Brush Seal Plate Fixation via Groove Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brush seals for rotating machines face challenges in stable positioning and fixation of plates due to radial deformation during welding and require large space for axial bolt fixation, leading to potential leakage and insufficient fixation.
Innovation Solution
A brush seal design featuring radially and circumferentially extending recessed portions on low-pressure and high-pressure plates with a fixing member inserted into the formed space, providing stable axial positioning and preventing radial movement, with optional segmented configuration and use of materials with higher linear expansion coefficients for enhanced temperature resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding is used to couple the both plates, then the plates are integrated with each other, but the plates are deformed in the radial direction by heat causing distance from rotor to depart from desired range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process (thermal connection method) with a mechanical fixation method using a fixing member inserted into a groove. This substitution eliminates heat-induced radial deformation while maintaining plate integration, allowing precise radial positioning to be maintained without thermal distortion.
2Strength
If bolts are used to fix the both plates, then the plates are fastened to each other, but a large space occupied by head portion of bolt is required
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing member is inserted into and nested within a groove formed in the plates, eliminating the need for external bolt heads. This nesting approach reduces the space required for fixation components while maintaining secure plate connection, as the fixing member is concealed within the groove structure rather than protruding externally.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional fixation methods are used, then plates are connected, but fixation may be insufficient due to loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing member is divided into multiple engagement portions that interact with corresponding features in the groove. This segmentation provides multiple contact points and engagement zones, preventing loosening through distributed mechanical interference rather than relying on a single fastening point, thereby enhancing fixation reliability while maintaining ease of assembly.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
There is provided a brush seal which can surely fix a low-pressure-side plate and a high-pressure-side plate so that the low-pressure-side plate and the high-pressure-side plate are stably positioned. A brush seal 1 having an annular shape, includes: a low-pressure-side plate 2 including a low-pressure-side recessed portion 24 radially recessed and circumferentially extending; a high-pressure-side plate 3 including a high-pressure-side recessed portion 35 positioned to face the low-pressure-side recessed portion, the high-pressure-side recessed portion 35 being radially recessed and circumferentially extending; a brush body 4 including a plurality of wire rods and supported between the low-pressure-side plate 2 and the high-pressure-side plate 3; and a fixing member 5 inserted into a space 6 formed by the low-pressure-side recessed portion 24 and the high-pressure-side recessed portion 35.