Packing Ring Wear Monitoring via Radial Indicator Pin Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sealing devices in compressors, such as piston rod packings, lack a precise method to determine wear during operation, leading to unpredictable lifetimes and potential unscheduled downtime due to leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
A packing ring with segments arranged around a common axis, featuring an indicator means, such as an indicator pin, that moves radially toward the axis as wear occurs, allowing a sensor device to detect the position change and measure wear accurately, enabling direct wear condition monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If packing rings are replaced in rotation without inspection, then the risk of unscheduled downtime is reduced, but the economic efficiency deteriorates due to premature replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect mechanical pressure measurement with direct optical measurement of segment position. The optical sensor detects the radial position of segment surfaces or indicator means non-contactively, substituting mechanical strain gauge systems with optical detection to enable precise wear monitoring without mechanical interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces indicator means (such as indicator pins or marked surfaces) as intermediaries between the segment wear and the optical sensor. These indicators amplify and make visible the subtle radial position changes of segments due to wear, enabling the sensor to detect wear conditions more easily and accurately.
2Productivity
If packing rings are used for extended periods to maximize productivity, then the economic efficiency improves, but the reliability deteriorates due to total wear and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the optical sensor continuously monitors segment radial position and provides real-time wear information. This feedback enables operators to adjust maintenance schedules based on actual wear conditions, extending packing ring service life until wear thresholds are reached, thereby maximizing productivity while maintaining reliability.
3Device complexity
If indirect pressure measurement is used to infer wear, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect mechanical pressure measurement with direct optical measurement of segment position. The optical sensor detects the radial position of segment surfaces or indicator means non-contactively, substituting mechanical strain gauge systems with optical detection to enable precise wear monitoring without mechanical interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copying of segment position information through non-contact optical detection. The optical sensor creates an optical copy or image of the segment surface or indicator means position, allowing precise measurement of radial displacement without physical contact or complex mechanical measurement systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A packing ring for a sealing device, having at least two segments that are arranged around a common main axis (X). In order to be able to detect the current condition of wear, the packing ring has at least one indicator means that indicates a position of at least one of the segments in a radial direction (R) perpendicular to the main axis (X) of the packing ring.