[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to automotive seals. More specifically, relates to a seal detecting system and a method to determine presence of a seal in an automotive transmission.
BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, oil seals are provided in a drive shaft of an automotive transmission unit for providing proper sealing of components associated with the transmission unit. If the oil seal is absent, it may lead to leakage of oil from a clearance between parts of the transmission unit which would result in wastage of oil. Sometimes, due to negligence of an operator in an automotive assembly plant, assembling of the oil seal may be completely omitted and the shaft without the oil seal is assembled to a vehicle transmission. This may lead to malfunction of a gearbox of the vehicle transmission unit, due to insufficient oil. This may be identified at customer's end which may lead to customer's dissatisfaction. The presence of the oil seal is, of course, necessary to prevent leakage in and around the automatic transmission. Heretofore, it has not been possible to automatically confirm the presence of the oil seal, before assembling the transmission unit in an automotive assembly plant.
[003] Therefore, there exists a need for a seal detecting system and a method to determine presence of a seal in an automotive transmission and to eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS
[004] The principal object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a seal detecting system to determine presence of a seal in an automotive transmission.
[005] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a seal detection system which is inexpensive and easy to manufacture.
[006] Still another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a method for determining presence of a seal in an automotive transmission.
[007] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[008] This invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:

[009] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a detecting tool member, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0010] FIG. 2a depicts another perspective view of the detecting tool member, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 2b depicts a perspective view of an oil seal, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 2c depicts a perspective view of a fluid passage provided in the detecting tool member, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 3a depicts an electronic circuit diagram for operating the system, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 3b depicts a controller and sensor of seal detecting system, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0015] FIG. 4 depicts a mechanical flow diagram for operating the system, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0016] FIG. 5 depicts an image of operating the system with a bearing pressing machine, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0017] FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart showing a method for determining presence of a seal in an automotive transmission, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0019] The embodiments herein achieve a seal detecting system to determine presence of a seal in an automotive transmission. Furthermore, the embodiments herein achieve a method for determining presence of a seal in an automotive transmission. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 6, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0020] For the purpose of explanation and ease of understanding the embodiments herein are considered to be a bearing pressing machine (300) (as shown in FIG. 5) with a seal detection system. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other type of machine or unit without otherwise deterring the intended function of detecting seal as can be deduced from the description and drawings. FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a detecting tool member, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the system (100) includes a detecting tool member (104), the detecting tool member

defining at least one fluid passage (104a), the detecting tool member having a top surface (104b), at least one sensor (106), and a controller (110).
[0021] The system (100) for detecting presence of the seal (102) in
a sealing assembly includes the seal (102) (as shown in FIG. 2b). The seal
(102) is configured to provide a fluid tight seal to a mechanical seal
assembly (referred to as bearing machine in this description as shown in
5 FIG. 5). In an embodiment, the seal (102) may be disposed in any
orientation in the mechanical seal assembly.
[0022] FIG. 2a depicts another perspective view of the detecting tool member, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The system (100) for detecting presence of a seal (102) in a sealing
10 assembly includes the detecting tool member (104). The detecting tool
member (104) includes the top surface (104b) which is adapted to be assembled with the first surface (not shown) of the seal (102). Further, the detecting tool member (104) defines the at least one fluid passage (104a) (as shown in FIG. 2c). The fluid passage (104a) may be also an air vent or
15 an orifice. The fluid passage (104a) is provided in communication with a
fluid supply line (108). In an embodiment, the fluid supply line (108) is a pneumatic supply line. In an embodiment, the fluid supply may be selected from one of air, water and oil. The fluid supply line (108) includes a fluid which is passed into the fluid passage (104a). Further, the fluid passage
20 (104a) provided in the detecting tool member (104) includes an opening
(104c) to deliver the fluid supply to atmosphere.
[0023] The system (100) for detecting presence of the seal (102) in
the sealing assembly includes the at least one sensor (106). The sensor
(106) is provided in communication with the fluid supply line (108). The
25 sensor (106) is configured to generate at least one signal indicative of one
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of presence and absence of the seal (102). The sensor (106) is selected
from a group comprising pressure sensor, capacitance pressure sensor,
piezoelectric pressure sensor, and flow check sensor. The sensor (106) is
configured to generate the signal indicative of a back pressure when the
5 sensor (106) detects or senses the seal (102). The system (100) includes at
least one display unit (not shown) to indicate the back pressure value.
[0024] The system (100) for detecting presence of the seal (102) in the sealing assembly includes the controller (110) which is provided in communication with the sensor (106). The controller (110) is configured to
10 receive the signal from the sensor (106). Further, the controller (110) is
adapted to perform at least one action of actuating a machine part if the sensor (106) generates the signal indicating presence of the seal (102). The controller (110) is adapted to retain the machine part if the sensor (106) generates the signal indicating absence of the seal (102). The actuating and
15 retaining of the machine part is associated with the sealing assembly. The
controller (110) is configured to compare the generated signal indicative of the back pressure from the sensor (106) (on detecting the presence of the seal (102)) with a standard back pressure value to generate at least one signal indicative of action to be taken by an operator. The action to be
20 taken by the operator includes inserting the seal (102) in the seal assembly.
[0025] FIG. 3 depicts an electronic circuit diagram for operating the
system, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.
The system (100) includes at least two push buttons or switches PB1 and
PB2. These push buttons PB1 and PB2 are adapted to operate the bearing
25 pressing machine for a cycle start. When an operator pushes both of the
push buttons PB1 and PB2 for the cycle start, a power supply is transmitted to a Relay R1 and the cycle starts i.e. a bearing pressing ram moves downwards. If the sensor (106) detects the presence of the oil seal (102) it
7/15

