Canned Seal Assembly with Integrated Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal assemblies face difficulties in installation due to the need for precise adaptation to specific hardware geometry and space requirements, especially for soft seals, which can lead to improper support and potential leaks, particularly when combining primary and scraper seals.
Innovation Solution
A combination seal assembly featuring a can structure that supports both the primary and scraper seals, allowing simultaneous installation and providing rigidity, thus simplifying the installation process and ensuring adequate support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If seals are installed separately with individual hardware support, then each seal can be supported, but installation becomes complex and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple seal support functions into a single integrated hardware structure called a 'can assembly'. This single structure provides support for both the primary seal and scraper seal simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate hardware for each seal and reducing overall installation complexity while maintaining reliable support for both sealing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The can assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as the hardware support for the primary seal, the hardware support for the scraper seal, and provides the structural framework for simultaneous installation. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components needed and simplifies the installation process.
2Reliability
If primary seal and scraper seal are adequately separated, then proper operation is ensured, but component size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the scraper seal inside the primary seal assembly, with the scraper seal located within the inner diameter of the primary seal. This nested arrangement allows both seals to be adequately separated for proper operation while minimizing the overall footprint and weight of the component assembly.
3Ease of operation
If soft seals are installed without rigid support, then installation is simpler, but seals deform and placement precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The can assembly acts as an intermediary rigid structure between the seal elements and the installation environment. It provides the necessary rigid support and precise positioning features that ensure accurate seal placement, while still allowing for relatively simple installation procedures through its integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination seal assembly includes: at least one can structure; a primary seal built onto the at least one can structure and having at least one seal lip; and a scraper seal built onto the at least one can structure and having at least one scraper lip. The at least one can structure supports the primary seal and the scraper seal and allows simultaneous installation of the at least one can structure, the primary seal, and the scraper seal into a hardware space.