Biasing element, and method for manufacturing and using the same

Abstract

A biasing element comprising a biasing element body including an annular filament oriented around a central axis, the annular filament including a plurality of vibrating portions generally oriented below the central axis, at least one of the vibrating portions having a first circumferential width W FV and a second circumferential width W disposed at different axial positions along the vibrating portion SV and including an inner circumferential gap having, W FV ≠W SV A biasing element including the biasing element body, wherein.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to biasing elements, and more particularly, to biasing elements used in seals.

Background Art

[0002] Biasing elements (e.g., biasing elements) are used in a plurality of applications to provide an appropriate load to adjacent components, including but not limited to seal applications. Seals are used in an environment to separate fluids (liquids, gases, slurries, etc.) from each other. Under pressure conditions, current biasing elements may lack the desired load range and design customization and flexibility under the desired conditions in applications such as seals. Therefore, the industry continues to demand improved biasing elements for desired conditions and applications.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Embodiments herein can include a biasing element including a biasing element body including an annular filament oriented about a central axis, the annular filament including a plurality of oscillating portions generally oriented below the central axis, at least one of the oscillating portions including an inner circumferential void having a first circumferential width W FV and a second circumferential width W disposed at different axial positions along the oscillating portion SV and W FV ≠W SV is a biasing element including a biasing element body.

[0004] Embodiments herein can include a biasing element including a biasing element body including an annular filament oriented about a central axis, the annular filament including a plurality of oscillating portions generally oriented below the central axis, the plurality of oscillating portions including a first oscillating portion from a central point having a filament length L FF and a second oscillating portion circumferentially adjacent to the first oscillating portion from a central point having a filament length L SF and L FF ≠L SF is a biasing element.

[0005] Embodiments of the present specification may include a biasing element including a biasing element body including an annular filament oriented around a central axis, the annular filament including a plurality of vibrating portions generally oriented below the central axis, the plurality of vibrating portions including a plurality of outer vibrating portions from a central point and a plurality of inner vibrating portions from the central point, and the number of outer vibrating portions being greater than the number of inner vibrating portions.

[0006] Embodiments of the present specification may include a biasing element including a biasing element body including an annular filament oriented around a central axis, the annular filament including a plurality of vibrating portions generally oriented below the central axis, the plurality of vibrating portions including an outer vibrating portion from a central point and an inner vibrating portion from the central point, and the outer vibrating portion being connected to the inner vibrating portion across the central point by an arcuate portion extending over a circumferential distance wider than the circumferential width of the annular filament.

[0007] Embodiments of the present specification may include an annular jacket portion including a body defining an annular recess and a biasing element disposed within the recess, the biasing element including a biasing element body including an annular filament oriented around a central axis, the annular filament including a plurality of vibrating portions generally oriented below the central axis, and at least one vibrating portion including an inner circumferential gap having a first circumferential width W FV and a second circumferential width W disposed at different axial positions along the vibrating portion SV and W FV ≠W SV wherein. Embodiments may include a seal.

[0008] Embodiments of the present specification may include an annular jacket portion including a body defining an annular recess and a biasing element disposed within the annular recess, the biasing element including a biasing element body including an annular filament oriented around a central axis, the annular filament including a plurality of vibrating portions generally oriented below the central axis, the plurality of vibrating portions including a first vibrating portion from a central point having a filament length L FF and a second vibrating portion from the central point having a filament length L SFincluding a second vibrating part adjacent in the circumferential direction from a central point having, L FF ≠L SF and can include a seal.

[0009] Embodiments of the present specification are seals including an annular jacket part including a main body defining an annular recess and a biasing element disposed within the annular recess, the biasing element including a biasing element main body including an annular filament oriented around a central axis, the annular filament including a plurality of vibrating parts generally oriented below the central axis, the plurality of vibrating parts including a plurality of outer vibrating parts from a central point and a plurality of inner vibrating parts from the central point, and the number of outer vibrating parts being greater than the number of inner vibrating parts, and can include a seal.

[0010] Embodiments of the present specification are seals including an annular jacket part including a main body defining an annular recess and a biasing element disposed within the annular recess, the biasing element including a biasing element main body including an annular filament oriented around a central axis, the annular filament including a plurality of vibrating parts generally oriented below the central axis, the plurality of vibrating parts including an outer vibrating part from a central point and an inner vibrating part from the central point, and the outer vibrating part being connected to the inner vibrating part across the central point by an arcuate portion extending over a circumferential distance wider than the circumferential width of the annular filament, and can include a seal.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] Embodiments are shown by way of example and are not intended to be limited to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1

Figure 2A1

Figure 2A2

Figure 2B

Figure 2C

Figure 2D

Figure 2E

Figure 2F

Figure 2G

Figure 2H

Figure 2I

[0012] Those skilled in the art should understand that the elements in the figures are illustrated for the purpose of simplification and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] The following description in combination with the drawings is provided to assist in the understanding of the teachings disclosed herein. The following discussion focuses on specific embodiments and implementations of the teachings. This focus is provided to help explain the teachings and should not be construed as a limitation on the scope or applicability of the teachings. However, other embodiments can be used based on the teachings disclosed in this application.

[0014] The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", "has", "having" or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of features is not necessarily limited to only those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless there is contrary language, "or" refers to an inclusive "or" and not an exclusive "or". For example, condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or absent), A is false (or absent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0015] Also, the use of "a" or "an" is employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be understood to mean one, at least one, or the singular as including the plural, or vice versa, unless it is apparent that it means otherwise. For example, if a single article is described herein, two or more articles may be used in place of the single article. Similarly, if two or more articles are described herein, the two or more articles may be replaced by a single article.

