Additive Labyrinth Seal Interlocking Contours
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Solution Overview
Problem
Labyrinth seals often experience leakage due to their complex geometries, which can be costly to manufacture and assemble, and existing methods do not effectively mitigate this issue.
Innovation Solution
The use of Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM) techniques, such as Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), allows for the simultaneous manufacturing of two interlocking seal parts with complex sealing contours, eliminating the need for assembly and enabling the creation of extremely tortuous flow paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional manufacturing methods are used to create complex seal geometries, then sealing performance can be improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple seal components into a single integrated labyrinth seal structure manufactured by additive manufacturing. The interlocking first and second seal parts with complementary sealing contours are created as one piece, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly of multiple components while maintaining the complex tortuous flow path geometry for effective sealing
2Reliability
If complex seal geometries are manufactured using traditional methods, then leakage can be reduced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional subtractive manufacturing or assembly processes with additive manufacturing technology. This enables the cost-effective production of complex interlocking seal geometries that would be expensive or difficult to manufacture using conventional methods, while achieving the tortuous flow paths necessary for effective leakage prevention
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual components are assembled to create seal geometry, then manufacturing flexibility is maintained, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple seal components into a single additively manufactured part with interlocking features. The first and second seal parts with complementary contours are created as one integrated structure, eliminating assembly steps and reducing manufacturing time while maintaining the flexibility to design custom seal geometries through digital modeling and additive manufacturing parameters
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
This approach enhances sealing performance by creating pre-assembled, compact labyrinth seals with improved leakage prevention, reducing manufacturing costs and enabling use in space-limited applications.
Implementation Method 1
Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
Implementation Method 2
Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A labyrinth seal (2) comprises a first seal part (18) having a first sealing contour (22) and a second seal part (20) rotatable relative to the first seal part (18) and having a second sealing contour (24) complementary to and interlocking with the first sealing contour (22) to provide a tortuous fluid flow path (26) through the seal, The seal parts are made using an Additive Layer Manufacturing technique with their sealing contours interlocking.