Breathing Apparatus Turbine Volute Elastomeric Seal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing respiratory assistance devices face sealing issues due to uncontrolled clearance between the upper and lower parts of the volute in micro-blowers or turbines, leading to leaks and gastightness problems during the assembly of these components.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a structure made of elastomeric material, such as rubber or silicone, between the peripheral edges of the volute parts to ensure mechanical retention, precise positioning, and improved gas tightness, including a first annular or semi-annular portion and a second tubular portion that forms a single piece, which can be molded and used to fill the clearance between the volute parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the volute is formed of two separate parts (upper and lower) that are glued together, then production complexity is reduced and manufacturing is easier, but uncontrolled clearance is created between the parts resulting in poor gas tightness and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
An elastomeric structure acts as an intermediary element between the upper and lower volute parts. This structure fills the uncontrolled clearance between the parts and provides a sealing function, preventing gas leaks while allowing the volute to be manufactured in separate pieces for ease of production.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric structure functions as a flexible sealing element that can deform to accommodate the uncontrolled clearance between the rigid volute parts. This flexible material creates an effective seal despite the dimensional variations that occur during assembly of the two separate volute parts.
2Manufacturing precision
If the upper volute is positioned precisely in relation to the impeller, then the performance of the micro-blower is guaranteed, but the large number of parts in the assembly creates a chain of dimensions that prevents precise positioning of the lower volute with respect to the wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric structure serves as a mediator that absorbs the dimensional accumulation errors resulting from the chain of dimensions in the multi-part assembly. By providing a compliant sealing interface, it allows the upper volute to be precisely positioned relative to the impeller while accommodating imprecision in the lower volute positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material changes its physical parameters (deformation, compression) to compensate for the uncontrolled clearance. This parameter change allows the system to maintain sealing effectiveness despite the cumulative dimensional variations introduced by assembling multiple parts.
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 elastomeric structure provides a secure seal and precise positioning of the volute parts, effectively minimizing leaks and ensuring gastightness, even in the presence of uncontrolled spacing, thereby enhancing the performance of the micro-blower or turbine.
Implementation Method 1
at least one structure made of elastomeric material is arranged, in particular mounted tight, between or around at least a part of the peripheral edges of the two volute parts
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine for a breathing assistance apparatus with improved gas tightness. Abstract: The invention concerns a turbine for a breathing assistance apparatus comprising an electric motor (1) cooperating with a vaned rotor (2) to generate a gas stream, and a volute (3, 4) comprising a lower volute portion (3) and an upper volute portion (4) with a gas inlet passage (5), which couple together and are shaped so as to form an internal compartment in which the vaned rotor (2) is disposed, and in which the lower volute portion (3) comprises a first peripheral rim (3a) and the upper volute portion (4) comprises a second peripheral rim (4a), said first peripheral rim (3a) and second peripheral rim (4a) facing each other when the lower volute portion (3) is coupled to the upper volute portion (4). At least one structure made from an elastomeric material is arranged between or around at least a portion of the peripheral rims (3a, 4a) of the two volute portions (3, 4). A breathing assistance apparatus equipped with a turbine according to the invention. Figure