C-Shaped Annular Lip Seal for Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sealing devices for fluidly coupled parts in high temperature environments, such as gas turbine engines, face challenges with temperature variations leading to seal failures due to thermal expansion and contraction, and existing solutions are limited by durability, serviceability, cost, and manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A sealing device featuring annular lips with C-shaped cross sections that are elastically deformable, providing compressive sealed engagement with radially inner and outer parts, capable of operating from cryogenic to 1300°F (700°C), and incorporating a second annular lip for face seal engagement, along with a flange for static engagement, to maintain seals under varying temperatures and pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sealing methods (O-rings, stretchable bellows) are used to accommodate growth differentials, then seal flexibility is improved, but durability and serviceability deteriorate due to limited durability at high temperatures and lack of serviceability
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is divided into multiple functional segments: a first annular lip for dynamic sealing with the inner part, a body for structural support and fluid containment, and a second annular lip for static sealing with the outer part. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall durability while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The first annular lip is designed to be elastically deformable, allowing it to dynamically adapt to thermal expansion and contraction of the inner part while maintaining sealed engagement. This dynamic capability accommodates growth differentials without compromising seal integrity or durability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sealing methods are used, then seal flexibility is improved, but ease of manufacture and cost deteriorate due to long lead times and high cost
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing functions are merged into a single integrated device. The first annular lip, body, and second annular lip are combined into one component that simultaneously provides dynamic sealing, structural support, and static sealing, eliminating the need for multiple separate sealing elements and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device is designed as a multi-functional component that accommodates thermal expansion, provides dynamic sealing, contains fluid pressure, and provides static sealing. This universality reduces the number of parts needed and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining seal flexibility.
3Reliability
If the first annular lip is designed for elastic deformation to provide compressive sealed engagement, then seal reliability under temperature variation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first annular lip is designed as a flexible, elastically deformable component that can compress and expand in response to thermal variations. This flexibility allows the lip to maintain sealed engagement with the inner part throughout temperature cycles without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism utilizes changes in physical parameters (elastic deformation, compressive force) to adapt to temperature variations. The first annular lip's elastic properties allow it to change shape and maintain contact pressure automatically, eliminating the need for complex control systems.
4Device complexity
If a single sealing device provides multiple sealing functions, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the sealing device are designed with locally optimized properties. The first annular lip has specific local geometry and material properties for elastic deformation, the body has precise geometry for fluid containment, and the second annular lip has specific features for static sealing. This local quality approach allows each region to meet its precision requirements independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device is pre-configured with built-in compliance features and pre-load mechanisms that automatically compensate for dimensional variations during assembly and operation. This preliminary action reduces the stringency of assembly precision requirements while maintaining effective sealing.
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 solution provides compact, high-temperature, replaceable, and cost-effective sealing options with increased longevity, accommodating thermal expansion and contraction while preventing fluid leakage, and offering a single device that functions as multiple seals, enhancing reliability and reducing the need for multiple sealing components.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second annular lips extend from opposite sides of the body, are provided with C-shaped cross sections, and are configured and adapted for elastic deformation to provide the compressive sealed engagements with the radially inner and outer parts
Implementation Method 2
These and other causes of temperature variation result in thermal expansion and contraction of assembly parts, which can lead to seal failures
Implementation Method 3
These and other causes of temperature variation result in thermal expansion and contraction of assembly parts
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing device is provided for use with an assembly having radially inner and outer parts in fluid communication and movable relative to one another. The sealing device includes a first annular lip which defines an opening for receiving the radially inner part, and an annular channel disposed radially outward of the opening. The first annular lip is configured and adapted for deformation and compressive sealed engagement with the radially inner part while permitting movement of the radially inner part relative thereto. An annular body integrally formed with the first annular lip of the sealing device defines an interior space in communication with the annular channel and the opening. The annular body extends radially outward of the first annular lip and is configured and adapted for sealed engagement with the radially outer part.