[0016] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. Many details regarding specific materials and treatment acts are conventional and can be found in textbooks and other sources of information in the technical field of biasing elements, within the scope not described herein.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows a seal including a biasing element according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the seal 100 may generally include a jacket portion 102 and a biasing element 104. The jacket portion 102 may include fingers 106 and 108 that define a recess 110. The biasing element 104 may be disposed within the recess 110, such as partially disposed within the recess 110 or entirely disposed within the recess 110. In one embodiment, at least one of the fingers 106 and 108 may include a distal flange 112 that extends toward the recess 110. The distal flange 112 may prevent the biasing element 104 from disengaging from the recess 110. Any of these components may be formed in an annular orientation. FIG. 1 shows the seal 100 in an axial orientation, but the seal 100 can be oriented in any potential orientation, including a radial seal or a face seal orientation, as shown in FIG. 2A2 below.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the seal 100 may be used between an inner component 114 and an outer component 116, such as a shaft and a bore, respectively. More specifically, the seal 100 may be disposed within an annular region formed by a region within the bore of the outer component 116 and the outer surface of the inner component 114. In a particular embodiment, the inner component 114 may translate longitudinally (e.g., reciprocate) relative to the outer component 116. In other embodiments, the inner component 114 may rotate relative to the outer component 116. Alternatively, in a particular embodiment, the outer component 116 may translate longitudinally (e.g., reciprocate) relative to the inner component 114. In other embodiments, the outer component 116 may rotate relative to the inner component 114. The seal 100 may prevent or reduce the entry or exit of one or more fluid components from a first side of the seal to a second, opposite side of the seal.

[0019] In some embodiments, the seal 100 (or any of its components) may have a radial tolerance of at least 0.1 mm, for example, at least 0.2 mm, at least 0.3 mm, at least 0.4 mm, at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, or even at least 5 mm. As used herein, "radial tolerance" refers to the ability of the seal to absorb manufacturing and installation tolerances between the shaft and the bore (or inner and outer components). Conventional seals require precise machining and manufacturing tolerances (specifically, axial to the seal), so they cannot absorb tolerances and are therefore prone to deformation and not adapted to accommodate unexpected manufacturing and installation tolerances.

[0020] As described herein, the biasing element 104 may be used in a seal application, but is not necessarily limited to a seal application. The biasing element 104 may include a body 105 adapted to provide an outward biasing force in at least one outwardly oriented direction, such as toward at least one of the fingers 106 and 108. In some embodiments, the biasing element 104 may provide a radial biasing force of 0.1 N / mm to 1000 N / mm to the jacket portion.

[0021] In one embodiment, the biasing element 104 can have an O-shaped cross-sectional profile axially. In one embodiment, the biasing element 104 can have a circular cross-sectional profile axially. In one embodiment, the biasing element 104 can have an elliptical cross-sectional profile axially. In one embodiment, the biasing element 104 can have a polygonal cross-sectional profile axially. In another embodiment, the biasing element 104 may have a cross-sectional profile selected from a D-shape, a U-shape, a V-shape, or a C-shape axially. In certain embodiments, the biasing element 104 may have a cantilever profile in which the surface of the biasing element 104 extends adjacent to at least one of the fingers 106 or 108. The cantilever portion of the biasing element 104 may bias the fingers 106 and 108 outwardly away from each other.

[0022] In some embodiments, the biasing element 104 may include a body 105 that includes a filament 107. The filament 107 may be an annular filament oriented around a central axis 150. The filament 107 can include a plurality of vibrating portions generally oriented below the central axis 150, as will be described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the filament 107 may be a wire. In some embodiments, the filament 107 may have an arcuate cross-section. In some embodiments, the filament 107 may be coiled or wound such that it forms a generally O-shaped cross-section axially. In yet another case, the biasing element 104 may include a ribbon wound to form a generally O-shaped cross-section axially. In certain embodiments, the ribbon may have two major surfaces spaced apart from each other by a certain thickness. The ribbon may define a length, a width, and a thickness, where the length is longer than the width and the width is greater than the thickness. The ribbon may be wound such that adjacent coils partially overlap each other radially, such as by at least 10%, at least 20%, or at least 30%, or such that adjacent coils do not overlap radially. Prior to installation, the biasing element 104 may define a diameter that is sometimes larger than the diameter of the recess 110. That is, in one embodiment, the biasing element 104 may be oversized with respect to the recess 110.

[0023] In some embodiments, the filament 107 forming the coil of the biasing element 104 may have a rectangular, square, circular, elliptical, or keystone cross-section. The filament 207 forming the coil of the biasing element 104 may be wound with a pitch of 0.025 mm to 25.4 mm, for example 0.05 mm to 10 mm. The filament 107 forming the coil of the biasing element 104 may have a filament diameter of 0.01 mm to 25.4 mm, for example 0.05 mm to 5 mm. The filament 107 forming the coil of the biasing element 104 may have a biasing element diameter of 0.05 mm to 5000 mm, for example 0.1 mm to 3000 mm. The biasing element 104 may have a spring load of 0.01 N / mm to 20 N / mm, for example 0.5 N / mm to 15 N / mm, for example 1 N / mm to 10 N / mm, or for example 2.5 N / mm to 7.5 N / mm.

