Floating Seal Assembly With Differential Spring Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seal assemblies fail to effectively isolate environments at extreme temperatures and allow for relative movement between surfaces without a locking ring, which limits their application in dynamic and temperature-varying conditions.

Innovation Solution

A floating seal assembly with a seal element, support band, and two loading springs that apply different spring forces to grip against one surface while allowing rotation with another, eliminating the need for a locking ring and enabling axial movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a locking ring is used to prevent seal assembly movement, then the seal assembly is stable and cannot rotate, but the seal assembly cannot float along the axis and is limited in dynamic applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal assembly stabilityVSAvoidaxial floating capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The seal assembly is divided into two independent sealing flanges (first and second sealing flanges) that can be differentially loaded by separate springs. This segmentation allows each flange to perform different functions - one prevents rotation while the other enables axial floating, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different loading forces are applied to different parts of the seal assembly through separate springs. The first spring applies a first loading force to the first sealing flange to prevent rotation, while the second spring applies a second loading force to the second sealing flange to enable axial floating. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If spring forces are equalized, then the seal assembly is symmetric and simple to manufacture, but the seal assembly cannot simultaneously grip one surface and rotate with another

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespring configuration simplicityVSAvoiddifferential gripping capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different loading forces at different locations of the seal assembly through separate springs. The first spring provides a first loading force to the first sealing flange, while the second spring provides a second loading force to the second sealing flange. This local differentiation enables the seal assembly to grip one surface while rotating with another, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and functional adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The seal assembly is segmented into two independently loaded sealing flanges, each controlled by its own spring. This segmentation allows differential gripping capability where one flange grips the stationary surface while the other flange allows rotation with the moving shaft, maintaining relative manufacturing simplicity while achieving complex functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the seal assembly is fixed against rotation, then it provides stable sealing, but it cannot accommodate thermal expansion and contraction at extreme temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidthermal movement accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The seal assembly is designed with differential spring loading that creates a dynamic balance between rotational constraint and axial freedom. The first sealing flange is constrained against rotation by the first spring, while the second sealing flange can move axially along the shaft by the second spring, allowing the assembly to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining sealing reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The seal assembly is divided into two independently controlled sealing flanges with different degrees of freedom. The first sealing flange provides rotational stability for reliable sealing, while the second sealing flange provides axial mobility to accommodate thermal movement, resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and thermal adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 assembly effectively isolates environments at extreme temperatures, prevents relative rotation with one surface, and allows for relative rotation with another, enhancing its applicability in dynamic conditions by floating along the axis of one component.

Implementation Method 1

at least two loading springs that produce different spring forces to apply different sealing loads at the first and second sealing flanges of the seal element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10989305B2Axial and radial floating seals

Publication Date: 2021.04.27 BAL SEAL ENG CO INC

AI summary

Floating seal assemblies having a seal element, a support band, and at least two loading springs that produce different spring forces to apply different sealing loads at the first and second sealing flanges of the seal element. The seal assembly is without a locking ring to enable the seal assembly to float along an axis of one of the components to be sealed. The different sealing loads allow the seal assembly to grip against one surface to prevent relative rotation and to enable sealing and relative rotation with another surface.