Waveform Spring Profile for Compact Automatic Seal Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of coil springs as return and overload springs in seals restricts the design of narrow seals due to their circular cross-section, which requires additional space, limiting the construction possibilities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of springs with a wave, triangular, or sawtooth profile that are narrower and can be aligned with or even narrower than the rod, allowing them to be used without protruding laterally, and can be supported on the rod or transmission mechanism, enabling a more compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coil springs are used as return and overload springs in seals, then the seal can provide reliable return and overload protection functions, but the circular cross-section of coil springs requires additional space and restricts the design of narrow seals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the spring by transitioning from a circular cross-section (coil spring) to a flat profile (wave, triangular, or sawtooth). This parameter change allows the spring to be accommodated in narrow spaces while maintaining its elastic functionality for return and overload protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric flat spring profiles (wave, triangular, or sawtooth) instead of symmetric circular coil springs. This asymmetry in cross-sectional shape enables the spring to fit within the constrained width of the rod or transmission mechanism, eliminating the lateral protrusion issue of circular springs
2Length of moving object
If the seal is designed to be narrow, then the seal can be integrated into confined spaces, but the use of coil springs with circular cross-section restricts construction possibilities
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the cross-sectional parameter from circular to flat profile, the spring can be integrated into narrow seal designs without compromising construction versatility. The flat profile adapts to the limited width while maintaining all necessary mechanical functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the spring design from a three-dimensional circular cross-section to a two-dimensional flat profile. This dimensional reduction allows the spring to fit within the narrow width constraint while maintaining its functional effectiveness through the flat wave, triangular, or sawtooth geometry
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 solution allows for the elimination of coil springs, providing a more compact seal design that can be integrated into narrow spaces without compromising functionality, as the new spring profiles can be made very narrow and are effective in transmitting movement and managing overload forces.
Implementation Method 1
the restoring spring and/or the overload spring has a wave, triangular, sawtooth or similar curved profile
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an automatic seal comprising: a holding means; a sealing strip having a sealing profile; a trigger for initiating a force to move the sealing strip into the seal; a rod and at least one mechanism for transmitting a movement of the trigger to the sealing strip; a return spring and/or at least one overload spring; the rod being coupled to the trigger to transmit the movement of the trigger to the rod; the rod being coupled to the transmission mechanism, optionally via the overload mechanism; and the rod being at least indirectly connected to the holding means via the return mechanism, if applicable. The return spring and/or the overload spring having a wave, triangular, sawtooth, or similarly curved profile is also included.