[0024] In one embodiment, the biasing element 104 may float relative to the jacket portion 102. More specifically, the biasing element 104 can move freely relative to the recess 110. In another embodiment, the biasing element 104 may be connected to the jacket portion 102, for example, by an adhesive, mechanical deformation of one or both of the jacket portion 102 and the biasing element 104, threaded or non-threaded fasteners, or by at least partially embedding the biasing element 104 within the jacket portion 102. In one embodiment, the ends of the biasing element 104 may be encapsulated within the jacket portion 102 to prevent the biasing element 104 from disengaging from the jacket portion 102. In embodiments utilizing an adhesive, an adhesive layer (not shown) may be disposed between at least a portion of the biasing element 104 and the jacket portion 102. The adhesive layer may include a hot melt adhesive. Examples of adhesives that may be used include fluoropolymers, epoxy resins, polyimide resins, polyether / polyamide copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), ETFE copolymers, perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), or any combination thereof. Additionally, the adhesive may include at least one functional group selected from -C=O, -C-O-R, -COH, -COOH, -COOR, -CF 2 =CF-OR, or any combination thereof, where R is a cyclic or linear organic group containing 1 to 20 carbon atoms. Additionally, the adhesive may include a copolymer.

[0025] In one embodiment, the biasing element 104 can be formed from any suitable material recognized by those skilled in the art. By way of non-limiting example, the biasing element 104 may include a polymer, ceramic, metal, alloy, or combinations thereof. In certain cases, the biasing element 104 may have a wound design. For example, the inner portion of the biasing element 104 may include a first material that is different from the material of the outer portion of the biasing element 104. The outer portion may be wound around all or a portion of the inner portion. In certain embodiments, the biasing element 104 includes a metal. In certain embodiments, the metal can be coated or surface treated to prevent corrosion or other undesirable effects from environmental exposure. Exemplary metals include steel, spring steel, stainless steel, bronze, copper, monel, inconel, elgiloy, hastelloy, and oil tempered chrome silicon or vanadium. In one embodiment, the biasing element 104 may include molybdenum, cobalt, iron, chromium, copper, manganese, titanium, zirconium, aluminum, carbon, tungsten, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the biasing element 104 includes stainless steel, such as 301 stainless steel, 302 / 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, or 17-7 stainless steel. In certain embodiments, the biasing element 104 can at least partially include or even consist essentially of steel, or more specifically, a metal such as biasing element steel. In another specific embodiment, the biasing element 104 can at least partially include or even consist essentially of, for example, elgiloy, inconel, hastelloy, or combinations thereof. In yet another specific embodiment, the biasing element 104 can include cobalt, chromium, nickel, iron, molybdenum, manganese, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the biasing element 104 can include at least 10 wt% cobalt, such as at least 20 wt% cobalt, at least 25 wt% cobalt, at least 30 wt% cobalt, at least 35 wt% cobalt, or at least 40 wt% cobalt.

[0026] In one embodiment, the biasing element 104 may include a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyketone, polyaramid, polyphenylene sulfide, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene sulfone, polyamideimide, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, fluoropolymer, polybenzimidazole, polyacetal, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), polyetherimide, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene (PE), polysulfone, polyamide (PA), polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyurethane, polyester, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the biasing element 104 may at least partially include, or even consist essentially of, for example, fluoropolymers. Exemplary fluoropolymers include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide (PI), polyamide-imide (PAI), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), a terpolymer of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene and vinylidene fluoride (THV), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) copolymer, ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE) copolymer, or any combination thereof. Other fluoropolymers, polymers, and blends may be included in the composition of the jacket portion 100. In another particular embodiment, the jacket portion 100 may at least partially include, or even consist essentially of, polyethylene (PE) such as ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).

[0027] In one embodiment, the biasing element 104 may include a ceramic that may be selected from the group including glass filler, silica, clay mica, kaolin, lithium soap, graphite, boron nitride, molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide, polytetrafluoroethylene, carbon nitride, tungsten carbide, or diamond-like carbon.

[0028] In one embodiment, the biasing element 104 may have a diameter less than 150% of the depth of the annular recess 106, for example, less than 100% of the depth of the annular recess 106, or less than 75% of the depth of the annular recess 106. In one embodiment, the diameter of the biasing element 104 may be 10% or more of the depth of the annular recess 106.

[0029] As contemplated in at least one embodiment described herein, the biasing element 104 can include a length of material formed into a helical biasing element having a plurality of coils. In one embodiment, the biasing element 104 can include at least 2 coils, such as at least 3 coils, at least 4 coils, at least 5 coils, at least 10 coils, at least 100 coils, at least 200 coils, at least 300 coils, at least 400 coils, at least 500 coils, or at least 1000 coils. The length of the material forming the biasing element 104 can have a polygonal or elliptical cross-section. For example, in one embodiment, the biasing element 104 can be formed from a circular wire. In another embodiment, the biasing element 104 can be formed from a ribbon of material wound into a plurality of coils. The coils of the biasing element 104 may be adjacent to each other or may partially overlap. In certain cases, the coils can be parallel to each other. In another case, the coils can be inclined with respect to each other. That is, the coils can be angularly offset and angled with respect to each other.

