Rolling Bearing Sealing Element Replacement Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rolling bearing assemblies in applications like boat propeller systems and tunnel boring machines face premature wear of sealing elements due to friction, leading to reduced efficiency and tightness of the assembly.
Innovation Solution
A method and set of sealing elements where the replacement sealing element's sealing lip contacts a surface shifted by a determined distance from the worn surface, avoiding direct contact with previously worn areas and using spacers to maintain alignment, thereby improving tightness and extending the lifespan of the new sealing element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sealing elements are replaced by mounting them on the same surface, then the replacement is simple and quick, but the new sealing element suffers from premature wear due to contact with worn surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from replacing sealing elements on the same surface (zero-dimensional replacement) to mounting them on a shifted surface along the rotation axis (one-dimensional displacement). This dimensional change allows the new sealing element to contact a fresh surface that has not been worn by the previous element, thereby extending its lifespan while maintaining a relatively simple replacement procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-shifting the mounting surface of the replacement sealing element to a location that has not yet been worn. This proactive measure prevents premature wear before it occurs, ensuring the new sealing element operates on a pristine surface from the start, thus improving reliability without complicating the replacement process.
2Ease of manufacture
If sealing elements are mounted on worn surfaces, then the assembly process is straightforward, but the tightness and sealing efficiency deteriorate due to surface wear
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves the contradiction between assembly simplicity and sealing tightness by shifting the mounting surface to a different location along the rotation axis. This dimensional displacement allows the replacement sealing element to engage with an unworn surface, ensuring optimal tightness and sealing efficiency while maintaining a straightforward assembly process that does not require complex surface preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by creating a distinction between the worn surface (where the old sealing element was mounted) and the fresh surface (where the replacement sealing element is mounted). This localized differentiation ensures that the critical sealing interface occurs on a pristine surface, thereby guaranteeing assembly tightness without complicating the overall manufacturing or assembly process.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the sealing lip contacts the same surface repeatedly, then the sealing mechanism remains consistent, but friction causes accelerated wear and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention maintains sealing mechanism consistency by preserving the fundamental sealing lip-to-surface contact geometry while changing the location of contact along the rotation axis. This dimensional shift allows each replacement sealing element to engage a fresh surface, resetting the wear cycle and extending durability without altering the basic sealing mechanism's operational consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies parameter changes by modifying the axial position parameter of the sealing lip contact surface. By shifting the mounting location along the rotation axis, the surface condition parameter (worn vs. unworn) is changed, which directly impacts durability. The sealing mechanism's functional parameters remain consistent, ensuring reliable operation while extending the service life of each sealing element.
Data Source
AI summary
This method is for replacing sealing elements on a rolling bearing assembly comprising a rotatable element, a fixed element, and at least one bearing mounted between the rotatable element and the fixed element, at least one used sealing element being rotatably fastened to at least one of the rotatable element and the fixed element and having at least one sealing lip adapted to lay on a first surface of the element with respect to which the used sealing element rotates. The method comprises a step of mounting at least one replacement sealing element so that at least one sealing lip of the replacement sealing element lays on a second surface of the element with respect to which the used sealing element and the replacement sealing element rotate, this second surface being located at a predetermined distance of the first surface.