Axial Driver Elements for Mechanical Seal Anti-Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical seal arrangements suffer from increased length, cross-sectional weakening, and high assembly and maintenance costs due to radial driver elements, which limit axial mobility and functional scope of the force transmission ring.
Innovation Solution
The use of axially extending driver elements that transmit torque in two steps from the sliding ring to the housing, minimizing the overall length and cross-sectional weakening, while allowing the force transmission ring to accommodate a secondary sealing arrangement, eliminating the need for radial grooves and enhancing axial mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If radial driver elements are used to prevent rotation of the sliding ring, then the sliding ring is prevented from rotating, but the cross section of the sliding ring is significantly weakened and axial mobility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The driver elements are changed from radial orientation to axial orientation. Instead of extending radially from the center, the driver elements now extend axially along the sliding ring, engaging with circumferentially offset locations on the mounting component. This dimensional change eliminates the need for deep radial grooves that weaken the cross-section, while still providing effective anti-rotation through axial engagement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-rotation function is segmented into multiple engagement points around the circumference. Rather than using a single radial driver element that requires a deep central groove, the solution uses multiple axial driver elements distributed circumferentially, each engaging at different angular positions. This segmentation distributes the structural load and minimizes localized weakening of the sliding ring.
2Stability of the object's composition
If radial driver elements are used to prevent rotation, then rotation is prevented, but the overall length of the mechanical seal arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning from radial to axial driver elements, the anti-rotation mechanism is compacted into the existing axial space of the mechanical seal arrangement. The axial driver elements utilize the available axial length more efficiently, eliminating the need for extended radial protrusions that would increase the overall radial dimension and require additional axial space for engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The force transmission ring is given multiple functions: it transmits both axial forces and torques through the axial driver elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated anti-rotation components that would extend the overall length, as the force transmission ring itself performs both force transmission and rotational prevention.
3Stability of the object's composition
If radial driver lugs are used for anti-rotation, then rotation is prevented, but the force transmission ring loses functional versatility and assembly becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmission ring is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits axial prestressing forces, transmits torques through the axial driver elements, and provides mounting surfaces for secondary sealing arrangements. This multi-functionality is achieved by the axial driver elements engaging at circumferential offsets, allowing the ring to handle both linear and rotational loads without requiring separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-rotation function is merged with the force transmission function in a single integrated design. The axial driver elements are incorporated directly into the force transmission ring structure, combining what would traditionally be separate components (force transmission element and anti-rotation element) into one unified component, thereby simplifying assembly and maintaining functional versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for preventing rotation of a sliding ring (4) of a mechanical seal assembly, which is axially movable and held on a mounting component (1), comprising a force transmission ring (10) which is axially movable and held on the mounting component, and an anti-rotation device with at least one first drive element (17) that can be positively engaged with the mounting component and the force transmission ring, and at least one second drive element (18) that can be positively engaged with the force transmission ring and the sliding ring, wherein the first drive element is arranged circumferentially offset from the second drive element. The invention is characterized in that the drive elements (17, 18) each project axially from the force transmission ring (10) or sliding ring (4) in the direction of the respective other part (sliding ring or force transmission ring) and can be received with clearance in axial recesses (19, 20) provided in the respective other part.