[0030] In one embodiment, the biasing element 104 has a length L from a first axial end 104a to a second axial end 104b of the biasing element 104 SIt may have. The biasing element 104 has a length L of at least 0.1 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 25 mm, at least 50 mm, at least 75 mm, at least 100 mm, at least 150 mm, at least 250 mm, at least 500 mm S It may have. The biasing element 104 may have a length L that is 1500 mm or less, or 1000 mm or less S It may have. In some embodiments, the biasing element 104 has a length L of 0.3 mm to 6 mm S It may have. The biasing element 104 may have a length L that is any value between any of the above minimum and maximum values S It will be further understood that it may have. Also, the biasing element 104 may have a length L that varies along its circumference S It can be understood that it may have.

[0031] In one embodiment, the biasing element 104 has a thickness W from a first radially end 104c to a second radially end 104d of the biasing element 104 S It may have. The biasing element 104 has a thickness W of at least 0.1 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 25 mm, at least 50 mm, at least 75 mm, at least 100 mm, at least 150 mm, at least 250 mm, at least 500 mm S It may have. The biasing element 104 may have a thickness W that is 1500 mm or less, or 1000 mm or less S It may have. In some embodiments, the biasing element 104 has a thickness W of 0.3 mm to 6 mm S It may have. It will be further understood that the biasing element 104 may have a thickness WS that is any value between any of the above minimum and maximum values. Also, the biasing element 104 may have a thickness W that varies along its circumference S It will be understood that it may have.

[0032] Figures 2A1-2I show perspective views of a biasing element according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, as described above, the biasing element 204 may include a biasing element body 205 that includes a filament 207. The filament 207 may be annular and may be oriented around a central axis 205. Further, the filament 207 may include at least one and / or a plurality of vibrating portions 209 that are generally oriented below the central axis 250. The vibrating portion 209 may be defined as a path along which the filament 207 moves from one transverse line of a line 275 oriented in a circumferential direction perpendicular to the central axis 205 at the first axial end 204a of the biasing element 204 to an adjacent transverse line of the line 275 oriented in a circumferential direction perpendicular to the central axis 250 at the first axial end 204a of the biasing element 204. The line 275 oriented in the circumferential direction is best shown in FIG. 2D. In some embodiments, the biasing element 204 may be annularly oriented around the central axis 250, but the vibrating portion 209 may generally be oriented below the central axis 250 (e.g., having ridges and valleys extending axially below the central axis 250). Alternatively, as best shown in FIG. 2F, the biasing element 204 may be linearly oriented on a line 275 perpendicular to the central axis 250 at the first axial end 204a of the biasing element 204.

[0033] Figures 2A1-2B show perspective views of a biasing element according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2A1, the biasing element 204 may have a C-shape in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2A2, the biasing element 204 may have a C-shape in the radial direction and may form a face seal. Any of the embodiments described herein may be contemplated as a face seal. As shown in FIG. 2B, the biasing element 204 may have a V-shape in the circumferential direction. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2A1, the circumferential width W EE of the annular filament 207 EE is, for example, W V ≧1.2W EE For example, W V ≧1.5W EE For example, W V ≧2W EE For example, W V ≧5W EE≧10W V such as the circumferential width W of the inner peripheral gap V may be larger.

[0034] Figure 2C is a perspective view of a biasing element according to some embodiments. As shown in Figure 2C, at least one vibrating portion 209 of the biasing element 204 includes an inner peripheral gap having a first circumferential width W FV and a second circumferential width W disposed at different axial positions along the vibrating portion 209 SV and W FV ≠W SV is. In some embodiments, W FV ≧1.2W SV , for example W FV ≧1.5W SV , for example W FV ≧2W SV , for example W FV ≧5W SV , or for example W FV ≧10W SV is. In some embodiments, the circumferential width of the inner peripheral gap may vary over the course of the vibrating portion path.

[0035] Figure 2D is a perspective view of a biasing element according to some embodiments. As shown in Figure 2D, the plurality of vibrating portions can include a first vibrating portion 209 generally oriented below the central axis 250 at the second radial end 204d and a second vibrating portion 209' circumferentially adjacent and generally oriented below the central axis 250 at the first radial end 204c. The first vibrating portion 209 can be formed from two points where the filament 207 intersects the center point (e.g., intersects a line 275 oriented circumferentially perpendicular to the central axis 250). The second vibrating portion 209' can be formed from two points where the filament 207 intersects the center point (e.g., intersects a line 275 oriented circumferentially perpendicular to the central axis 250). The first vibrating portion 209 can include an inner peripheral gap having a circumferential width W FOV and the second vibrating portion 209' can include an inner peripheral gap having a circumferential width W SOV and W FOV ≠W SOV , for example WFOV ≧2W SOV 、 for example, W FOV ≧5W SOV 、 or for example, W FOV ≧10W SOV is. In some embodiments, the circumferential width of the inner peripheral gap may vary over the course of the vibrating portion path.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2D, the plurality of vibrating portions may include a first vibrating portion 209 generally oriented below the central axis 250 at the first radial end 204c and a second vibrating portion 209' circumferentially adjacent generally oriented below the central axis at the second radial end 204d. The first vibrating portion 209 may be formed from two points where the filament 207 intersects the center point (e.g., intersects a line 275 oriented circumferentially perpendicular to the central axis 250). The second vibrating portion 209' may be formed from two points where the filament 207 intersects the center point (e.g., intersects a line 275 oriented circumferentially perpendicular to the central axis 250). In some embodiments, the first vibrating portion 209 from the center point 275 may have a filament length L FF (shown by the dashed line). In some embodiments, the second vibrating portion 209' from the center point 275 may have a filament length L SF (shown by the dotted line), L FF ≠L SF 、L FF ≧1.1L SF and, for example, L FF ≧1.2L SF 、 for example, L FF ≧1.5L SF 、 for example, L FF ≧2L SF 、 for example, L FF ≧5L SF、又は for example, L FF ≧10L SF is. In some alternative embodiments, L SF ≧1.1L FF 、 for example L SF ≧1.2L FF 、 for example L SF ≧1.5L FF, 、 for example LSF ≧2L FF 、 for example, L SF ≧5L FF 、 or for example, L SF ≧10L FF is true.

