Compliant Bushing With Angled Channels to Prevent Leakage Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bushings with splits to accommodate installation and dimensional changes often introduce unwanted leakage paths, offsetting installation improvements with higher leakage risks.
Innovation Solution
A leak-resistant compliant bushing design featuring a body with intersecting channels that extend at non-zero angles, providing compliance without creating additional leakage paths, allowing for easier installation and reduced tooling costs while maintaining controlled clearances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a split is introduced through the entire length of the bushing to accommodate installation and dimensional changes, then installation ease is improved, but leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is divided into multiple segments along its length, with gaps between segments that allow for expansion and contraction. This segmentation provides compliance for installation and dimensional changes while maintaining leakage resistance through the specific gap design and sealing structures at the ends.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing has different structural characteristics at different locations: the gaps between segments provide compliance where needed, while the end portions maintain tight clearances and sealing structures to prevent leakage. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between installation ease and leakage resistance.
2Reliability
If tight clearance is used to mitigate leakage risks, then leakage resistance is improved, but installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing transitions from a static tight-clearance design to a dynamic segmented structure that can adapt its clearance characteristics. During installation, the gaps allow for easier insertion, while during operation, the segments maintain controlled clearances that prevent leakage, thus resolving the contradiction between installation ease and leakage resistance.
3Ease of operation
If a split bushing is used to provide compliance during installation, then installation ease is improved, but leakage paths are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented bushing structure acts as a flexible element that can deform and adapt during installation, providing compliance without creating continuous leakage paths. The gaps between segments are designed to allow movement while the end sealing structures prevent fluid or gas leakage, thus resolving the contradiction between installation ease and leakage prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
A leak resistant compliant bushing includes a body having a first end, a second end, an outer surface and an inner surface defining a passage. The outer surface and the inner surface extending between the first end and the second end and define an axial axis. A first plurality of channels extends into the body from the first end. Each of the first plurality of channels includes a terminal end that is spaced from the second end. A second plurality of channels extend into the body from the second end. Each of the second plurality of channels extend between adjacent ones of the first plurality of channels and include a terminal end section that is spaced from the first end.