Capillary Seal System for Rotating Assembly Lubricant Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid seals for rotating assemblies fail to effectively contain lubricant or grease, leading to outgassing and contamination, particularly in bearing structures where rolling elements are used.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an inner and outer capillary seal system, radially and axially spaced, within a passageway formed along capillary surfaces, using a seal ring and cap or seal plate structure to create a low-profile fluid seal that utilizes capillary forces and surface friction to prevent lubricant leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fluid seal is used for the bearing structure, then lubricant containment is attempted, but the seal fails to effectively contain lubricant or grease, leading to outgassing and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid seal is segmented into multiple capillary seals (first capillary seal and second capillary seal) positioned at different locations within the passageway. Each capillary seal independently contains lubricant through capillary action, creating multiple barriers that prevent outgassing and contamination more effectively than a single seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary seals utilize the porous structure and surface properties of the passageway walls to create capillary forces that retain lubricant. The capillary surfaces act as porous-like structures that allow the lubricant to be held through surface tension and capillary pressure, preventing leakage while maintaining containment.
2Reliability
If a traditional seal structure is implemented, then lubricant containment is provided, but the axial height requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal structure transitions from a traditional axial-oriented seal to a multi-dimensional capillary seal system that utilizes both axial and radial dimensions. The first capillary seal is positioned at a first axial location and the second capillary seal at a second axial location, with the passageway extending radially from the bearing structure. This dimensional redistribution allows effective sealing with reduced overall axial height.
3Reliability
If the capillary seals are positioned close to the bearing structure, then lubricant containment is improved, but the seal effectiveness against outgassing decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into two distinct capillary seals positioned at different axial locations. The first capillary seal contains lubricant near the bearing structure, while the second capillary seal positioned at a different axial location provides an additional barrier specifically effective at preventing outgassing and contamination from escaping.
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 solution effectively limits outgassing and debris spillage, maintaining a lubricant film within the bearing structure while minimizing axial height requirements, thus enhancing the operational reliability and efficiency of rotating assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid seal utilizes capillary forces and surface friction to prevent lubricant leakage
Implementation Method 2
the fluid seal utilizes capillary forces and surface friction to prevent lubricant leakage
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid seal for sealing a gap region for rolling elements rotationally connecting a shaft and an outer structure of a rotating assembly. In embodiments described, the fluid seal includes an inner capillary seal and an outer capillary seal radially and axially spaced from the inner capillary seal. The inner and outer capillary seals are formed along a passageway having an axial portion and a radial portion formed along capillary surfaces of a fluid seal structure and opposed transverse and upright surfaces. In embodiments disclosed, the fluid seal structure includes a seal ring and cap or a seal plate structure. In another embodiment, a flange portion of the shaft forms the fluid seal structure.