Monolithic Seal Structure for Leak-Path-Free Contact Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical seals require a lengthy manufacturing and assembly process, are prone to leak paths due to environmental changes and aging, and often use separate components that can compromise their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A seal structure that is integrally formed within a body as a monolithic object, featuring a protruding portion that engages and deforms against a contact surface to provide a seal, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing the risk of leak paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate mechanical seal components are used, then the seal can be manufactured and assembled, but the manufacturing and assembly process becomes lengthy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the seal and the body into a single monolithic component formed by additive manufacturing. The seal is integrated directly into the body structure, eliminating the need for separate seal components and their associated attachment mechanisms. This merging reduces device complexity and simplifies manufacturing to a single process step.
2Reliability
If separate seal components are used, then the seal can be installed, but leak paths form between the seal and the body
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the seal as an integral part of the monolithic body structure, the patent eliminates the interfaces between separate components where leak paths would form. The seamless integration ensures continuous material structure without gaps or attachment points that could compromise sealing reliability.
3Reliability
If traditional seals are used, then the seal can provide friction to reduce movement, but the seal cannot withstand harsh environmental conditions over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes additive manufacturing to create a monolithic structure that can incorporate different material properties within different regions of the same component. The seal portions can have material characteristics optimized for sealing and friction, while the body portions can have properties optimized for structural strength and environmental resistance, all as a single integrated component.
4Ease of manufacture
If separate seal components are used, then the seal can be attached to the body, but the attachment methods increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for separate attachment mechanisms by integrating the seal directly into the monolithic body structure through additive manufacturing. The seal and body become a single component, removing all attachment hardware, adhesives, or fastening systems that would otherwise be required.
5Ease of operation
If the seal is moved to initial contact position, then the seal engages the contact surface, but the seal may shift from its designated position
Solution Approach 1:
By making the seal an integral part of the monolithic body, the patent eliminates the positioning and alignment issues that arise when moving separate seal components into place. The seal maintains its precise relative position to the body throughout operation, as there is no relative movement or repositioning required.
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 integral seal structure effectively prevents material ingress and egress, provides a secure friction fit, and withstands harsh environmental conditions without forming leak paths, while also simplifying the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
the protruding portion at least partially surrounds the cavity. An inner surface of the protruding portion defines at least a portion of a channel, the protruding portion being suitable to engage and at least partially deform into the channel in response to a load generated by pressing an outer surface of the protruding portion against a contact surface of the contact member to provide a seal
Data Source
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AI summary
A seal structure (100, 500, 600, 800, 830, 840, 850) can include a protruding portion (120) of an outer surface (112) of a body (102). An inner surface (416) of the protruding portion may define at least a portion of a channel (406). The protruding portion may be configured to engage and at least partially deform into the channel in response to a load generated by pressing an outer surface (414) of the protruding portion against a contact surface (202) of a contact member (200) to provide a seal between the body and the contact member. The seal structure may be integrally formed within the body as a monolithic object. The body may face towards the contact surface of the contact member during operation of the seal structure. A method may include forming a monolithic body with an integral seal structure by additively fusing material so that the body has an outer surface facing towards a contact surface of a contact member.