Integrated Sealing Ring Halves for Simpler Annular Gap Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing rings for annular gaps between shafts and bearing members have complex, production-intensive constructions with many individual components and high weight, limiting their functional design and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A sealing ring with sealing tips constructed in one piece with the ring halves, utilizing additive production methods like selective laser melting, which integrates sealing air and pressure measurement channels, and variable oil return channels for optimized sealing and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If sealing tips are produced as separate components and inserted into annular grooves, then the sealing ring can be assembled with replaceable sealing tips, but the construction becomes complex with many individual components and high production intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing tips are merged with the sealing ring halves to form an integral component. The sealing ring half is produced as a single piece that includes the sealing tips protruding from its inner peripheral face, eliminating the need for separate sealing tip components and their associated assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring half serves multiple functions: it provides the structural ring component, contains the sealing tips for sealing, and integrates the sealing air channel system. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the sealing system.
2Weight of moving object
If multiple separate components are used for sealing ring halves and sealing tips, then replacement and maintenance are possible, but the inherent weight of the sealing ring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing tips are combined with the sealing ring halves into a single integral component, eliminating the weight of separate sealing tips and their fastening structures. The sealing ring half is produced as one piece that includes both the ring body and the sealing tips.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sealing air channels are produced by drilling, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the sealing air distribution to different peripheral positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing method changes from subtractive drilling to additive production. This enables complex three-dimensional sealing air channel systems with varying cross-sections and orientations to be produced directly, providing flexible sealing air distribution to different peripheral positions while maintaining manufacturing 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
The solution simplifies production and assembly, reduces weight and material costs, and enhances sealing performance through uniform air distribution and adaptable oil return capacity, improving the functional design and cost-effectiveness of the sealing ring.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing ring halves and accordingly the sealing tips are produced from aluminum, which first and foremost involves a good sealing action and a very low inherent weight
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing ring for sealing an annular gap between a shaft and a bearing body surrounding the shaft, includes two sealing ring halves having ring segment shapes and a plurality of circumferentially formed sealing tips, arranged axially adjacent on the inner peripheral surface and protruding radially inward. The sealing tips are integrally formed together with the sealing ring halves. A method produces such a sealing ring.