Inflatable Sealing Device for Vehicle Bearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slewing bearings for vehicles, particularly those used in submersible or polluted environments, face inadequate sealing, which can compromise their functionality and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A rolling bearing with an inflatable complementary sealing device featuring a fixed annular portion and a deformable annular membrane that expands axially upon fluid introduction, providing enhanced sealing capabilities by contacting the outer ring and chassis face, thus creating a tighter seal when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sealing means are used in bearings, then the structure remains simple, but the sealing effectiveness is insufficient in submersible or polluted environments
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one through the deformable annular portion that can be inflated or deflated. This allows the sealing device to adapt its shape and sealing contact pressure based on operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple structure and achieving reliable sealing in harsh environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device utilizes changes in the physical state of the deformable annular portion (from deflated to inflated) to alter its sealing parameters. By changing the volume and shape of the deformable portion through fluid introduction, the device achieves enhanced sealing effectiveness without permanently complicating the overall structure.
2Reliability
If a deformable annular portion is added to enhance sealing, then sealing capability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable annular portion is nested within or integrated with the fixed annular portion, allowing the complex sealing mechanism to be compactly organized. The deformable portion can be contained within the bearing structure when not in use, minimizing the increase in overall device complexity while maintaining enhanced sealing capability when needed.
3Reliability
If the deformable annular portion is extended axially to improve sealing contact, then sealing effectiveness increases, but the risk of torque increase during rotation may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable annular portion is designed to extend only to the extent necessary to achieve effective sealing contact with the ring face. By controlling the inflation pressure and the degree of extension, the device provides sufficient sealing contact without excessive axial protrusion that would create unnecessary friction and torque during rotation.
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 sealing device effectively enhances the sealing of the bearing, ensuring reliable operation in various environments, including submersible and polluted conditions, without adding torque or congestion during rotation.
Implementation Method 1
This deformable annular portion is adapted to axially deform in a direction from a retracted position to a deployed position under the effect of a fluid introduced through the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing having an inner ring, an outer ring, and sealing means is provided. The bearing includes a complementary inflatable sealing device mounted on one of the rings and further includes a fixed annular part and a deformable annular portion coupled to the annular fixed part that can be deformed in a direction from a retracted position to a deployed position under the effect of a fluid and in the other direction towards its retracted position, at least one annular chamber for receiving the fluid, into which the orifice being formed between the fixed and deformable portions at least when the deformable annular portion is extended axially.