Labyrinth Seal Lip Structure for Low-Torque Foreign Matter Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sealing apparatuses for hub bearings face a challenge in enhancing sealing performance against foreign matter while minimizing the increase in sliding resistance, which can lead to higher rotational torque and fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A sealing apparatus featuring a reinforcing ring with an elastic material portion, including a side lip, radial lip, and an outer peripheral annular projection, forming a labyrinth seal with a slinger to prevent foreign matter intrusion without increasing sliding resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of side lips is increased to enhance sealing performance, then sealing performance against foreign matter is improved, but sliding resistance between the sealing apparatus and the hub increases, leading to increased rotational torque
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing apparatus is divided into multiple functional lips (radial lip, side lip, and axial lip) that work together to provide comprehensive sealing. The radial lip contacts the hub for primary sealing, while the axial lip extends axially to provide additional sealing without increasing radial sliding resistance, effectively segmenting the sealing function across different spatial dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an axial dimension to the sealing mechanism by adding an axial lip that extends in the axial direction rather than only radially. This dimensional change allows the sealing apparatus to enhance sealing performance by blocking foreign matter from intruding axially, without increasing the radial sliding resistance that would increase rotational torque.
2Reliability
If multiple seal lips are added to enhance sealing performance, then sealing performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing functions (radial sealing, axial sealing, and labyrinth sealing) are merged into a single integrated sealing apparatus that contacts the hub at multiple locations simultaneously. The radial lip, side lip, and axial lip are combined in one structure, providing comprehensive sealing without requiring multiple separate components, thus improving sealing performance while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing apparatus is designed with multi-functionality, where a single device performs multiple sealing functions: the radial lip provides radial sealing, the axial lip provides axial sealing, and the combination creates a labyrinth seal effect. This universal design enhances sealing performance against foreign matter intrusion from different directions without requiring multiple separate sealing devices.
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 effectively enhances sealing performance against foreign matter while maintaining low sliding resistance, thereby reducing rotational torque and fuel consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic material portion having an annular shape around the axis which is attached to the reinforcing ring and formed of an elastic material
Implementation Method 2
the outer peripheral annular projection and the opposing portion are formed so as to form a labyrinth seal
Data Source
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AI summary
A sealing apparatus capable of enhancing sealing performance to foreign matter while avoiding an increase in sliding resistance between the sealing apparatus and a target to be applied is provided. A sealing apparatus main body (10) includes a reinforcing ring (11) and an elastic material portion (21) which is attached to the reinforcing ring (11) and formed of an elastic material. The elastic material portion (21) has a side lip (22) formed so as to contact a slinger (30) from the inside, a radial lip (23) formed so as to contact the slinger (30) from an outer periphery side, and an outer peripheral annular projection (24) being an annular projection which is arranged on an outer periphery side of the side lip (22) and protrudes to the outside. The slinger (30) has a fitting portion (31) and a flange portion (32) extending from an outer end portion of the fitting portion (31) to the outer periphery side. The elastic material portion (21) forms a labyrinth seal between the outer peripheral annular projection (24) and the side lip (22) between the elastic material portion (21) and the flange portion (32) of the slinger (30).