[0037] Figure 2E is a perspective view of a biasing element according to some embodiments. As shown in Figure 2E, the plurality of vibrating portions can include a plurality of outer vibrating portions 209 from a center point 275 (including, for example, a point along the first radial end 204c) and a plurality of inner vibrating portions 209' from a center point 275 (including, for example, a point along the second radial end 204d), and the number of outer vibrating portions 209 can be more than the number of inner vibrating portions 209'. In some embodiments, the number of outer vibrating portions 209 can be greater than twice the number of inner vibrating portions 209', for example, three times the number of inner vibrating portions 209', for example, four times the number of inner vibrating portions 209', or for example, five times the number of inner vibrating portions 209'.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2E, in some embodiments, the plurality of vibrating portions can include a plurality of outer vibrating portions 209 from a center point 275 (including, for example, a point along the first radial end 204c) and a plurality of inner vibrating portions 209' from a center point 275 (including, for example, a point along the second radial end 204d), and the plurality of vibrating portions can have an inner vibrating portion 209' having an axial apex 213 with a height H IO and an outer vibrating portion 209 having an axial apex 215 with a height H EO where H IO ≧H EO 、 for example, H IO ≧2H EO 、 for example, H IO ≧5H EO 、 or for example, H IO ≧10H EO is true. In some alternative embodiments, H EO ≧H IO 、 for example, H EO ≧2H IO 、 for example, H EO ≧5H IO 、 or for example, H EO ≧10HIO is. In some embodiments, at least one of the axial vertices 213, 215 of the inner vibrating part 209' or the outer vibrating part 209 is generally at the circumferential width W of the inner peripheral gap or the outer peripheral gap V ’, W V may be disposed at an intermediate point. In some embodiments, at least one of the axial vertices 213, 215 of the inner vibrating part 209' or the outer vibrating part 209 may include a circumferential ridge. In some embodiments, at least one of the axial vertices 213, 215 of the inner vibrating part 209' or the outer vibrating part 209 may be linear. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2E, at least one of the axial vertices 213, 215 of the inner vibrating part 209' or the outer vibrating part 209 may be rounded.

[0039] FIG. 2F is a perspective view of a biasing element according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2F, in some embodiments, at least one of the axial 213, 215 of the inner vibrating part 209' or the outer vibrating part 209 may include a plurality of local axial vertices 213, 215, 213', 215'. In some embodiments, the plurality of local axial vertices 213, 215, 213', 215' may be circumferentially spaced apart by the saddle 214. In some embodiments, at least one of the axial vertices 213, 215 of the inner vibrating part 209' or the outer vibrating part 209 can include axial vertices circumferentially spaced apart by a first axial shoulder 213a, 215a and a second axial shoulder 213b, 215b.

[0040] FIG. 2G is a perspective view of a biasing element according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2G, the plurality of vibrating parts can include a plurality of outer vibrating parts 209 from a central point 275 (including, for example, a point along the first radial end 204c) and a plurality of inner vibrating parts 209' from a central point 275 (including, for example, a point along the second radial end 204d), and the outer vibrating parts 209 have a circumferential distance W EE wider than the circumferential width W of the annular filament 207 AP2. In some embodiments, the arcuate portion 211 may be connected to the inner oscillating portion 209′ across the center point 275 by a circumferential distance W AP is the circumferential width W of the annular filament 207 EE For example, the circumferential width W of the annular filament 207 may be wider than twice the circumferential width W EE For example, the circumferential width W of the annular filament 207 EE or, for example, the circumferential width W of the annular filament 207 EE may be wider than five times the

[0041] 2H is a perspective view of a biasing element according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2H, in some embodiments, the filament 208 may define an angle α in the radial direction between adjacent vibrating portions (e.g., the outer vibrating portion 209 and the inner vibrating portion 209′), where α may be between 0 and 180°, such as between 15 and 165°, such as between 30 and 150°, such as between 45 and 150°, such as between 60 and 135°, or such as between 75 and 120°.

[0042] FIG. 2I is a perspective view of a biasing element according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2I, in one embodiment, the biasing element 204 can include a plurality of biasing elements 204, 204'. In one embodiment, the biasing element 204 can include a first biasing element 204 and a second biasing element 204'. The second biasing element 204' can be radially disposed within the first biasing element 204. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2I, the first biasing element 204 can be oriented as in the embodiment of FIG. 2D, and the second biasing element 204' can be oriented in an alternating pattern of the circumferential width of the annular gap and disposed radially inward of the first biasing element 204. In other words, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2I, the plurality of biasing elements 204, 204' can be axially stacked on top of each other.

