Flat Seal Arrangement to Eliminate Dead Space in Food Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing arrangements in mechanical engineering are not suitable for food technology due to the presence of dead spaces that allow sealed media to remain, and they are limited in pressurized applications, especially in rotary applications where an annular dead space forms between the support ring and the sealing lip.
Innovation Solution
A sealing arrangement featuring a first sealing element with radial preload and a second sealing element arranged concentrically, both designed to form a flat surface within the housing bore, eliminating dead spaces and suitable for food technology applications, with the first sealing element potentially made of PTFE and the second of fluororubber, ensuring effective sealing and resistance to media and cleaning agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a groove-shaped receiving space is provided in the housing for the sealing arrangement, then the sealing arrangement is securely fixed, but dead spaces are created where the medium to be sealed remains
Solution Approach 1:
The groove-shaped receiving space is completely removed from the housing design. Instead, the sealing arrangement is fixed by the interference fit between the sealing elements and the housing bore, eliminating the need for grooves and the associated dead spaces where media can accumulate.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing a groove to fix the sealing arrangement, the invention inverts the approach by having the sealing elements themselves provide the fixation function through their dimensional design and material properties, allowing them to be securely held in the housing bore without requiring a groove structure.
2Reliability
If conventional radial shaft seals are used for rotary applications, then sealing is achieved, but an annular dead space forms between the support ring and the sealing lip
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring structure that creates the annular dead space is completely removed from the design. The sealing elements are designed to function without a separate support ring, eliminating the annular dead space between the support ring and sealing lip while maintaining effective sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of the support ring and sealing elements are merged into a single integrated sealing element design. The sealing element combines the structural support function with the sealing function, eliminating the interface between separate components that would create dead space.
3Ease of manufacture
If the housing bore or groove-shaped receiving space is in contact with the medium to be sealed, then the sealing arrangement can be installed, but dead spaces are created where medium remains
Solution Approach 1:
The groove-shaped receiving space is completely removed from the housing design. Instead, the sealing arrangement is fixed by the interference fit between the sealing elements and the housing bore, eliminating the need for grooves and the associated dead spaces where media can accumulate.
Solution Approach 2:
The dimensional parameters of the sealing elements are specifically designed to create an interference fit with the housing bore. The outer diameter of the sealing elements is slightly larger than the housing bore diameter, creating frictional forces that secure the sealing arrangement without requiring grooves or creating dead spaces.
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 provides a reliable sealing mechanism that prevents media penetration into the housing bore, is suitable for clean-in-place cleaning, and maintains constant pressure, ensuring no residual cleaning agents or product remain, enhancing hygiene and performance in food technology applications.
Implementation Method 1
a second sealing element which is arranged concentrically to the first sealing element and causes the radial pressing of the first sealing element against the first machine element
Implementation Method 2
the second sealing element is frequently made of an elastomeric material
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a seal arrangement (1) comprising a first sealing element (2), which bears sealingly with radial prestress against a machine element (3), and a second sealing element (4), which is arranged concentrically to the first sealing element (2) and effects the radial pressing of the first sealing element (2) against the machine element (3), the first sealing element (2) and the second sealing element (4) being accommodated in a housing bore (5) in a housing (17), characterised in that the first sealing element (2) and the second sealing element (4) seal the gap (6) between the housing bore (5) and the machine element (3), wherein the first sealing element (2) and the second sealing element (4) are flat in a radial plane, at least on the end face (7) facing the space (10) to be sealed, and align with each other.