Metal Face Seal Assembly with Segmented Biasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metal face seal designs with conical seal rings require high initial compression to maintain face loading, which can lead to increased friction and heat at high rotational speeds, reduced ability to accommodate movement, and challenges in precise machining, while also being sensitive to material relaxation over time.
Innovation Solution
A metal face seal assembly that separates sealing and face loading functions using non-metallic compressible seals and metallic biasers, where the compressible seals generate a non-axial sealing load and the metallic biasers provide an axial face load, allowing for a more optimal balance of sealing and rotational performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If relatively high initial compression is applied to torics to maintain face loading over time, then face loading capability is improved, but friction and heat increase at high rotational speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the seal assembly into two distinct functional components: compressible seals (torics) dedicated to fluid sealing, and separate metallic biasers dedicated to face loading. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the biasers provide consistent face loading without the friction and heat generation problems associated with highly compressed torics at high rotational speeds.
2Reliability
If relatively high initial compression is applied to torics to maintain face loading over time, then face loading capability is improved, but ability to accommodate movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the face loading function (performed by metallic biasers) from the sealing function (performed by compressible seals), the invention allows the seal assembly to accommodate movement between components without compromising face loading. The metallic biasers maintain consistent loading while the flexible sealing components can adapt to relative movement.
3Device complexity
If conical seal rings are used to provide both sealing and face loading functions, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex conical seal rings that must be precisely machined to provide both sealing and face loading with simpler cylindrical components. The metallic biasers (such as Belleville washers) provide face loading through their spring properties rather than through precision conical geometry, significantly reducing machining requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the functional parameter from geometry-based face loading (requiring precise conical angles) to spring-force-based face loading (using metallic biasers). This parameter change transforms a precision machining problem into a standard component selection problem.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If relatively high initial compression is applied to torics to account for material relaxation, then face loading is maintained over time, but friction and heat increase at high rotational speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The invention assigns the time-dependent face loading function to metallic biasers with predictable spring characteristics rather than to compressible seals. The biasers maintain consistent force over time without the material relaxation issues of elastomeric torics, while the torics are freed to operate at optimal compression levels for sealing without generating excessive friction and heat.
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
This design enables improved performance at higher rotational speeds, increased flexibility in component movement, and easier machining, with consistent face loading and reduced material stress, resulting in a more robust and predictable seal performance.
Implementation Method 1
a non-metallic compressible seal generating a sealing load in a non-axial direction to fluidly seal between the corresponding inner and outer seal members
Implementation Method 2
at least one metallic biaser separate from the compressible seals and generating a face load in an axial direction to bias the sealing faces of the inner seal members together
Data Source
AI summary
A metal face seal assembly for sealing between machine components includes a first subassembly and a second subassembly rotatable relative to the first subassembly. Compressible seals positioned between inner and outer seal members of the subassemblies provide a non-axial sealing load, whereas at least one metallic biaser provides an axial face load to bias inner seal members of each subassembly together at a rotatable interface.