[0043] Furthermore, the first biasing element 204 may contact the second biasing element 204' at least partially along the inner surface of the second biasing element 204'. That is, the first and second biasing elements 204, 204' can be concentric and in contact with each other to effectively form a biasing element having a two-layer wall thickness. In one embodiment, the first biasing element 204 may provide an outward biasing force with respect to the second biasing element 204', and vice versa. In one embodiment, both the first and second biasing elements 204, 204' are annular biasing elements. The cross-section of the coil of the first biasing element 204 may be different from the cross-section of the coil of the second biasing element 204' in terms of shape, size, material, or physical properties. That is, the biasing elements 204, 204' may be different from each other. A lubricant or sliding material may be at least partially disposed between the surface of the first biasing element 204 and the surface of the second biasing element 204', and the frictional resistance therebetween can be reduced. The first biasing element 204 or the second biasing element 204' can include any of the features described above with respect to the biasing element 104. For example, the first biasing element 204 or the second biasing element 204' can at least partially include, or even consist essentially of, for example, Elgiloy, Inconel, Hastelloy, steel, or combinations thereof.

[0044] The biasing elements described in accordance with the embodiments of this specification can enable improved design customization and flexibility for most applications, including but not limited to sealing applications. Further, the biasing elements described in accordance with the embodiments of this specification can enable improved load range performance for most applications, including but not limited to sealing applications. Further, the biasing elements described in accordance with the embodiments of this specification can enable a reduction in gaps within the biasing element for most applications, including but not limited to sealing applications. A seal including a biasing element described in accordance with the embodiments of this specification can enable the components of the seal to have a longer life by appropriately arranged forces that reduce the repeated compression and stress of individual components (e.g., biasing elements, jacket parts) due to the vibration or actuation of the seal or other components within the assembly. Further, the seals described in accordance with the embodiments of this specification can prevent seal deformation under low-cycle and high-cycle pressure cycles. As a result, the life of the components and the seal itself can be improved, and overall leakage can be reduced.

[0045] Many different aspects and embodiments are possible. Some of these aspects and embodiments are described below. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art will understand that these aspects and embodiments are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Embodiments may be along any one or more of the items listed below.

[0046] Embodiment 1: A biasing element comprising a biasing element body having an annular filament oriented around a central axis, the annular filament comprising a plurality of oscillating portions generally oriented below the central axis, at least one oscillating portion having a first circumferential width W FV and an inner circumferential gap having a second circumferential width W disposed at different axial positions along the oscillating portion SV and W FV ≧1.2W SV is a biasing element.

[0047] Embodiment 2: A biasing element includes a biasing element body having an annular filament oriented around a central axis, the annular filament having a plurality of vibrating portions generally oriented below the central axis, the plurality of vibrating portions including a first vibrating portion from a central point having a filament length L FF and a second vibrating portion circumferentially adjacent to the first vibrating portion from a central point having a filament length L SF where L FF ≠L SF The biasing element is as described above.

[0048] Embodiment 3: A biasing element includes a biasing element body having an annular filament oriented around a central axis, the annular filament having a plurality of vibrating portions generally oriented below the central axis, the plurality of vibrating portions including a plurality of outer vibrating portions from a central point and a plurality of inner vibrating portions from a central point, and the number of outer vibrating portions is greater than the number of inner vibrating portions.

[0049] Embodiment 4: A biasing element includes a biasing element body having an annular filament oriented around a central axis, the annular filament having a plurality of vibrating portions generally oriented below the central axis, the plurality of vibrating portions including an outer vibrating portion from a central point and an inner vibrating portion from a central point, and the outer vibrating portion is connected to the inner vibrating portion across the central point by an arcuate portion extending over a circumferential distance wider than the circumferential width of the annular filament.

[0050] Embodiment 5: A seal includes an annular jacket portion having a body defining an annular recess and a biasing element disposed within the annular recess, the biasing element including a biasing element body having an annular filament oriented around a central axis, the annular filament having a plurality of vibrating portions generally oriented below the central axis, and at least one vibrating portion having an inner circumferential gap having a first circumferential width W FV and a second circumferential width W SV disposed at different axial positions along the vibrating portion, where W FV ≧1.2W SV The seal is as described above.

[0051] Embodiment 6: A seal comprising an annular jacket portion having a body that defines an annular recess, and a biasing element disposed within the annular recess, wherein the biasing element comprises a biasing element body having an annular filament oriented about a central axis, the annular filament comprising a plurality of vibrating portions generally oriented below the central axis, the plurality of vibrating portions comprising a first vibrating portion from a central point having a filament length L FF and a second vibrating portion circumferentially adjacent to the first vibrating portion from a central point having a filament length L SF wherein L FF ≠L SF . The seal

[0052] Embodiment 7: A seal comprising an annular jacket portion having a body that defines an annular recess, and a biasing element disposed within the annular recess, wherein the biasing element comprises a biasing element body having an annular filament oriented about a central axis, the annular filament comprising a plurality of vibrating portions generally oriented below the central axis, the plurality of vibrating portions comprising a plurality of outer vibrating portions from a central point and a plurality of inner vibrating portions from the central point, and the number of outer vibrating portions is greater than the number of inner vibrating portions. The seal

[0053] Embodiment 8: A seal comprising an annular jacket portion having a body that defines an annular recess, and a biasing element disposed within the annular recess, wherein the biasing element comprises a biasing element body having an annular filament oriented about a central axis, the annular filament comprising a plurality of vibrating portions generally oriented below the central axis, the plurality of vibrating portions comprising an outer vibrating portion from a central point and an inner vibrating portion from the central point, and the outer vibrating portion is connected to the inner vibrating portion across the central point by an arcuate portion extending over a circumferential distance wider than the circumferential width of the annular filament. The seal

[0054] Embodiment 9: W FV ≧1.1W SV For example, W FV ≧1.2W SV For example, W FV ≧1.5W SV For example, W FV ≧2W SV For example, W FV ≧5WSV or, for example, W FV ≥ 10W SV is the biasing element according to Embodiment 1.

