Asymmetric Seal Assembly for Liquid Return Pumping

The support member features an asymmetrical inner radial end configuration where the radial distance from the centerline varies around the circumference. This asymmetry creates non-uniform contact pressure distribution on the sealing lip, generating a pumping action that pushes leaked liquids back into the sealed volume without requiring complex structural features in the sealing lip itself.

The support member provides locally varied contact pressure through its asymmetrical geometry, with different radial distances at different circumferential positions. This local variation in support characteristics creates the necessary pressure differential to achieve liquid pumping while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

The pumping function is extracted from the sealing lip and transferred to the support member. Instead of modifying the sealing lip with complex wave-like profiles or helical grooves, the asymmetrical pumping structure is placed in the support member, which is already part of the seal assembly and can be manufactured using standard processes.

The asymmetrical support member acts as an intermediary element that converts the rotational motion into a pumping action. It mediates between the simple sealing lip and the liquid pumping requirement, providing the necessary mechanical advantage through its varying radial geometry without requiring modifications to the sealing lip structure.