Vacuum Cleaner Sealing Lip Structure for Pressure-Stable Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cleaner sealing elements fail to maintain a reliable seal during operation and in the event of malfunctions, such as sudden pressure changes, leading to potential leaks and instability.
Innovation Solution
A sealing element with a movable sealing lip and an inner and outer bead, where the outer bead limits the springback movement of the second vacuum cleaner element, ensuring continuous contact with the sealing surface and increased flexural rigidity, allowing for the use of flexible materials and reducing manufacturing irregularities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing lip with an inner bead is used to maintain seal contact under negative pressure, then the sealing effect is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is divided into distinct functional components: a sealing lip for contact sealing, an inner bead for maintaining seal under negative pressure, and an outer bead for limiting springback movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving overall sealing reliability while keeping the design modular and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing lip is designed to be movable relative to the fixing unit, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position in response to pressure changes and component movement. This dynamic capability ensures continuous contact with the second vacuum cleaner element during normal operation and malfunction scenarios, maintaining sealing effectiveness without requiring an overly complex rigid structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the second vacuum cleaner element is made flexible to accommodate pressure changes, then adaptability is improved, but stability and sealing reliability deteriorate due to uncontrolled deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The outer bead is positioned in advance to limit the springback movement of the second vacuum cleaner element. By pre-establishing this mechanical constraint, the element can flexibly deform to accommodate pressure changes during normal operation, but the outer bead prevents excessive or uncontrolled deformation that would compromise sealing stability, thus maintaining both adaptability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element utilizes material properties and geometric parameters to balance flexibility and stability. The movable sealing lip and bead structures allow controlled parameter changes (position, shape) in response to pressure variations, while the overall design maintains structural integrity and stable sealing contact through the constrained geometry of the beads and lip configuration.
3Reliability
If a rigid sealing structure is used to ensure stability, then sealing reliability is improved, but the ability to accommodate pressure changes and malfunctions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing lip is designed with movable characteristics, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and shape in response to pressure changes and malfunction conditions. This dynamic design enables the sealing structure to adapt to varying operational conditions while maintaining reliable sealing contact, avoiding the limitations of a completely rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner and outer beads are positioned in advance to provide cushioning and support during pressure changes and malfunction scenarios. These pre-positioned structural features ensure that the sealing element can accommodate sudden pressure variations and springback movements without compromising sealing reliability, combining adaptability with stable sealing performance.
4Loss of substance
If material usage is reduced to decrease weight and cost, then manufacturing cost is improved, but sealing reliability and durability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element uses segmentation to concentrate material only where functionally necessary. The sealing lip, inner bead, and outer bead are designed as distinct features that provide sealing and structural functions with minimal material volume. This segmented approach reduces overall material usage while maintaining sealing reliability through strategically placed structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element utilizes a flexible sealing lip that can be made from thin-walled or low-material-content material while still providing effective sealing. The flexibility of this thin-walled structure allows it to conform to the mating surface and maintain sealing contact without requiring excessive material, thus reducing weight and manufacturing cost while preserving sealing reliability.
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 ensures a reliable sealing effect at all times, including during malfunctions, with reduced material usage and increased flexibility, allowing for a more stable and efficient vacuum cleaner operation without leaks.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing lip (30) with a sealing surface (31) for sealing is movably arranged on the fixing unit (20). An inner bead (32) and an outer bead (33) are also arranged on the sealing lip (30).
Implementation Method 2
The outer bead (33) is arranged on the sealing lip (30). It has been found advantageous that the outer bead (33) ensures that the springback of the second vacuum cleaner element (42) is limited, so that contact between the second vacuum cleaner element (42) and the sealing surface (31) is ensured.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a sealing element (10) for a vacuum cleaner (40) for sealing between a first (41) and a second vacuum cleaner element (42), wherein the second vacuum cleaner element (42) is movable relative to the first vacuum cleaner element (41). The sealing element (10) has a fixing unit (20) for fixing on the first vacuum cleaner element (41). A sealing lip (30) with a sealing surface (31) for sealing can be moved on the fixing unit (20), and an inner bead (32) lies on the sealing lip (30). An outer bead (33) also lies on the sealing lip (30). The invention enables providing a sealing element with simply designed and inexpensive means, said sealing element forming an improved seal. In particular, the sealing element can ensure a reliable sealing effect at any time during the operation of the vacuum cleaner and in the event of faults so that a vacuum cleaner chamber can be sealed against leakage.