3D-Printed Support Ring Structure for Pressure-Stable Sealing Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing rings face challenges in cost-effectiveness and versatility due to complex manufacturing processes and limited structural complexity, with support rings typically being dimensionally stable and made from different materials than the polymer material, which can lead to unwanted deformation under pressure.
Innovation Solution
A sealing ring design featuring a 3D printed support ring with a layered material structure and higher modulus than the polymer material, allowing for complex structures, reinforcement of the polymer material, and elastic expansion, while being injection molded alongside the polymer material, providing a preloaded sealing contact and enhanced durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If support rings are manufactured as injection molded parts from different materials, then mass production is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support ring and polymer material into a single injection molding process, eliminating separate manufacturing steps. The support ring is designed as an integrated component within the polymer matrix, allowing both elements to be produced simultaneously in one operation, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining mass production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The support ring serves multiple functions: it provides dimensional stability, reinforces the polymer material, enables complex structural designs, and facilitates assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components or manufacturing steps, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining productivity
2Ease of manufacture
If support rings have a less complex circular cross-sectional shape, then manufacturing is simplified, but structural complexity and functional versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring features varying cross-sectional shapes at different locations along its circumference. Certain sections have more complex geometries to provide localized reinforcement or functional features, while other sections maintain simpler shapes for ease of manufacturing. This spatial variation of properties allows the component to achieve high structural complexity where needed without compromising overall manufacturability
3Temperature
If the polymer material has a higher melting point, then thermal resistance is improved, but the support ring material may melt during manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite material system where the polymer matrix and support ring are made from materials with complementary thermal properties. The support ring material is selected to have a higher melting point than the polymer material, ensuring it remains dimensionally stable during injection molding. This composite approach allows the polymer to provide thermal resistance in service while the support ring maintains its structural integrity during the manufacturing process
4Strength
If the support ring is made dimensionally stable, then reinforcement of polymer material is achieved, but elastic expansion capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring is divided into multiple discrete elements or segments distributed throughout the polymer material. Individual segments maintain dimensional stability to provide local reinforcement, while the collective arrangement of segments allows the overall structure to exhibit controlled elastic expansion. The segmented architecture enables both rigidity where needed and flexibility where required
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
The solution enables simple and cost-effective production of sealing rings with improved load-bearing capacity, reduced manufacturing tolerances, and the ability to maintain shape under pressure, offering a wider range of applications and enhanced performance.
Implementation Method 1
According to the invention, the polymer material can be injection molded onto the support ring
Implementation Method 2
a particularly durable and mechanically resilient connection between the polymer material and the support ring can be achieved
Implementation Method 3
The support ring can be expanded elastically in a direction radial to the central axis of the sealing ring
Implementation Method 4
the profiled webs of two immediately adjacent first ring segments meshing alternately with one another and being connected to one another in the region of their crossing points
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a sealing ring (10), in particular to a radial shaft sealing ring or a rod sealing ring, as can be used for sealing a sealing gap (48) which is arranged between two machine elements (32, 36). The sealing ring comprises an elastically deformable polymer material (12) and a supporting ring (14) which is embedded in a positively locking manner in the polymer material (12) at least in sections, wherein the supporting ring (14) is configured as a 3D-printed part with a multiple-layer construction of its material at least in sections, and wherein the material of the supporting ring (14) has a greater modulus than the polymer material (12). The supporting ring (14) can be widened elastically in a radial direction with respect to the centre axis (16) of the sealing ring (10), and has dimensionally stable first ring segments (40) which are connected to one another in an articulated manner in the circumferential direction of the sealing ring (10).