Welded Receiver Shoulder for Sealed Flange Compression Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastener systems for sealed joints between flanges often require additional components like compression limiters, increasing costs and complicating assembly, as they struggle to maintain optimal seal compression without over-compressing the seal, which can lead to leakage.

Innovation Solution

A two-part fastener system comprising a bolt and a receiver with a weld bead, where the receiver's shoulder and spacing portion create a predetermined gap for the seal, allowing controlled compression and assembly simplicity, applicable to various materials and applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a compression limiter is assembled between the flanges to prevent over-compression of the seal, then seal performance is improved, but device complexity and assembly steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal performanceVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compression limiting function is merged with the receiver (nut) by incorporating a shoulder feature directly into the receiver structure. The shoulder engages the second flange and automatically limits compression of the seal between the end face and the shoulder, eliminating the need for a separate compression limiter component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiver is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides threading for the bolt, creates the sealed chamber, and incorporates the shoulder to limit seal compression. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate compression limiter components while maintaining seal protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If a compression limiter is used to bridge the seal during bolt tightening, then seal compression is controlled, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal compression controlVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compression limiting feature (shoulder) is integrated directly into the receiver structure, eliminating the need for a separate compression limiter component that would need to be positioned and held during assembly. The receiver itself provides the compression limit through its shoulder geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiver is pre-assembled to the second flange with the shoulder positioned to engage the flange surface, establishing the compression limit before the bolt is tightened. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the bolt is threaded and tightened, the seal compression is automatically limited by the shoulder without requiring additional assembly steps to hold a separate compression limiter in place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If the receiver includes a weld bead to engage the second flange, then assembly simplicity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver is designed as a separate component from the flanges, with a dedicated welding zone (shoulder) that can be selectively welded to the second flange. This segmentation allows the receiver to be manufactured separately and then attached via welding, simplifying assembly while concentrating manufacturing complexity in a controlled welding operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The weld bead acts as an intermediary joining method that simplifies the overall assembly process. By welding the receiver to the second flange, a permanent and rigid connection is created that eliminates the need for additional fastening elements or complex assembly steps, even though the welding process itself adds manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 ensures controlled seal compression, preventing leakage while reducing assembly complexity and costs by integrating the compression limiting function directly into the fastener system, maintaining effective sealing across different materials and applications.

Implementation Method 1

The shoulder of the receiver may include a weld bead that is welded to the second flange

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentUS9926958B2Method and apparatus for limiting compression between flanges of a sealed structure

Publication Date: 2018.03.27 FORD MOTOR CO

AI summary

A two-part fastener for an assembly having a sealed joint formed by at least two flanges or sealing surfaces. A first flange defines a first opening, a second flange defines a second opening with a seal being disposed between the first and second flanges. The flanges and seal are secured together with a bolt and a receiver that defines a threaded hole for receiving the bolt. The receiver includes an end face engaging the first flange and a shoulder engaging the second flange. The spacing between the end face and the shoulder defines a gap for the seal. The shoulder of the receiver may include a weld bead that is welded to the second flange. In one embodiment, three flanges are assembled together with a seal between each flange.