[0055] Embodiment 10: L FF ≥ 1.1L SF , for example, L FF ≥ 1.2L SF , for example, L FF ≥ 1.5L SF , for example, L FF ≥ 2L SF , for example, L FF ≥ 5L SF or, for example, L FF ≥ 10L SF is the biasing element according to Embodiment 2.

[0056] Embodiment 11: L SF ≥ 1.1L FF , for example, L SF ≥ 1.2L FF , for example, L SF ≥ 1.5L FF , for example, L SF ≥ 2L FF , for example, L SF ≥ 5L FF or, for example, L SF ≥ 10L FF is the biasing element according to Embodiment 2.

[0057] Embodiment 12: The number of outer vibrating parts is greater than twice the number of inner vibrating parts, for example, three times the number of inner vibrating parts, for example, four times the number of inner vibrating parts, or for example, five times the number of inner vibrating parts is the biasing element according to Embodiment 3.

[0058] Embodiment 13: The circumferential distance of the arcuate portion is wider than twice the circumferential width of the annular filament, for example, three times the circumferential width of the annular filament, for example, four times the circumferential width of the annular filament, or for example, five times the circumferential width of the annular filament is the biasing element according to Embodiment 4.

[0059] Embodiment 14: The filament defines an angle α radially between adjacent vibrating portions, and α is 0° to 180°, the biasing element or seal according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8.

[0060] Embodiment 15: A plurality of vibrating portions have an inner vibrating portion having an axial apex with a height H IO and an outer vibrating portion having an axial apex with a height H EO and H IO ≧ H EO For example, H IO ≧ 2H EO For example, H IO ≧ 5H EO Or for example, H IO ≧ 10H EO The biasing element or seal according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8.

[0061] Embodiment 16: A plurality of vibrating portions have an inner vibrating portion having an axial apex with a height H IO and an outer vibrating portion having an axial apex with a height H EO and H EO ≧ H IO For example, H EO ≧ 2H IO For example, H EO ≧ 5H IO Or for example, H EO ≧ 10H IO The biasing element or seal according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8.

[0062] Embodiment 17: At least one of the axial apices of the inner vibrating portion or the outer vibrating portion is generally disposed at a circumferential midpoint of the circumferential width W V of the inner circumferential gap or the outer circumferential gap, the biasing element or seal according to Embodiment 15 or 16.

[0063] Embodiment 18: At least one of the axial apices of the inner vibrating portion or the outer vibrating portion comprises a circumferential ridge, the biasing element or seal according to Embodiment 15 or 16.

[0064] Embodiment 19: The biasing element or seal according to Embodiment 15 or 16, wherein at least one of the axial vertices of the inner vibration part or the outer vibration part is linear.

[0065] Embodiment 20: The biasing element or seal according to Embodiment 15 or 16, wherein at least one of the axial vertices of the inner vibration part or the outer vibration part is rounded.

[0066] Embodiment 21: The biasing element or seal according to Embodiment 15 or 16, wherein at least one of the axial vertices of the inner vibration part or the outer vibration part includes a plurality of local axial vertices.

[0067] Embodiment 22: The biasing element or seal according to Embodiment 21, wherein the plurality of local axial vertices are circumferentially spaced by saddles.

[0068] Embodiment 23: The biasing element or seal according to Embodiment 15 or 16, wherein at least one of the axial vertices of the inner vibration part or the outer vibration part includes an axial vertex circumferentially spaced by a first axial shoulder and a second axial shoulder.

[0069] Embodiment 24: The biasing element or seal according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the biasing element has a cross-sectional profile selected from a D shape, a U shape, a V shape, an O shape, an E shape, or a C shape.

[0070] Embodiment 25: The biasing element or seal according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the biasing element has a U-shaped cross-sectional profile.

[0071] Embodiment 26: The biasing element or seal according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the biasing element has a V-shaped cross-sectional profile.

[0072] Embodiment 27: The biasing element or seal according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the biasing element is wound with a pitch of 0.025 mm to 25.4 mm.

[0073] Embodiment 28: The biasing element is the biasing element or seal according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, having a filament diameter of 0.025 mm to 25.4 mm.

[0074] Embodiment 29: The biasing element is the biasing element or seal according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, having a biasing element diameter of 0.05 mm to 1500 mm.

[0075] Embodiment 30: The biasing element is the biasing element or seal according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, having a spring constant between CC and DD.

[0076] Embodiment 31: The biasing element is the biasing element or seal according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, having a flat, rectangular, square, or keystone cross-sectional filament.

[0077] Embodiment 32: The biasing element is the biasing element or seal according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, having a circular cross-sectional filament.

[0078] Embodiment 33: The biasing element is the biasing element or seal according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, including a polymer.

[0079] Embodiment 34: The biasing element is the biasing element or seal according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, including a metal.

[0080] Embodiment 35: The biasing element is the biasing element or seal according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, including a ceramic.

[0081] Embodiment 36: The biasing element is the biasing element or seal according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, including a plurality of biasing elements.

[0082] Embodiment 37: The biasing element or seal according to Embodiment 36, wherein the plurality of biasing elements are stacked axially on top of each other.

[0083] Embodiment 38: An urging element or a seal according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein at least one of the plurality of vibrating parts has a circular cross-section in the axial direction.

