Axial Sealing Ring With Adaptive Lip for High-Speed Driven Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional axial sealing rings for driven tools are limited in operating speed, typically functioning effectively up to 12 m/s or 8 m/s, and there is a need for a sealing solution that can handle higher rotational speeds.
Innovation Solution
An axial sealing ring design featuring a sealing body with a circumferential groove and an elastic prestressing ring, where the sealing lip is inclined and reduces its inclination due to centrifugal force, allowing operation up to 40 m/s, with a housing providing mechanical support and a secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional axial seal with V-shaped profile is used, then the seal can be mounted directly on the shaft with low contact force, but the operating speed is limited to up to 12 m/s
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing lip is designed to dynamically adapt its inclination angle based on rotational speed. At low speeds, the inclined sealing lip maintains contact with the counter-running surface for effective sealing. At high speeds, centrifugal force reduces the inclination, allowing the sealing lip to lift slightly and prevent contact wear while maintaining sealing through the elastic deformation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and geometric parameters of the sealing lip through elastic deformation. The sealing lip transitions from a fixed inclined profile to a dynamically deformable element whose angle and contact pressure vary with rotational speed, enabling operation across a wide speed range from static to high-speed conditions.
2Speed
If a gamma seal ring with metallic interference fit is used, then the seal provides secure hold on the shaft and protection against contaminants, but the operating speed is limited to up to 8 m/s
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into distinct functional components: an elastic sealing body with the sealing lip, a separate preload ring for mechanical reinforcement, and a housing for support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction combining elastic material for the sealing body with rigid material for the preload ring and housing. This composite approach provides both the flexibility needed for elastic deformation at high speeds and the mechanical strength for structural support and shaft mounting.
3Speed
If the sealing lip is inclined in the axial direction to reduce friction, then the contact force is low, but the seal cannot operate at high speeds due to insufficient sealing pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The preload ring is pre-installed in the circumferential groove to apply preliminary radial outward force on the sealing body, which in turn applies preliminary contact force on the sealing lip. This preliminary action ensures that the sealing lip maintains adequate contact pressure with the counter-running surface even when centrifugal force at high speeds tends to reduce the inclination and contact force.
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 design enables secure sealing at high speeds by reducing the inclination of the sealing lip through elastic deformation, preventing water and dirt ingress, and maintaining a secure seal across varying rotational speeds.
Implementation Method 1
when centrifugal force acts on the axial sealing ring, the inclination of the sealing lip in the axial direction is reduced
Implementation Method 2
The sealing lip is elastically deformable such that when centrifugal force acts on the axial sealing ring, the inclination of the sealing lip in the axial direction is reduced
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An axial sealing ring (9) is described, which is supported on a rotatable shaft in a driven tool and comprises a sealing body (13) with a sealing end face (19) and an outer surface (25) as well as a circumferential groove (27) extending from the outer surface (25) into the interior of the sealing body, a housing (15) arranged on the outer surface (25) of the sealing body (13) and covering the groove (27), and an elastic preload ring (17) arranged in the groove (27), such that a sealing lip (35) of the sealing body (13), which extends between the sealing end face (19) and the groove (27), is inclined in an axial direction (11), wherein the sealing lip (35) is elastically deformable, such that when centrifugal force acts on the axial sealing ring (9), the inclination of the sealing lip (35) in the axial direction (11) is reduced.