Conductive Seal Ring Structure for Lubricated Rotary Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrically conductive structures and devices at rotating shafts face a challenge in maintaining electrical conductivity while saving space, as lubricants with electrical conductivity often form a resistance, reducing overall conductive performance.
Innovation Solution
An electrically conductive structure comprising an annular holding member and an annular electrically conductive member with gaps and electrical conductors made of PTFE, held by the holding member, forming a continuous conductive path around the axis, and an electrically conductive sealing device with a reinforcing ring and elastic body portion, ensuring effective conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lubricant with electrical conductivity is applied to an oil seal including an electrically conductive rubber, then lubrication is improved, but electrical conductivity between the seal lip and the rotary shaft decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The oil seal is divided into multiple layers: an electrically conductive rubber layer for maintaining electrical conductivity, and a separate lubricant application layer for providing lubrication. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between lubrication and electrical conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the multi-layer construction with specific material properties) between the seal lip and the rotary shaft. This intermediary structure allows lubrication to occur while maintaining an electrical conduction path through the electrically conductive rubber layer, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of lubrication and electrical conductivity.
2Ease of operation
If an oil film is formed between the electrically conductive seal lip and the rotary shaft, then lubrication is improved, but the oil film serves as a resistance to current, decreasing electrical conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different material properties at different locations within the oil seal structure. The electrically conductive rubber layer maintains high electrical conductivity where needed, while the lubricant application layer provides lubrication properties. This local differentiation allows the oil film to provide lubrication without significantly impeding electrical conductivity in the conductive rubber layer.
3Reliability
If conventional electrically conductive structures are used, then electrical conductivity is maintained, but additional space is required in the attachment space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing function and the electrical conduction function into a single integrated oil seal component. The electrically conductive rubber layer and lubricant application layer are combined in one structure, eliminating the need for separate electrically conductive components and reducing the overall attachment space required while maintaining electrical conductivity.
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 enables space-saving designs that maintain high electrical conductivity, reducing the decrease in conductive performance and effectively dissipating electromagnetic noise.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive member that is an annular member around the axis, in which the electrically conductive member has at least one gap formed to extend in a radial direction and includes at least one electrical conductor with electrical conductivity extending around the axis
Implementation Method 2
the electrical conductor is made of PTFE with electrical conductivity
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically conductive structure includes: a holding member that is an annular member with electrical conductivity around an axis x; and an electrically conductive member that is an annular member around the axis. The electrically conductive member has at least one gap formed to extend in a radial direction and includes at least one electrical conductor with electrical conductivity extending around the axis x. The electrically conductive member is held by the holding member. The electrical conductor has a pair of ends in a direction around the axis x. The gap is continuous with the ends of the electrical conductor.