creates the back pressure which is configured to switch ON a Return Air
Pressure switch thereby allowing the power supply to flow towards a Relay
R2. As the Return Air Pressure switch is ON the bearing pressing ram
moves upwards. And the cycle is repeated for next process. If there is no
5 oil seal (102), the sensor (106) does not indicate the presence of the oil seal
(102) as there is no back pressure generate and thus the Return Air Pressure
switch will shut or turned off. The bearing pressing ram does not move
upward when the oil seal (102) is absent. The operator turns the switch on
by pressing a repair button which completes a Selector Switch circuit (SS),
10 and thus ram moves upwards and the operator inserts the oil seal (102) and
repeats the process.
[0026] FIG. 4 depicts a mechanical flow diagram for operating the system, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the system (100) includes an air regulator (402). The air
15 regulator (402) is connected to a main air supply. The supply from the air
regulator (402) is passed to an air pressure switch (i.e. an Electrical NO contact) (404). The air pressure switch is normally open and supplies the air or oil to the detecting tool member (104). The pressure attained is measure by a Digital air pressure setting (406). If there is no oil seal (102)
20 present in the sealing assembly, the air supplied by the main air supply
exits from the detecting tool member (104) to the atmosphere from the opening (404c). If the oil seal is present, the passage of air from the detecting tool member (104) is restricted which creates the back pressure to switch off the Air pressure switch. Thus the controller provides a
25 command to the bearing pressing machine to move the ram upwards.
[0027] FIG. 5 depicts an image of operating the system with a bearing pressing machine, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the system (100) for detecting
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presence of the seal (102) is installed in the bearing pressing machine
(300). The bearing pressing machine may include a fixture assembly (not
shown), an idler shaft (not shown), a bearing assembly (not shown), a drive
shaft (not shown), an oil seal (102), a plurality of hydraulic press buttons
5 (PB1 and PB2). The process followed is explained below. The push
buttons PB1 and PB2 are adapted to operate the bearing pressing machine for a cycle start. When an operator pushes both of the push buttons PB1 and PB2 for the cycle start, the power supply is transmitted to move the bearing pressing ram downwards. If the sensor (106) detects the presence
10 of the oil seal (102) it creates the back pressure thereby causing the ram to
move upwards. And the cycle is repeated for next process. If there is no oil seal (102), the sensor (106) does not indicate the presence of the oil seal (102) as there is no back pressure generated and thus the bearing pressing ram does not move upward when the oil seal (102) is absent. The operator
15 turns the switch on by pressing the repair button and thus ram moves
upwards and the operator inserts the oil seal (102) and repeats the process.
[0028] FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart showing a method for determining presence of a seal in an automotive transmission, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. A method (200) for
20 determining presence of a seal in an automotive transmission is disclosed.
At step (202) the method includes providing a detecting tool member (104) having a top surface (104b) adapted to be assembled with said first surface of said seal (102), said detecting tool member (104) defining at least one fluid passage (104a) and provided in communication with a fluid supply
25 line (108) to transfer a fluid into said fluid passage (104a). At step (204),
the method includes connecting at least one sensor (106) in communication with said fluid supply line (108), said sensor (106) configured to generate at least one signal indicative of one of presence and absence of said seal (102). At step (206), the method includes connecting a controller (110) in
9/15

communication with said sensor (106), said controller (110) configured to receive said signal from said sensor (106) and perform one of actuating a machine part and retaining a machine part associated with said sealing assembly based on said signal indicative of one of presence and absence of said seal (102) respectively.
[0029] The advantages of the embodiments described herein include prevent oil seal missing error from the mechanical assembly, and eliminate human error.
[0030] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

