Chain Seal Arrangement with Support Ring for Radial Force Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seal arrangements for chain pivot hinges experience deformation due to radially acting forces, leading to immobility and leaks, as the elastic ring directly interacts with the sealing ring, causing axial and radial deformation and friction issues.
Innovation Solution
A support ring is inserted between the sealing ring and the elastic ring to capture high radial forces, allowing the seal arrangement to maintain mobility and equalize axial tolerances, while the elastic ring and sealing ring are designed to seal the support ring externally, preventing moisture and dirt ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the elastic ring directly interacts with the sealing ring, then the sealing pressure is maintained, but the radial forces cause deformation and immobility of the seal arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
A support ring is introduced as an intermediary element between the elastic ring and the sealing ring. The support ring has a bearing surface that contacts the sealing ring, while the elastic ring acts on the support ring. This mediator transfers the axial sealing force while preventing direct radial force transmission to the sealing ring, thus maintaining both sealing effectiveness and mobility.
2Force
If the elastic ring applies pressure to the sealing ring, then sealing force is generated, but friction and deformation occur over time
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring serves as a mediator that distributes and redirects the forces. The elastic ring applies axial pressure to the support ring, which then transmits this force to the sealing ring through its bearing surface. This arrangement reduces friction and deformation by preventing direct radial force interaction between the elastic ring and sealing ring, thereby extending service life while maintaining sealing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The support ring is pre-installed in the correct position between the elastic ring and sealing ring before operation. This preliminary positioning ensures that the force transmission path is established correctly from the start, preventing misalignment and reducing wear during operation, thus extending the service life of the seal arrangement.
3Ease of operation
If a support ring is added to capture radial forces, then mobility is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal arrangement is segmented into distinct functional components: the elastic ring for generating sealing force, the support ring for force transmission and mobility, and the sealing ring for actual sealing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, with the support ring being a simple structural element that adds minimal complexity while solving the mobility problem.
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 seal arrangement achieves a significantly longer service life with reduced production costs, as the support ring mitigates deformation and friction effects, ensuring effective sealing and protection from corrosion.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic ring for securely adjoining one of the parts and for applying pressure to the sealing ring
Implementation Method 2
a sealing ring with an annular sealing lip for sealing the lubricant space between the parts which can be pivoted against one another
Implementation Method 3
the friction of the sealing ring on the pin or spacer ring
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing arrangement used to create a seal between a first (12) part of a chain and a second (14) part of a chain, wherein said second part can at least be pivoted in relation to the first part, exhibiting the following features: a sealing ring (40) with an annular sealing lip (42) for sealing a lubricant area between parts which can be pivoted towards each other, an elastic ring (60) which can be fixed to one of the parts and which can be used to exert pressure on the sealing ring; in addition to a supporting ring (50) which is arranged between the sealing ring and the elastic ring; and link of a chain provided with said sealing arrangement.