Closed Clamping Ring for Sealing Bellows Axial Radial Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing bellows fastening methods using open clamping rings result in non-uniform contact pressure, leading to inadequate radial and axial sealing, potential damage, and leaks, especially in ball pivot joints where secure seals are required in both directions.
Innovation Solution
A closed clamping ring design with a radially elongated shape and a collar or widening is used, providing homogeneous contact pressure and enhanced axial support, manufactured from injection-molded plastic or sheet metal, to ensure a secure radial and axial seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an open clamping ring is used to fasten the sealing bellows, then the bellows can be secured to the joint, but the contact pressure is non-uniform and sealing is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping ring is divided into multiple independent clamping elements (typically 3-6 segments) that can flex independently. This segmentation allows each segment to conform to the bellows surface, distributing contact pressure uniformly around the circumference while maintaining secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping ring parameters are optimized by selecting appropriate material properties (elastic modulus, yield strength) and geometric parameters (segment thickness, curvature radius, gap size) to achieve uniform contact pressure distribution across the sealing surface.
2Ease of manufacture
If an open clamping ring is used, then installation is simpler, but the ring bends during use causing damage to the bellows
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping ring is designed with built-in cushioning features including rounded edges, chamfered surfaces, and controlled flexibility that prevent concentration of stresses. These design elements cushion the bellows against damage during installation and throughout service life, eliminating the harmful sharp edges inherent in simple open rings.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple clamping ring is used, then manufacturing is easier, but axial sealing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping ring incorporates localized axial sealing features such as axially extending sealing lips, stepped configurations, or integrated axial seals at specific locations. These local modifications provide adequate axial sealing without requiring complete redesign of the entire ring structure, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving sealing reliability.
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 closed clamping ring achieves a uniform and improved seal around the circumference, reducing the risk of damage and leaks, and enhances the axial sealing performance, particularly in ball-and-socket joints, by distributing sealing forces evenly and providing additional support to the dust lip.
Implementation Method 1
achieves a homogeneous radial and axial seal
Implementation Method 2
The axial sealing of the sealing bellows is also unsatisfactory, since the supportive pressure effect of the clamping ring on the axially aligned dust lip is not sufficient
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Device for fastening a sealing bellows (10) with a radial and an axial sealing area at at least one of its ends, in particular at the ball stud (2) of a ball stud joint (1), wherein the end is enclosed by a clamping element and wherein the clamping element is designed as a closed clamping ring (13,14).