Composite Oil Seal With Integrated Ground Path for Bearing Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ground rings for preventing electric corrosion in motor bearings are expensive, require machining of the motor housing, and generate cutting chips that can damage the bearing, necessitating disassembly for replacement.
Innovation Solution
A composite oil seal with an integrated conductive ground path, made of conductive fabric or non-woven fabric impregnated with conductive materials, that transmits current from the shaft to the motor housing, eliminating the need for machining and reducing friction and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional ground ring is mounted to prevent electric corrosion, then the bearing is protected from current damage, but the motor housing requires machining (drilling and tapping) which increases device complexity and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ground ring function with the oil seal by integrating a conductive layer into the oil seal structure. The conductive layer is formed by applying conductive material to the inner circumferential surface of the oil seal, creating a unified component that performs both sealing and grounding functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate ground ring installation and housing machining
Solution Approach 2:
The oil seal is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides sealing between the shaft and motor housing while simultaneously serving as a ground path through the integrated conductive layer. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate grounding components and reduces the number of assembly steps
2Reliability
If a conventional ground ring is mounted using drilling and tapping, then current can be discharged to ground, but cutting chips are generated that can enter the bearing and cause scratches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful machining process (drilling and tapping) from the installation procedure by using a press-fit method instead. The oil seal with integrated conductive layer is simply pressed into the motor housing without requiring hole creation, thereby eliminating the source of cutting chips that could contaminate the bearing
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive layer is applied as a coating on the oil seal that can be easily manufactured without complex machining. This approach uses a simpler, less invasive installation method that avoids generating harmful byproducts like cutting chips
3Reliability
If a conventional ground ring is mounted with bolts and fastening, then the ground connection is established, but the assembly process becomes troublesome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding function is merged into the oil seal structure itself through the integrated conductive layer. The oil seal is installed using a simple press-fit method into the motor housing, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations like bolts and nuts, thereby simplifying the assembly process while maintaining reliable ground connection
4Reliability
If a conventional ground ring is used, then electric corrosion prevention is achieved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding function is combined with the oil seal manufacturing process by applying conductive material to the inner circumferential surface of the oil seal. This integration allows the ground path to be created during normal oil seal production without requiring additional expensive machining operations on the motor housing, thereby reducing overall manufacturing 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 composite oil seal effectively prevents electric corrosion, extends bearing lifespan, and reduces assembly complexity and cost by integrating a ground path within the oil seal, enhancing durability and conductivity.
Implementation Method 1
a ground path mounted to the seal main body and configured to electrically connect the shaft to the motor housing to allow current induced in the shaft to flow to the motor housing
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a composite oil seal having an electric corrosion prevention function. The composite oil seal includes: a seal main body configured to seal an interior of a motor housing in a state of being mounted to a shaft in the motor housing; and a ground path mounted to the seal main body. The ground path is configured to electrically connect the shaft to the motor housing to allow current induced in the shaft to flow to the motor housing. ( )