[0084] Embodiment 39: An urging element or a seal according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein at least one of the plurality of vibrating parts has an elliptical cross-section in the axial direction.

[0085] Embodiment 40: An urging element or a seal according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein at least one of the plurality of vibrating parts has a polygonal cross-section in the axial direction.

[0086] Embodiment 41: A seal according to any one of Embodiments 5 to 8, wherein the urging element provides a radial urging force of 0.1 N / mm to 1000 N / mm with respect to the jacket part.

[0087] Embodiment 42: A seal according to any one of Embodiments 5 to 8, wherein the urging element is adapted to provide an outward force in at least one outwardly oriented direction.

[0088] Embodiment 43: A seal according to any one of Embodiments 5 to 8, wherein the urging element is completely disposed within the annular recess.

[0089] Embodiment 44: A seal according to any one of Embodiments 5 to 8, wherein the seal is a face seal.

[0090] Embodiment 45: A seal according to any one of Embodiments 5 to 8, wherein the seal is an axial seal.

[0091] Embodiment 46: An urging element or a seal according to Embodiment 31 or 32, wherein the wire provides anisotropic characteristics when bent in the radial direction as compared to the linear direction.

[0092] Not all of the above features are required, and some of the specific features may not be required. It should be noted that in addition to the described features, one or more features may be provided. Furthermore, the order in which the features are listed is not necessarily the order in which the features are introduced.

[0093] Certain features are described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity and may be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may be provided separately or in any partial combination for brevity.

[0094] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems are described above with respect to specific embodiments. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any features that may bring or make more prominent any benefits, advantages, or solutions should not be construed as important, necessary, or essential features of any or all of the claims.

[0095] The specification and illustrative figures of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The specification and illustrative figures are not intended to serve as an exhaustive and comprehensive description of all elements and features of the apparatus and system using the structures or methods described herein. Separate embodiments may be provided in combination in a single embodiment, and conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may be provided separately or in any partial combination for brevity. Further, references to values recited in ranges include any and every value within that range. Many other embodiments may become apparent to those skilled in the art only after reading this disclosure. Other embodiments may be used and derived from this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure such that structural substitutions, logical substitutions, or any changes can be made. Therefore, this disclosure should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

Claim 1 A biasing element, An energizing element body includes an annular filament oriented around a central axis, the annular filament includes a plurality of vibrating portions generally oriented below the central axis, and at least one vibrating portion has a first circumferential width W ＦＶ and a second circumferential width W disposed at different axial positions along the vibrating portion ＳＶ and has an inner circumferential gap, and W ＦＶ ≠W ＳＶ is an energizing element Claim 2 A biasing element, An energizing element body includes an annular filament oriented around a central axis, the annular filament includes a plurality of vibrating portions generally oriented below the central axis, and the plurality of vibrating portions have a filament length L ＦＦ a first vibrating portion from a center point having a filament length L ＳＦ and a second vibrating portion adjacent in the circumferential direction from the center point having a filament length L ＦＦ ≠L ＳＦ The energizing element is such that Claim 3 A biasing element, comprising a biasing element body having an annular filament oriented around a central axis, the annular filament comprising a plurality of vibrating portions generally oriented below the central axis, the plurality of vibrating portions comprising a plurality of outer vibrating portions from a central point and a plurality of inner vibrating portions from the central point, the number of the outer vibrating portions being greater than the number of the inner vibrating portions. Biasing element. Claim 4 W ＦＶ ≥ 1.1 W ＳＶ The biasing element according to claim 1, wherein it is such that Claim 5 L ＦＦ ≧ 1.1L ＳＦ The biasing element according to claim 2, wherein it is Claim 6 L ＳＦ ≥ 1.1L ＦＦ The biasing element according to claim 2, wherein it is such that Claim 7 The biasing element according to claim 3, wherein the number of the outer vibrating portions is greater than twice the number of the inner vibrating portions. Claim 8 The biasing element according to claim 4, wherein the circumferential distance of the arcuate portion is wider than twice the circumferential width of the annular filament. Claim 9 The biasing element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the filament defines an angle α radially between adjacent vibrating portions, and α is 0° to 180°. Claim 10 The plurality of vibrating parts have an inner vibrating part having an axial vertex with a height H ＩＯ and an outer vibrating part having an axial vertex with a height H ＥＯ , and H ＩＯ ≧ H ＥＯ The biasing element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein Claim 11 The plurality of vibrating parts has an inner vibrating part having an axial vertex with a height H ＩＯ and an outer vibrating part having an axial vertex with a height H ＥＯ , and H ＥＯ ≧H ＩＯ The biasing element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein Claim 12 At least one of the axial vertices of the inner vibrating part or the outer vibrating part is generally disposed at an intermediate point of the circumferential width W of the inner peripheral gap or the outer peripheral gap. Ｖ The biasing element according to claim 10 or 11, which is disposed at an intermediate point of Ｖ . Claim 13 The biasing element according to claim 10 or 11, wherein at least one of the axial vertices of the inner vibrating portion or the outer vibrating portion comprises a plurality of local axial vertices. Claim 14 The biasing element according to claim 10 or 11, wherein at least one of the axial vertices of the inner vibrating portion or the outer vibrating portion comprises an axial vertex circumferentially spaced apart by a first axial shoulder and a second axial shoulder. Claim 15 The biasing element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the biasing element has a cross-sectional profile selected from a D shape, a U shape, a V shape, an O shape, an E shape, or a C shape.

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