Bellows Mechanical Seal With Intermediate Disk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical seal arrangements with elastomer bellows elements face impaired axial resetting behavior due to the softness of the elastomer material, which can lead to fixation on shaft surfaces, increased friction, and eventual blockage, resulting in leakage and potential failure.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a stiff annular intermediate disk between the elastomeric bellows element and the rotating components, along with Z-profile brackets and a spring element, to enhance axial mobility and reduce friction, while allowing for self-cleaning and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an elastomer bellows element is used to permit axial resetting, then the mechanical seal arrangement can accommodate shaft deflections, but the softness of the elastomer material causes the support shoulder to become fixed on shaft surfaces, impairing resetting behavior
Solution Approach 1:
A support shoulder is introduced as an intermediary element between the elastomer bellows element and the shaft. The support shoulder has a support surface that contacts the shaft, separating the bellows element from direct shaft contact. This mediator allows the bellows to maintain axial resetting capability while the support shoulder prevents the bellows from becoming fixed on contaminated shaft surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The direct mechanical contact between the elastomer bellows and the shaft is replaced by contact between the support shoulder and the shaft. The support shoulder transfers axial forces from the bellows to the shaft without allowing the soft elastomer material to adhere to the shaft surface, thus substituting a more reliable mechanical interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an elastomer bellows element is used, then axial resetting is permitted, but friction between the elastomer material and the shaft increases, causing disruption to resetting behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The support shoulder acts as a mediator that reduces friction by providing a dedicated contact surface between the bellows assembly and the shaft. This intermediary surface has optimized friction characteristics that allow smooth axial movement during resetting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction parameter is changed by introducing the support shoulder with a specific surface geometry and material properties. The support surface area, contact pressure distribution, and surface finish of the support shoulder are optimized to minimize friction during axial resetting movements.
3Ease of operation
If the support shoulder contacts the shaft directly, then axial mobility is provided, but contamination by debris on the shaft causes the bellows element to become blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The support shoulder serves as a protective intermediary between the bellows element and contaminated shaft surfaces. It prevents debris and contaminants on the shaft from directly contacting and blocking the bellows element, while still allowing axial mobility through the support surface contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The support shoulder provides a self-cleaning function where its geometry and movement allow it to prevent accumulation of contaminants between the bellows and shaft, maintaining operational capability without external intervention.
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 configuration significantly improves axial resetting behavior, reduces leakage, and ensures the mechanical seal arrangement remains functional over its service life by maintaining low friction and preventing jamming, even under operational vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
An inner peripheral region of the intermediate disk lies for support on the rotating component and thus permits an improved, low-friction axial movement for the required resetting behaviour of the bellows unit
Implementation Method 2
The bellows element comprises a first connection region for connecting to a rotating component, such as e.g. a rotating shaft, a second connection region for connecting to a rotating slide ring and a flexible bellows intermediate region
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a mechanical seal arrangement, comprising a rotating slide ring and a stationary slide ring which define a sealing gap therebetween, and a bellows unit with a bellows element and an intermediate disk, wherein the bellows element has a first connection region, a second connection region and a bellows intermediate region, wherein the bellows element is produced from an elastomer material and provides a connection between the rotating slide ring and a rotating component, wherein the intermediate disk is arranged between the bellows element and the rotating slide ring, and wherein an inner peripheral region of the intermediate disk is arranged for support on the rotating component.