Compact Flap Seal Biasing Structure for Space-Limited Flow Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flap seals in flow machines require space-consuming structures to support springs, leading to increased costs and reduced available space.
Innovation Solution
A sealing device with a biasing means that includes a foot contacting the surface, allowing the biasing means to be supported without needing additional space, and a flap seal that tilts around a lower end, minimizing wear and requiring less space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If springs are used to push the flap seal against the gap, then sealing performance is improved, but space-consuming structures are required to support the springs
Solution Approach 1:
The support function previously requiring separate structures is merged into the biasing means itself. The biasing means is directly supported on the first and second protrusions, eliminating the need for additional space-consuming support structures while maintaining the spring's sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing means utilizes the space between the first and second protrusions in a different dimensional arrangement. Instead of requiring external support structures, the biasing means is positioned and supported within the existing spatial configuration of the protrusions, optimizing space utilization.
2Reliability
If space-consuming structures are provided to support springs, then sealing function is achieved, but costs increase and available space decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The unnecessary support structures are extracted and removed from the design. The biasing means is configured to be directly supported on the existing protrusions, eliminating redundant components and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining sealing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second protrusions serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the flow machine components and simultaneously serve as support points for the biasing means. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate support structures, reducing complexity and cost.
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 reduces the need for additional space and lowers costs by utilizing a compact design that maintains sealing performance and minimizes flap seal wear.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing means (3) that is supported on the first protrusion (5) and the second protrusion (6) and is adapted to push the flap seal (2) away from the first protrusion (5) and the second protrusion (6)
Implementation Method 2
the foot (12) contacts the surface (4) and biases the remaining biasing means (3) in a direction away from the first protrusion (5) and the second protrusion (6). For biasing the biasing means the foot can be under a mechanical tension.
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing device for a flow machine, wherein the sealing device has a flap seal, a surface, a first protrusion protruding from the surface, a second protrusion protruding from the surface and a biasing member that is supported on the first protrusion and the second protrusion and is adapted to push the flap seal away from the first protrusion and the second protrusion in a direction transversal to the normal of the surface. The biasing member has a foot that protrudes from a first region of the biasing member in a direction towards the surface, wherein the first region is arranged immediately neighbored to the foot, wherein the foot contacts the surface and biases the remaining biasing member in a direction away from the first protrusion and the second protrusion.