Rolling Bearing Seal with Dynamic Labyrinth Contaminant Repulsion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sealing devices for rotating mechanical members face a challenge in achieving low friction while maintaining high sealing capacity and fluid-tightness, as reducing the number of sliding sealing lips typically compromises sealing effectiveness.

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 increased sealing capacity without increasing friction torque.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the number of sliding sealing lips is reduced to lower friction torque, then friction is reduced, but sealing capacity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefriction torqueVSAvoidsealing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a centrifugal force generation means that creates dynamic action during rotation. The sealing device transitions from static sliding contact to dynamic centrifugal action, where contaminants are thrown outward by centrifugal force generated during rotation, eliminating the need for multiple sliding lips while maintaining sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical sliding seal system with a centrifugal separation system. Instead of relying on multiple sliding lips to block contaminants, the invention uses centrifugal force to separate and remove contaminants from the sealing area, substituting mechanical sliding contact with rotational centrifugal action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If multiple sliding sealing lips are used to increase sealing capacity, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but friction torque increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing capacityVSAvoidfriction torque

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the sliding sealing lips from the system, replacing them with a centrifugal force generation means. This extraction eliminates the friction associated with sliding contact while maintaining sealing capacity through centrifugal action that prevents contaminant ingress without requiring continuous sliding contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the sliding mechanical seal system with a centrifugal separation system. The sealing function is achieved not through sliding contact but through centrifugal force that actively removes and throws contaminants away from the sealing interface, eliminating friction while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a pack seal type sealing device is used to maintain fluid-tightness, then sealing capacity is maintained, but friction torque increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid-tightnessVSAvoidfriction torque

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static pack seal configuration into a dynamic system where rotation generates centrifugal force. The sealing mechanism transitions from relying on elastic deformation and sliding contact to utilizing dynamic centrifugal action that actively manages contaminants and maintains fluid-tightness without sliding friction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional pack seal mechanical system with a centrifugal separation system. Instead of using elastic lips that slide against each other to maintain fluid-tightness, the invention uses rotational centrifugal force to prevent contaminant ingress and maintain sealing effectiveness without the associated friction losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 dynamic centrifuging effect enhances contaminant exclusion and reduces friction torque, enabling a reliable and economical sealing solution that maintains sealing capacity without increasing energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

the relative rotation between the first and second annular elements generates a dynamic centrifuging effect F, which is capable of repelling any contaminants that are impelled towards said radial gap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS11473627B2Sealing device with dynamic action, particularly for rolling bearings

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

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 the radial gap.