Labyrinth Seal Structure for Water Ingress and Debris Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing devices fail to effectively prevent water, including muddy or salt water, from entering sealed objects and do not efficiently discharge foreign matter when used in wet environments.
Innovation Solution
A sealing device with a first sealing member and a second sealing member, featuring a cylindrical part, an annular part, a radial lip, and a labyrinth lip that extends radially outward, creating a second clearance for the discharge of foreign matter, which covers the first clearance to prevent ingress and facilitates rapid discharge through a radial second clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional sealing device with a first clearance between the flange and cylindrical part is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but water and foreign matter can easily enter the sealed object
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device combines a rigid cylindrical part with a flexible lip made of elastic material. This composite structure allows the lip to deform and seal effectively against the flange, preventing water ingress while maintaining structural integrity. The elastic material compensates for manufacturing tolerances and surface irregularities, enhancing sealing reliability without requiring overly complex machining.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extends the sealing solution into the radial dimension by adding a lip that protrudes from the cylindrical part toward the flange. This creates a three-dimensional sealing path rather than relying solely on a planar clearance, effectively blocking water ingress routes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Productivity
If the first clearance is left open for simple structure, then manufacturing is easier, but foreign matter cannot be discharged efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure is divided into functional segments: the first clearance for initial foreign matter entry, the lip for sealing, and the second clearance for discharge. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the first clearance accepts debris, the lip seals the main gap, and the second clearance provides an escape route, achieving efficient foreign matter management without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lip acts as an intermediary element between the first and second clearances. It selectively controls the flow path: allowing small particles to pass through while blocking larger foreign matter and water, then directing controlled discharge through the second clearance. This intermediary structure achieves sophisticated foreign matter management with a single, relatively simple component.
3Reliability
If the lip extends far toward the flange to improve sealing, then water ingress is prevented, but the lip may contact the flange and cause wear or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the geometric parameters of the lip, specifically its length and curvature, to achieve the right balance. The lip extends sufficiently to contact or near-contact the flange for effective sealing, but its elastic material properties and precise dimensional control prevent excessive contact pressure that would cause wear. The parameter optimization allows the lip to deform elastically during operation, maintaining sealing contact while distributing wear evenly and preventing damage.
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 provides superior protection against foreign matter ingress and rapid discharge of water, enhancing the sealing performance in wet environments by utilizing the labyrinth lip to cover the first clearance and ensure foreign matter is discharged through the second clearance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one lip made of an elastic material that extends toward the flange of the second sealing member
Implementation Method 2
a labyrinth lip extending from the flange radially outward and extending toward the atmosphere side more than the cylindrical part of the first sealing member, and a second clearance is provided between the labyrinth lip and the outer member
Data Source
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AI summary
A sealing device adapted to be disposed between an inner member and an outer member that rotate relative to each other includes a first sealing member including a cylindrical part adapted to be mounted to the outer member, and an annular part that extends radially inward from the cylindrical part; and a second sealing member including a sleeve adapted to be mounted to the inner member, and a flange. The first sealing member includes a lip that extends toward the flange of the second sealing member. An annular first clearance is provided between the flange and the cylindrical part of the first sealing member. The second sealing member includes a labyrinth lip extending from the flange radially outward and extending toward the atmosphere side more than the cylindrical part of the first sealing member, and a second clearance is provided between the labyrinth lip and the outer member. The second clearance is radially outside the first clearance and communicates with the first clearance.