Angular Detection Device Dynamic Airflow Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing angular detection devices for rotating parts face challenges in providing effective protection against external contaminants without increasing complexity, cost, or friction losses, as they often require additional sealing means.

Innovation Solution

An angular detection device with a dynamic seal is proposed, utilizing formations on both the movable and fixed bodies to generate an air flow that creates a circumferential dynamic seal without physical contact, using helical configurations and aerodynamic features to guide and amplify airflow, thereby preventing contaminant passage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If additional sealing means are added to protect against external contaminants, then protection effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against external contaminantsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the angular detection device with a dynamic sealing function by integrating air flow generating formations directly into the detection device structure. The first body (rotor) and second body (stator) of the detection device also serve as the sealing elements, eliminating the need for separate sealing components. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining effective contamination protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: angular position detection and dynamic sealing against contaminants. The air flow generating formations integrated into the detection device bodies create a dynamic seal that protects the internal medium while the detection functionality remains intact. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated sealing components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If contact-based sealing elements are used, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but friction losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidfriction losses
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a pneumatic sealing mechanism where air flow generated by the rotating first body creates a dynamic seal against the stationary second body. This non-contact sealing method uses pneumatic pressure and air flow to prevent contaminant ingress without physical contact between sealing surfaces, thereby eliminating friction losses associated with traditional contact-based seals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces traditional mechanical contact-based sealing elements with a dynamic pneumatic seal created by air flow. The formations on the rotating body generate controlled air flow that establishes a sealing barrier without mechanical contact, substituting a mechanical friction-based system with a pneumatic non-contact system that reduces energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If separate sealing structures are added, then protection against contaminants is improved, but weight and bulk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against contaminantsVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sealing function with the existing detection device structure by integrating air flow generating formations into the first and second bodies. No separate sealing structures are added; instead, the detection device components themselves perform both detection and sealing functions, maintaining minimal weight and compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution provides enhanced protection against external contaminants without additional structural modifications or friction losses, maintaining the functionality of angular position detection while creating a vortex effect for improved sealing.

Implementation Method 1

the first movable body and/or the second fixed body comprise one or more formation(s), possibly mutually cooperating, hollow and/or projecting, suitable and intended to generate an air flow creating a circumferential dynamic seal at the level of the passage or the gap during the rotation of the rotary part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow generation: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

using helical configurations and aerodynamic features to guide and amplify airflow, thereby preventing contaminant passage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVortex effect: Vortex Ring

Data Source

PatentEP3203122B1Angular detection device with protection against external contaminants
Publication Date: 2018.03.28 CARL FREUDENBERG KG
  • EP3203122B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3203122B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C
  • EP3203122B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4C

AI summary

The present invention relates to an angular detection device comprising, on the one hand, a first movable body (2) mounted on a rotating part having teeth (4) distributed over the circumference of said annular body (2) and, on the other hand, a second fixed body (5) defining a structure with a circular opening around the first movable annular body (2), this second body (5) advantageously carrying one or more sensor(s) capable of individually detecting the teeth (4) when they are positioned or passing at a determined location and of generating a corresponding information signal, said first and second bodies (2 and 5) delimiting between them a passage in the form of a slit or circumferential gap (6).Device characterized in that the first movable body (2) and/or the second fixed body (5) comprise one or more formation(s) (7), hollow and/or protruding, suitable and intended to generate an airflow creating a dynamic circumferential seal at the level of the passage (6) during the rotation of the rotating part, by cooperation between the two bodies (2 and 5).