Pressure Equalization in Multi-Part Seals for Enhanced Durability
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Summary
Problems
Multi-part seals, such as cassette seals, face issues with wear and compromised sealing effectiveness due to negative pressure formation in the intermediate chamber caused by the conveying effect of the lubricating fluid sealing lip, which deforms the dust protection and lubricating fluid sealing lips.
Innovation solutions
Incorporating a pressure equalization channel that connects the intermediate chamber with the space to be sealed and/or the environment, preventing negative pressure from developing and reducing wear by allowing fluid flow to compensate for pressure differences, thereby maintaining the integrity of the sealing lips.
TRIZ Analysis
Specific contradictions:
General conflict description:
Principle concept:
If a lubricating fluid sealing lip is used to seal against the space to be sealed, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but negative pressure forms in the intermediate chamber causing deformation of sealing lips and increased wear
Why choose this principle:
A pressure equalization channel is introduced as an intermediary element to connect the intermediate chamber with the environment or the space to be sealed. This channel mediates the pressure imbalance by allowing fluid communication, thereby equalizing pressure between the intermediate chamber and the surrounding spaces, preventing vacuum formation that causes sealing lip deformation and wear
Principle concept:
This TRIZ principle provides a structured way to resolve the technical contradiction.
Why choose this principle:
The principle is relevant because it supports the core trade-off described in the patent.
Application Domain
Data Source
AI summary:
Incorporating a pressure equalization channel that connects the intermediate chamber with the space to be sealed and/or the environment, preventing negative pressure from developing and reducing wear by allowing fluid flow to compensate for pressure differences, thereby maintaining the integrity of the sealing lips.
Abstract
The invention relates to a multi-part seal (10), in particular a cassette seal, with at least two parts (20, 22) that are movable relative to each other. The seal (10) has at least one dust protection lip (40) sealing towards the environment (18) and one lubricating fluid sealing lip (28) sealing towards the space to be sealed (16). A hollow intermediate chamber (44) is formed between the at least one dust protection lip (40) and the lubricating fluid sealing lip (28). The lubricating fluid sealing lip (28) is designed to return leakage fluid that has escaped from the space to be sealed into the intermediate chamber (44) back to the space to be sealed (16). The seal (10) further has a pressure equalization channel (46; 146) that opens into the intermediate chamber (44) for supplying a fluid to the intermediate chamber (44).