Helical Dynamic Seal Ring for Precise Hydraulic Snubbing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dynamic seal rings in hydraulic landing gear actuation systems have limited manufacturing precision, leading to failures and variability in snubbing velocities.

Innovation Solution

A helically shaped dynamic seal ring with a spirally wound body and a snubbing orifice area that expands when contacting the snubbed stroke range of the actuator piston and contracts when distancing from it, allowing for adjustable orifice area by removing material from specific areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional dynamic seal rings are used in hydraulic actuation systems, then the structure is simple and ease of manufacture is good, but manufacturing precision is limited leading to failures and variability in snubbing velocities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesnubbing velocity precisionVSAvoidseal ring structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seal ring incorporates a dynamic helical expansion mechanism that allows the seal ring to expand and contract based on hydraulic pressure and piston position. The helical geometry transforms radial pressure into axial expansion, enabling the seal ring to adapt its dimensions dynamically during actuator operation, thereby achieving precise snubbing velocity control while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the seal ring by introducing a helical expansion section with specific pitch and angle. This helical structure allows the seal ring to change its effective diameter and cross-sectional area in response to pressure changes, providing precise control over snubbing velocity through parameter variation rather than complex multi-component assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the seal ring is designed to expand and contract dynamically, then sealing performance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidseal ring mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seal ring utilizes a flexible helical structure that can expand and contract elastically in response to hydraulic pressure. The thin-walled helical geometry allows the seal ring to deform dynamically, maintaining continuous contact with the piston surface for reliable sealing while avoiding complex mechanical expansion joints or multiple movable components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The helical expansion section introduces curved geometry that allows the seal ring to expand radially when pressurized. The curved helical paths transform linear pressure forces into radial expansion motion, improving sealing contact with the piston surface while maintaining a simple single-piece structure without complex mechanical linkages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Manufacturing precision

If material is removed from the spirally wound body to adjust orifice area, then snubbing velocity control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesnubbing velocity controlVSAvoidseal ring fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The desired orifice area is built into the seal ring design during manufacturing by pre-removing material in specific patterns from the helical structure. This preliminary material removal creates the required flow characteristics from the start, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing adjustments or complex assembly operations while maintaining ease of fabrication through standard machining or forming processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 helically shaped dynamic seal ring provides improved sealing, reduces unwanted leak paths, and minimizes sensitivity to machine tolerances, enhancing the reliability and precision of hydraulic actuator systems.

Implementation Method 1

The spirally wound body is configured to expand in response to contacting a snubbed stroke range of an actuator piston. The spirally wound body is configured to contract in response to distancing from the snubbed stroke range of the actuator piston.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12344369B2Helical dynamic seal ring

Publication Date: 2025.07.01 GOODRICH CORP

AI summary

A helically shaped dynamic seal ring is provided. The helically shaped dynamic seal ring includes a spirally wound body and a snubbing orifice area formed in the spirally wound body. The spirally wound body is configured to expand in response to contacting a snubbed stroke range of an actuator piston. The spirally wound body is configured to contract in response to distancing from the snubbed stroke range of the actuator piston.