Propeller Shaft Labyrinth Seal Against Muddy Water Intrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The propeller shaft supporter in existing technologies allows muddy water to intrude into the center bearing due to gaps in the labyrinth seal structure between the press collar and dust cover.
Innovation Solution
A propeller shaft design featuring a water-shielding cover positioned to face the opening of the press collar, with multiple annular and cover parts forming a labyrinth seal to prevent muddy water intrusion, including a water-shielding cover fixed to the stub shaft to extend towards the press collar opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a labyrinth seal structure is used between the press collar and dust cover, then rotational movement is allowed, but muddy water can intrude into the center bearing through the gap
Solution Approach 1:
The dust cover is inserted into the press collar, creating a nested structure where the dust cover fits within the press collar's interior space. This nesting allows rotational movement while the overlapping labyrinth seal structure prevents muddy water intrusion by creating a tortuous path that blocks contaminant access to the center bearing
Solution Approach 2:
The labyrinth seal structure extends the sealing path from a simple radial gap into a multi-dimensional tortuous path through the press collar's interior space. By utilizing the axial and radial dimensions together, the seal creates a complex flow path that blocks muddy water while allowing rotational movement in the tangential dimension
2Reliability
If the dust cover end face is inserted into the press collar to form a labyrinth seal, then sealing is improved, but the gap still allows muddy water to intrude
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure is divided into multiple segments including the press collar, dust cover, and labyrinth seal portions. This segmentation creates multiple barrier zones that collectively prevent muddy water intrusion while maintaining the necessary gap for rotational movement and lubrication
Data Source
AI summary
A water-impermeable cover is provided with an opening part extending so as to approach an opening part of a holding ring of a propeller shaft. The water-impermeable cover is provided at a position on the opening-part side of the holding ring. The water-impermeable cover is fixed in a position on the opening-part side of the holding ring of the stub shaft. The opening part of the water-impermeable cover is extended so as to approach the opening part of the holding ring.