Looking for flexible seal for oscillating thin opening

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around finding a suitable sealing solution for a thin opening that oscillates elliptically. The parameters include a size of approximately 15mm x 2mm, with low amplitude oscillations and a frequency in the hundreds to thousands of Hz range. The fluid involved is air, and the pressure is estimated to be around 2 kPa, although this is not confirmed.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the pressure and fluid involved, suggesting that nearly any seal would dampen the oscillations, questioning if that is acceptable.
  • Another participant specifies that the fluid is air and mentions the unknown pressure, indicating that it is likely around 2 kPa, which may depend on the performance of a custom-designed check valve.
  • A participant asks for examples of standard seals, noting that in mechanical engineering, 'seal' typically refers to an O-ring.
  • One participant emphasizes the need for a seal that adheres the oscillating opening to a static interface.
  • Another participant critiques the pressure specification, stating it is insufficient and suggests using a thick, large diameter O-ring to seal against a cover or backing plate, which would accommodate the oscillating movement.
  • There is a question regarding the fluid filling the cavity and where the energy from the oscillation should be directed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the adequacy of the pressure specification and the type of seal that would be appropriate. There is no consensus on the best approach or solution, and multiple competing ideas are presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in the provided specifications, including the geometry of the components to be sealed and the nature of the fluid involved. The discussion remains open-ended with unresolved technical details.

Scott Q
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Hello Everyone,

I'm looking for a sealing membrane, or comparable solution, to seal a thin opening (~15mm x 2mm) that oscillates elliptically, like in my example picture below, with a low amplitude (+/- 1mm) and frequency in the 100s - 1000s of Hz range.

Example.png


Any ideas?
 
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What is the pressure and fluid?
Nearly any seal will dampen the oscillations.
Is that acceptable? Why not redesign so a standard seal can be used ?
 
The fluid is air and the pressure unknown at this point; however, It should not be very large, probably ~2 kPa. It will depend on the resistance of the check valve I'm going to use. I haven't been able to locate a suitable valve so I'm designing my own and it's performance is unknown atm.

What kind of standard seal would you be talking about? Could you link an example? Maybe I could design to accommodate but it would likely affect performance adversely.
 
Scott Q said:
What kind of standard seal would you be talking about? Could you link an example?
In the context of mechanical engineering, whenever the word 'seal' is used it's generally referring to an O ring.
 
I intended the seal itself to adhere the oscillating opening to a static interface.
 
Scott Q said:
It should not be very large, probably ~2 kPa.
That is not really a pressure. It is less than the clamping force needed to hold things in place.

Your specification is insufficient. You need to show the geometry of the two parts that must be joined and sealed.

All that can be suggested now is that you place a thick, large diameter O'ring, bigger than the aperture, to seal against a cover or backing plate. That ring will roll and flex sufficiently to isolate the oscillating movement from the unspecified component.
What fluid fills the cavity that oscillates in width, is it water or air ? Where do you want all that energy to go ?
 

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