Rolling Bearing Seal With Dynamic Labyrinth for Low Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing devices for rotating mechanical members face a challenge in achieving low friction torque while maintaining high sealing capacity, as reducing the number of sliding sealing lips typically compromises sealing effectiveness, and increasing sealing capacity often results in higher friction.
Innovation Solution
The sealing device incorporates a dynamic centrifuging effect generated by depressions on the radial edge of the flange portion, which repels contaminants and reduces friction by interacting with the sleeve portion, allowing for either reduced sliding lips or enhanced labyrinth seals without compromising sealing capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the number of sliding sealing lips is reduced, then friction torque is reduced, but sealing capacity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a centrifugal force-generating element that rotates with the rotating member. This dynamic element creates a centrifugal effect that actively repels contaminants away from the sealing interface, replacing static sliding lips with a dynamic barrier that reduces friction while maintaining sealing effectiveness through rotational motion rather than sliding contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the traditional mechanical sliding seal system with a centrifugal force-based separation system. Instead of relying on multiple sliding lips that generate friction, the invention uses a rotating element that generates centrifugal force to separate contaminants from the sealing zone, replacing mechanical sliding contact with a force-field-based containment mechanism.
2Reliability
If the number of sliding sealing lips is increased, then sealing capacity is improved, but friction torque increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic centrifugal barrier that rotates with the inner member, creating an active force field that repels contaminants without requiring multiple sliding contacts. This single dynamic element replaces multiple static sliding lips, achieving equivalent or superior sealing capacity while dramatically reducing friction torque through rotational rather than sliding motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical sliding contact system with a centrifugal force system. The rotating element generates outward radial force that creates a pressure gradient, pushing contaminants away from the sealing interface without the need for multiple sliding lips, thereby reducing friction while maintaining sealing integrity.
3Reliability
If traditional sealing lips are used, then sealing capacity is maintained, but friction torque is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static sealing lip configuration into a dynamic system where a centrifugal force-generating element rotates with the inner member. This dynamic element creates a rotating barrier that actively repels contaminants through centrifugal force, replacing static sliding contact with dynamic force-based containment, thereby reducing friction while maintaining sealing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes the traditional sliding seal mechanism with a centrifugal separation mechanism. Instead of using sliding lips that generate friction, the system employs a rotating element that generates centrifugal force to create a pressure gradient, pushing contaminants away from the sealing zone without mechanical sliding contact, thus reducing friction torque while preserving sealing effectiveness.
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
This solution effectively reduces friction torque and maintains or enhances sealing capacity by utilizing the dynamic centrifuging effect to prevent contaminant penetration and divert liquids, thereby improving the sealing device's performance in terms of both fluid-tightness and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the radial edge of the flange portion of the second annular element interacts with the sleeve portion of the first annular element, or vice versa, so as to generate a dynamic centrifuging effect
Data Source
AI summary
Sealing device including a first annular element coupled to a first fixed mechanical member, and a second annular element coupled to a second rotating mechanical member, for protecting an annular compartment delimited between the members, the first element being provided with at least one annular sealing lip configured to interact with the second element, which has a radial edge of a flange portion arranged at an edge of a sleeve portion of the first element, thus forming with the latter a radial gap configured as a labyrinth seal; wherein the radial gap of the flange portion of the second annular element carries a plurality of depressions arranged in a crown, spaced adjacently to one another at the radial gap and configured to generate, as a result of the rotation of the second element, a dynamic effect (F) for the purpose of repelling any contaminants impelled towards said radial gap.