Annular Sealing Device for High-Speed Spindles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing technologies for high-speed spindle systems, such as labyrinth seals and contact seals, fail to provide reliable sealing at peripheral speeds over 100 meters per second, leading to bearing damage and dynamic property impairment, while brush seals are complex and expensive to produce.
Innovation Solution
An annular sealing device with a definable axial layering of high-temperature-resistant, low-friction plastic foils and metal foils, where the metal foils are set back radially to create a chamber system and dissipate frictional heat, supported by compressed air and a compact L-shaped mount for enhanced sealing and cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If labyrinth seals with sealing air support are used, then sealing reliability is improved, but axial length increases and dynamic properties are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is divided into multiple plastic foils and metal foils arranged in alternating layers, creating a segmented structure that achieves reliable sealing in a compact axial space without requiring the large axial length of traditional labyrinth seals
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines plastic foils and metal foils in a composite layered structure, where plastic foils provide sealing contact with the shaft and metal foils provide heat dissipation, achieving both reliable sealing and thermal management in a compact design
2Reliability
If contact seals are used, then sealing reliability is improved, but friction and temperature increase causing burning at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented between plastic foils that contact the shaft and metal foils that do not contact but provide heat dissipation, allowing the plastic sealing surfaces to withstand high friction temperatures through the thermal management provided by the metal layers
Solution Approach 2:
The metal foils act as thermal intermediaries between the plastic sealing foils and the surrounding environment, conducting heat away from the friction zone to prevent burning at high peripheral speeds
3Reliability
If brush seals are used, then sealing at high speeds is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure of plastic foils and metal foils that can be manufactured using conventional layering and mounting techniques, avoiding the complex manufacturing processes required for brush seals while achieving comparable sealing performance at high speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters from traditional seal materials to plastic and metal foils with specific friction and thermal conductivity properties, enabling simple manufacturing while achieving the required sealing performance
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 achieves reliable sealing at high peripheral speeds, prevents overheating and fluid ingress, maintains dynamic properties, and is cost-effective, ensuring safe operation and protection of sensitive workpieces.
Implementation Method 1
The frictional heat generated is dissipated from the contact zone by the metal foils or metal discs
Implementation Method 2
The multi-layered structure of the seal creates chamber systems that further improve the sealing effect and also prevent liquids and gases from flowing through due to their hydrodynamic effects
Implementation Method 3
the seal is placed under compressed air, thereby further supporting the sealing effect and the cooling of the sealing device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The ring-shaped sealing device (1) has a preset axial layering (5) made of plastic films and metal films. The plastic films and the metal films are radially arranged relative to a shaft. The metal films are radially relocated in the area of the shaft relative to the plastic films, and so produce a chamber system. The axial layering is held in a holder (2). The metal films are formed as copper films.