Pump Sealing Assembly With Dual Lips for Low-Leakage Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumps face challenges in achieving a simple and flexible sealing design that effectively seals low-viscosity media while minimizing complexity and cost, particularly in the context of mechanical seals which are expensive and complex to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece, radially internal sealing element with at least two sealing lips that extend inwardly, optimized for radial and axial sealing, is used in conjunction with a support element and spring elements to maintain constant contact pressure, eliminating the need for mechanical seals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical seals are used for sealing, then sealing performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical seals with a simpler, more economical sealing arrangement using elastomeric sealing elements that can be easily replaced. The sealing elements are designed as simple O-rings or similar components that provide effective sealing without the complexity of mechanical seals, aligning with the principle of using cheaper, simpler components that can be replaced when worn.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible elastomeric sealing elements (O-rings, sealing lips) that deform to conform to the mating surfaces, creating effective seals without rigid mechanical components. This flexibility allows the sealing elements to accommodate minor misalignments and surface irregularities while maintaining sealing integrity.
2Reliability
If mechanical seals are used for sealing, then sealing performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical seals with simpler, more economical sealing arrangements using elastomeric sealing elements. These sealing elements are significantly cheaper to manufacture and install, reducing overall system cost while maintaining adequate sealing performance for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing elements are designed to be self-installing and self-adjusting, requiring minimal machining or assembly steps. The elastomeric material self-seals against the mating surfaces through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for precision machining required for mechanical seal installation.
3Reliability
If a one-piece radially internal sealing element with multiple sealing lips is used, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sealing lips into a single monolithic sealing element, combining multiple sealing functions in one component. This unified structure eliminates the need for separate sealing components and their associated assembly steps, reducing overall assembly complexity while providing multi-point sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The single sealing element performs multiple sealing functions simultaneously through its integrated sealing lips, which can seal against different surfaces or in different directions. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components.
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 provides a cost-effective, low-profile sealing arrangement that maintains effective sealing performance across varying temperatures, reducing complexity and manufacturing costs while ensuring minimal leakage.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing arrangement comprises one or more spring elements, which, in the assembled state, press against a side of one of the at least two sealing lips
Implementation Method 2
By forming at least two sealing lips that extend inwards, an optimized radial pressure of the at least two sealing lips against the moving component can be achieved
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to provide a sealing assembly (100) which is designed as simply as possible and can flexibly used, according to the invention the sealing assembly comprises an annular, radially inner sealing element (116) which, in the installed state, rests against a movable component (104), or can be placed thereagainst, for sealing purposes, wherein the radially inner sealing element is formed in one piece and comprises at least two sealing lips (128) which extend inward, in respect of a longitudinal center axis (110) of the movable component, from a main body (126) of the radially inner sealing element.