We claim:

A system (100) for detecting presence of a seal (102) in a sealing
assembly, said seal (102) having a first surface and second surface capable
of providing a fluid tight seal, said system (100) comprising:
a detecting tool member (104) having a top surface (104b) adapted to be assembled with said first surface of said seal (102), said detecting tool member (104) defining at least one fluid passage (104a) and provided in communication with a fluid supply line (108) to transfer a fluid into said fluid passage (104a);
at least one sensor (106) in communication with said fluid supply line (108), said sensor (106) configured to generate at least one signal indicative of one of presence and absence of said seal (102); and
a controller (110) in communication with said sensor (106), said controller (110) configured to receive said signal from said sensor (106) and perform one of actuating a machine part and retaining a machine part associated with said sealing assembly based on said signal indicative of one of presence and absence of said seal (102) respectively.
2. The system (100) for detecting presence of said seal (102) in said sealing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said signal indicative of one of presence and absence of said seal (102) is measured by recording a back pressure value sensed by said sensor (106).
3. The system (100) for detecting presence of said seal (102) in said sealing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system (100) includes:

a fixture assembly to hold a mechanical component or a mechanical assembly;
said controller (110) in communication with said fixture assembly;
said sensor (106) provided in communication with said controller (110), said sensor (106) configured to generate said signal indicative of said back pressure by detecting or sensing said seal (102);
said controller (110) configured to perform one of:
receive said signal indicating presence of said seal (102) from said sensor (106) to actuate or displace said machine part associated with said sealing assembly; and
receive said signal indicating absence of said seal (102) from said sensor (106) to retain or lock said machine part associated with said sealing assembly.
4. The system (100) for detecting presence of said seal (102) in said sealing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said controller (110) is configured to compare said generated said signal indicative of said back pressure from said sensor (106) with a standard back pressure value to generate at least one signal indicative of action to be taken by an operator.
5. The system (100) for detecting presence of said seal (102) in said sealing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensor (106) is selected from a group comprising pressure sensor, capacitance pressure sensor, piezoelectric pressure sensor, and flow check sensor.

6. The system (100) for detecting presence of said seal (102) in said sealing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fluid passage (104a) provided in said detecting tool member (104) includes an opening to deliver said fluid supply to atmosphere.
7. The system (100) for detecting presence of said seal (102) in said sealing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system (100) includes at least one display unit to indicate said back pressure value.
8. A method (200) for detecting presence of a seal (102) in a sealing assembly, said seal (102) having a first surface and second surface capable of providing a fluid tight seal, said system (100) comprising:
providing a detecting tool member (104) having a top surface (104b) adapted to be assembled with said first surface of said seal (102), said detecting tool member (104) defining at least one fluid passage (104a) and provided in communication with a fluid supply line (108) to transfer a fluid into said fluid passage (104a);
connecting at least one sensor (106) in communication with said fluid supply line (108), said sensor (106) configured to generate at least one signal indicative of one of presence and absence of said seal (102); and
connecting a controller (110) in communication with said sensor (106), said controller (110) configured to receive said signal from said sensor (106) and perform one of actuating a machine part and retaining a machine part associated with said sealing assembly based on said signal indicative of one of presence and absence of said seal (102) respectively.
9. The method (200) for detecting presence of said seal (102) in said
sealing assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein said signal indicative

of one of presence and absence of said seal (102) is measured by recording a back pressure value sensed by said sensor (106).
10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said method includes:
providing a fixture assembly to hold a mechanical component or a mechanical assembly;
connecting said controller (110) in communication with said fixture assembly;
connecting said sensor (106) provided in communication with said controller (110), said sensor (106) configured to generate said signal indicative of said back pressure by detecting or sensing said seal (102);
said controller (110) configured to perform one of:
receive said signal indicating presence of said seal (102) from said sensor (106) to actuate or displace said machine part associated with said sealing assembly; and
receive said signal indicating absence of said seal (102) from said sensor (106) to retain or lock said machine part associated with said sealing assembly.