Fluid Machine Seal Mechanism Reducing Noise via Segmented Passages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seal mechanisms in fluid machines, such as centrifugal pumps, generate noise due to the movement and deformation of annular seal members caused by fluid flow and sliding contact, which affects the sealing efficiency and operational stability.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of passages on the surfaces of the annular seal member and housing allows fluid to flow through, creating negative pressure that brings the seal member into close contact with the housing, reducing noise and deformation, and enhancing the apparent stiffness of the seal mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the liner ring is pressed against the housing to eliminate clearance, then sealing performance is improved, but noise is generated due to liquid flow and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single clearance space into multiple segmented clearance spaces by forming protrusions on the housing and corresponding grooves on the liner ring. This segmentation allows the fluid flow to be distributed across multiple smaller gaps, reducing the velocity and kinetic energy of the fluid in each individual gap, thereby minimizing noise generation while maintaining effective sealing contact between the liner ring and housing
2Adaptability or versatility
If the liner ring is allowed to move radially, then sealing adaptability is improved, but noise is generated due to play and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating specific localized features (protrusions and grooves) at critical positions where the liner ring contacts the housing. These localized structures provide both radial movement capability for adaptability and noise reduction through controlled fluid flow paths. The protrusions and grooves are strategically positioned to maintain sealing contact while accommodating radial displacement without generating noise
3Reliability
If the clearance between housing and liner ring is reduced to zero, then sealing efficiency is improved, but the liner ring deforms due to fluid pressure and sliding contact
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the clearance into multiple smaller gaps using protrusions and grooves, the fluid pressure is distributed across multiple contact points rather than concentrating force on a single continuous interface. This segmentation reduces the cumulative deforming force on the liner ring while maintaining effective sealing, as each segmented gap can independently accommodate pressure variations without causing overall deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimensional feature by adding radial protrusions and circumferential grooves to the otherwise simple annular seal structure. This dimensional enhancement creates a more complex but stable interaction between the liner ring and housing, where the protrusions and grooves work together to distribute loads and prevent deformation while maintaining sealing efficiency
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
This solution effectively reduces noise generation and prevents seal member deformation, improving the operational silence and sealing efficiency of fluid machines by ensuring the seal member remains in close contact with the housing during operation.
Implementation Method 1
The introduction of passages on the surfaces of the annular seal member and housing allows fluid to flow through, creating negative pressure that brings the seal member into close contact with the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A seal mechanism (10) can reduce noise during operation. The seal mechanism (10) is used for a fluid machine (P) to prevent a fluid from leaking out of a high-pressure space (H) into a low-pressure space (L) in the fluid machine (P). The seal mechanism (10) has an annular seal member (12) movable in a radial direction and a housing (11) disposed between a body (23) of the fluid machine (P) and a rotatable member (22) located inside the body (23) of the fluid machine (P) so as to receive the annular seal member (12). The annular seal member (12) has a first surface (12a) on a side of the low-pressure space (L) in the fluid machine (P). The housing (11) has a second surface (11c) facing the first surface (12a) of the annular seal member (12). The seal mechanism (10) has one or more passages (15) formed in the first surface (12a) and/or the second surface (11c).