold Seal Actuation Mechanism for Even Pressure Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Threshold seals often fail to drop evenly from a retracted to an extended position and do not apply pressure evenly onto the floor surface, leading to reduced sealing performance.
Innovation Solution
The threshold seal features a casing, seal carrier, and actuation mechanism with a lever and spring rod system that ensures even deployment and pressure distribution across the seal member, utilizing a button with visual indicators for adjustment and a Bowden push/pull cable actuation for controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple actuation mechanism is used for the threshold seal, then the device complexity is reduced, but the seal carrier cannot be deployed evenly and pressure distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation mechanism is segmented into multiple functional components: a lever arm divided into first and second arms, a separate stabilising element, and a multi-point contact system. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function - the lever provides mechanical advantage, the stabilising element ensures even deployment, and the multiple contact points distribute pressure evenly across the seal carrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilising element acts as an intermediary component between the lever arm and the seal carrier. It mediates the force transmission to ensure even deployment of the seal carrier by providing a stabilising contact point that prevents uneven movement during actuation.
2Speed
If the seal carrier is moved quickly between retracted and extended positions, then the operation speed is improved, but the seal pressure becomes uneven and sealing performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal carrier is designed with multiple contact points along its length, each making contact with the floor surface at different locations. This local distribution of contact points ensures that pressure is applied evenly across the entire seal carrier, with each local contact point contributing to the overall sealing performance rather than relying on a single contact point.
3Measurement precision
If a threaded connection is used between the button and actuation member, then the position adjustment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection allows for precise adjustment of the button's position relative to the actuation member by changing the rotational parameter. Each rotation of the threaded connection moves the button by a precise amount, enabling fine-tuning of the actuation point to achieve optimal sealing performance and even pressure distribution.
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 design ensures accurate and even deployment of the seal member, improving sealing efficiency and maintaining consistent pressure along the length of the seal, thereby enhancing the sealing performance between the door and floor.
Implementation Method 1
The actuation rod is provided with a compression spring which is biased towards a first position corresponding to the retracted position of the seal carrier
Implementation Method 2
an actuation mechanism which includes a lever pivotally connected to the seal carrier and pivotally connected to an actuation member
Implementation Method 3
a Bowden push/pull cable actuation for controlled movement
Data Source
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AI summary
A threshold seal comprises a casing, a seal carrier, and an actuation mechanism which is operable to move the seal carrier with respect to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein the actuation mechanism includes an actuation member movable relative to the casing to control deployment of the seal carrier; wherein movement of the actuation member is controlled by a button which protrudes from the casing; wherein the position of the button relative to the actuation member may be set to control the extent to which the button protrudes from the casing relative to the position of the actuation member; and wherein the button comprises a plurality of visual indicators which may be used to assist with setting the position of the button with respect to the actuation member, and wherein the position of the button relative to the actuation member is continuously variable between an outer position corresponding to a maximum protrusion of the button for a given actuation member position and an inner position corresponding to a minimum protrusion of the button for a given actuation member position.