Integrated Seal and Bearing Assembly for Compact Low-Leakage Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal and bearing assemblies are typically spaced or mounted sequentially, leading to inefficiencies in sealing and increased space requirements, as they do not provide an integrated solution for both sealing and bearing functions.
Innovation Solution
An integrated seal and bearing assembly is designed, where a sealing element with an outside flange, inside flange, and center channel section is mechanically engaged with a bearing assembly, including an outer and inner ring, and an extended flange that projects into the seal element's internal channel, forming a compact unit that reduces friction and leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate seal and bearing assemblies are used, then each component can be independently optimized and maintained, but the overall assembly occupies more space and requires sequential mounting procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the seal assembly and bearing assembly into a single integrated unit where the seal is mounted directly on the bearing outer ring. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting procedures and reduces the overall space occupied by the assembly, while maintaining the ability to independently optimize seal and bearing components during the design phase
2Ease of manufacture
If separate seal and bearing assemblies are used, then each component can be independently optimized, but the assembly requires sequential mounting which increases installation time
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is pre-mounted on the bearing outer ring during manufacturing, creating a pre-assembled unit that requires only single-step installation. This preliminary action of mounting the seal onto the bearing before final installation eliminates sequential mounting procedures and reduces installation time, while allowing independent optimization of each component during the pre-assembly phase
3Reliability
If an extended flange projects into the seal element's internal channel, then sealing efficiency is enhanced and friction is reduced, but the structural complexity of the bearing assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extended flange on the bearing outer ring serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting surface for the seal, creates a barrier to prevent fluid leakage, and reduces friction by modifying the fluid flow path. This multi-functional element improves sealing efficiency without requiring additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated seal and bearing assemblies with a bearing assembly having an outer ring defining an outside diameter of the bearing assembly and an inner ring defining an inside diameter of the bearing assembly, and having a plurality of rolling elements located between the inner and outer rings. A seal assembly having a sealing element is integrated with the bearing assembly by engaging an extended flange with an internal channel of the seal element, with a sealing extended flange, or directed with complementary surfaces of the outside flange.