Angled Bearing Isolator Seal for Water Spray Exclusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bearing isolator seals are inadequate in resisting high velocity water spray, which can enter the bearing cavity and cause damage or decrease performance, especially during equipment washdowns or extreme weather conditions.

Innovation Solution

The improved bearing isolator seal features radially and axially extending projections on the stator and rotor with angled surfaces and an annular groove, redirecting contaminants and utilizing centrifugal effects to eject them, along with an angled entrance passageway and obtuse-angled groove side faces to minimize ingress and facilitate drainage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional bearing isolator seal designs are used, then basic sealing function is provided, but they are inadequate in resisting high velocity water spray

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against high velocity water sprayVSAvoidgeometric configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs curved surfaces throughout the seal geometry, including a curved outer surface on the atmospheric side that transitions smoothly into angled surfaces. These curved geometries help deflect water spray away from the seal interface and reduce the effectiveness of high velocity contaminants compared to conventional flat or simple geometric designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal incorporates different surface geometries at different locations: a curved outer surface for initial spray deflection, angled surfaces for redirecting contaminants away from the seal interface, and specific groove configurations localized at critical areas. This localized variation in geometric quality enhances protection where most needed without unnecessarily complicating the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the bearing isolator seal includes closely spaced surfaces to prevent contaminant entry, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the seal may trap contaminants inside the isolator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of contaminant entryVSAvoidtrapped contaminants

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The atmospheric side of the seal is segmented into multiple functional surfaces: a curved outer surface, angled intermediate surfaces, and grooves with specific angle configurations. This segmentation creates a multi-stage defense system where contaminants are progressively redirected and channeled away from the seal interface, preventing both entry and trapping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces angular dimensions to the seal geometry, with surfaces inclined at specific angles relative to the axis of rotation. This adds a dimensional aspect to contaminant management by creating three-dimensional flow paths that redirect contaminants away from the seal interface, rather than relying solely on radial clearance spacing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If angled surfaces and grooves are added to redirect contaminants, then resistance to water spray ingress is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to water spray ingressVSAvoidmanufacturing of angled surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies particular angle parameters for the grooves and surfaces (such as grooves angled at 45 to 135 degrees relative to the axis of rotation). By defining specific angular parameters rather than arbitrary geometries, the design balances enhanced contaminant redirection capability with manufacturability, as these standard angles can be achieved with conventional machining processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design effectively excludes high velocity water spray and other contaminants from the bearing cavity, enhancing the protection of the bearings and maintaining performance even during static conditions.

Implementation Method 1

redirecting contaminants and utilizing centrifugal effects to eject them

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3092427B1Bearing isolator seal for rotating shaft

Publication Date: 2018.03.14 FLOWSERVE MANAGEMENT COMPANY

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AI summary

A bearing isolator seal (10) includes a rotor (23) and stator (24) wherein the stator (24) has inboard (26) and outboard (32) radial projections which define a groove (34) bounded by groove side faces (36, 37) and a groove bottom face (38). The rotor (23) extends radially (35) and then axially (36) so as to lie closely adjacent to the terminal end (33) of the outboard radial projection (32) on the stator (24) to define an entrance passageway (39). The bearing isolator seal (10) includes a surface geometry which is believed to result in improved exclusion of contaminants, particularly from high velocity water spray, wherein the entrance passageway (39) is angled to increase the rotational effects of exclusion during shaft (12) rotation, and wherein the groove side faces (36, 37) are also angled (38A, 38B) to assist in redirecting spray and other contaminants away from the passageway (39).