Axle Seal Annular Flange Traps Assembly Particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Axle assemblies face contamination issues due to particles scraped off during assembly, which can contaminate lubricant fluid or other components, as existing radial lip seals may damage coatings on the support member or housing bore.
Innovation Solution
A shaft seal design featuring a support body with a circumferentially-extending outer wall member, a radial wall member, a sealant, a seal lip, and an annular flange, where the sealant forms a fluid-tight seal and the annular flange defines a channel to trap particles, preventing contamination by ensuring a secure fit and sealing between the outer wall member and the housing bore.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a radial lip seal with a support member is used to seal between the housing bore and the seal, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but coating particles are scraped off during assembly and contaminate the lubricant fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (the annular flange with channel and sealant) between the support member and the housing bore. This intermediary structure captures and traps coating particles that are scraped off during assembly, preventing them from contaminating the lubricant fluid while still allowing the seal to function effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of coating particles being scraped off during assembly into a beneficial trapping mechanism. The annular channel is specifically designed to capture these particles and hold them in a controlled location, transforming the contamination problem into a contained feature that prevents particle dispersion into the lubricant.
2Reliability
If the support member contacts the bore of the housing to form a seal, then sealing capability is improved, but the coating on the support member or bore is damaged during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the annular flange and sealant as an intermediary system that facilitates the sealing function without requiring direct contact between the support member and the housing bore that would cause coating damage. The sealant provides the sealing interface while the flange structure manages the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary protective features into the seal design, including the annular channel that is pre-configured to trap particles before they can contaminate the system. The sealant is pre-applied to the outer wall member to ensure proper sealing while minimizing coating damage during the assembly process.
3Ease of manufacture
If particles are allowed to escape during assembly, then assembly process is simple, but lubricant fluid and components become contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the annular flange with channel as an intermediary structure that automatically traps particles during assembly without requiring complex additional steps or procedures. This maintains assembly simplicity while effectively preventing particle escape and contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal design includes self-trapping capabilities where the annular channel automatically captures and retains particles that are generated during assembly. The structure is self-contained and requires no additional active components or procedures to prevent contamination, maintaining ease of manufacture while protecting against particle escape.
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 effectively prevents contamination by trapping particles within the annular channel, ensuring a clean and sealed environment within the axle assembly, enhancing the reliability and longevity of the lubricant and components.
Implementation Method 1
The sealant can be adapted to form a fluid-tight seal between the at least the portion of the outer wall member and a surface of the bore in the housing
Implementation Method 2
The seal lip can be adapted to form a fluid-tight seal between the radial wall member and an outer circumferential surface of the shaft
Implementation Method 3
The annular flange and the outer wall member can cooperate to define an annular channel proximate the radial wall member
Data Source
AI summary
A shaft seal for an axle assembly can include a support body with a circumferentially-extending outer wall member and a radial wall member coupled to the outer wall member and extending radially inwardly therefrom. Sealant disposed on an outside circumferential surface of the outer wall member can form a seal with a surface of a housing bore. A lip can be coupled to the radial wall member and extend radially inward thereof. The lip can form a seal between the radial wall member and an outer surface of a shaft. An annular flange can be coupled to the outer wall member and extend radially outward of an intersection of the outer wall member and the radial wall member, while having a maximum diameter that is smaller than a maximum diameter of the outer wall member. The flange and outer wall member can cooperate to define an annular channel.