Composite Seal With Rigid Ring And Elastomeric Wedge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional seals fail under extreme heat or use after relatively short service lives, lacking the ability to prevent media migration, withstand aggressive environments, and provide long service life.

Innovation Solution

A seal configuration featuring a ring with a rigid material, a primary seal made of abrasion-resistant non-elastomeric material, and a loading element with chemically resistant elastomeric material, forming dynamic and static seals with a wedge-like shape to engage dynamic surfaces and prevent media ingress, while allowing for thermal and chemical expansion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional seals are used, then they can be installed in existing equipment, but they fail under extreme heat or use after relatively short service lives

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice lifeVSAvoidextreme heat resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The seal uses a composite structure combining a rigid ring (metal or rigid polymer) with an elastomeric sealing element. The rigid ring provides structural stability and heat resistance, while the elastomeric material provides sealing functionality and flexibility. This composite approach allows the seal to withstand extreme temperatures and aggressive environments while maintaining effective sealing over extended service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional seals are used, then they can prevent media migration, but they fail to prevent media ingress into the gland area under aggressive environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidmedia ingress resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The seal design applies different material properties to different parts of the sealing system. The elastomeric material is specifically selected for its chemical resistance and flexibility, allowing it to maintain sealing contact under aggressive chemical environments. The loading element is positioned to apply localized pressure at the gland interface, preventing media ingress into the gland area while the primary seal prevents media migration elsewhere.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If conventional seals are used, then they can be configured for dynamic sealing, but they lack sufficient rigidity to withstand aggressive environments for prolonged periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental resistanceVSAvoidrigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The seal combines a rigid ring structure made from metal or rigid polymer with an elastomeric sealing element. The rigid ring provides the necessary structural strength and rigidity to withstand aggressive environments and maintain geometric stability under load, while the elastomeric portion provides the flexibility needed for dynamic sealing and compensation of misalignment or thermal expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional seals are used, then they can engage dynamic surfaces, but they fail to allow for thermal and chemical expansion within the provided space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexpansion accommodationVSAvoidgeometric stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The seal design uses different materials with different expansion characteristics in different regions. The elastomeric material, being more compliant, can accommodate thermal and chemical expansion by deforming elastically, while the rigid ring maintains overall geometric stability and prevents excessive deformation. The loading element is positioned to allow controlled movement and expansion within the gland space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 configuration significantly increases service life by providing effective dynamic and static sealing, preventing media ingress and withstanding aggressive environments, making it suitable for both new and existing equipment.

Implementation Method 1

The loading element can be compressed radially inwardly between the first and second axial seal surfaces, thereby applying a radial loading force to the primary seal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

configured to allow for thermal and/or chemical expansion within the space provided by the associated housing and gland

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 3

configured to allow for thermal and/or chemical expansion within the space provided by the associated housing and gland

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical expansion:

Data Source

PatentUS9933071B2Seal and method of manufacturing and/or using same

Publication Date: 2018.04.03 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

AI summary

A seal and method of manufacturing same that provides increased service life and is preferably configured to provide both a dynamic seal and a static seal while demonstrating improved rigidity.