Gap-Sealed Grounding Ring for Oil-Lubricated Rotary Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing arrangements in rotating electrical machines with oil lubrication and cooling suffer from a short service life of the grounding element due to oil leakage, which contaminates the electrical connection.
Innovation Solution
A sealing arrangement featuring an elastic sealing ring with a connecting region and a grounding element on its rear side, along with a gap seal that maintains a defined radial gap between the sealing ring and the grounding element, allowing controlled oil supply for lubrication without compromising electrical conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the grounding element is placed close to the sealing contact for effective grounding, then electrical connection is improved, but oil contamination from the second region reaches the grounding element
Solution Approach 1:
The gap seal serves as a protective intermediary that shields the grounding element from oil contamination while allowing it to remain positioned for effective electrical grounding. It creates a barrier that selectively permits oil vapor passage while blocking liquid oil.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap seal functions as a thin film barrier that separates the oil-filled region from the grounding element. This thin film allows controlled vapor transmission while maintaining physical separation to prevent oil contamination.
2Reliability
If no oil is supplied to the grounding element, then electrical properties are maintained, but contact lubrication is insufficient leading to increased friction and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The gap seal controls the parameters of oil supply to the grounding element, allowing only very small quantities of oil vapor to pass through. This parameter control ensures sufficient lubrication for reduced friction while maintaining electrical conductivity by preventing excessive oil accumulation.
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 significantly extends the service life of the grounding element by preventing oil contamination while maintaining electrical conductivity and reducing friction, thus enhancing the overall performance and reliability of the sealing arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
supply oil or oil mist to the grounding element in a defined manner depending on a gap height of the gap in order to allow contact lubrication between the grounding element and the rotating component
Implementation Method 2
a sealing ring made of an elastic material with a first sealing flange, a second sealing flange and a connecting region
Implementation Method 3
This is absorbed by the grounding element and prevents the electrical connection
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing arrangement for sealing a first region from a second, oil-filled region on a rotating component, including a sealing ring with a first sealing flange, a second sealing flange and a connecting region. The sealing arrangement includes a grounding element arranged on a rear side of the connecting region and that electrically connects the rotating component to a stationary housing. The sealing arrangement includes a gap seal arranged between the first sealing flange and the grounding element. A first space between the sealing ring and the gap seal provides a collecting space for oil from the second region. The gap seal maintains a gap to the rotating component ensuring protection of the grounding element from oil and supplying oil to the grounding element depending on a gap height to allow contact lubrication between the grounding element and the rotating component without functionally restricting electrical properties of the grounding element.