Radial Seal for Non-Rotational Symmetrical Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radial seals are inadequate for sealing components with non-rotationally symmetrical contact surfaces, particularly when one component is insufficiently rigid, and cannot effectively compensate for offset tolerances in both radial and axial directions.
Innovation Solution
A radial seal design featuring a sealing body with a non-rotationally symmetrical shape, supported by stiffening elements that are adaptable to the components' shapes and can be partially embedded within the sealing body, allowing for compensation of tolerances and providing dimensional stability, using a combination of metallic and elastomeric materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an axial seal design is used to seal non-rotationally symmetrical components, then the seal can accommodate non-rotationally symmetrical contact surfaces, but the seal cannot be implemented when one component has insufficient rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing body is designed with a non-rotationally symmetrical shape that matches the non-rotationally symmetrical contact surfaces of the components to be sealed. This asymmetry allows the seal to conform to oval or other non-circular geometries while maintaining effective sealing contact across the entire interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal incorporates stiffening elements that can be partially embedded in the sealing body, creating a dynamic structure that adapts to the rigidity requirements of the components. The stiffening elements provide structural support where needed while allowing the elastomeric material to deform and conform to the contact surfaces.
2Ease of manufacture
If a radial seal with rotationally symmetrical design is used, then the seal structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot seal non-rotationally symmetrical contact surfaces effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing body is designed with a non-rotationally symmetrical shape that matches the non-rotationally symmetrical contact surfaces of the components to be sealed. This asymmetry allows the seal to conform to oval or other non-circular geometries while maintaining effective sealing contact across the entire interface.
3Stability of the object's composition
If stiffening elements are fully embedded in the sealing body, then the seal has high dimensional stability, but the seal body becomes complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffening elements are designed to be partially embedded in the sealing body rather than fully embedded. This partial embedding provides local reinforcement at the critical sealing interfaces while maintaining simplicity in other areas. The stiffening elements can be positioned strategically to provide support where needed without requiring complex integration throughout the entire seal structure.
4Strength
If the seal is designed for high rigidity components, then the seal provides stable support, but it cannot compensate for offset tolerances between components
Solution Approach 1:
The seal utilizes the elastomeric properties of the sealing body material to accommodate offset tolerances. The material's inherent elasticity allows it to deform and adapt to misalignments between components while the stiffening elements provide structural support to maintain sealing pressure and prevent collapse under operating conditions.
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
Enables reliable sealing of components with non-rotationally symmetrical surfaces, even with low rigidity, and effectively compensates for offset tolerances in both radial and axial directions, ensuring a secure seal and adaptability to various shapes.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing body (118) is preferably formed from a plastic material, in particular an elastomeric material
Implementation Method 2
a first stiffening element (136), which supports the inner sealing surface (128) against a pressing force acting radially outwards, and a second stiffening element (146), which supports the outer sealing surface (132) against a pressing force acting radially inwards
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
In order to create a radial seal for sealing between a first component (102) arranged radially inside the radial seal (116) and a second component (106) arranged radially outside the radial seal (116), which is suitable for sealing between two components, at least one of which has a non-rotationally symmetrical contact surface for the radial seal, it is proposed that the radial seal comprises a non-rotationally symmetrical sealing body (118) with an inner sealing surface (128) for contact with the first component (102) and an outer sealing surface (132) for contact with the second component (106), a first stiffening element (136) which supports the inner sealing surface (128) against a radially outwardly acting pressing force, and a second stiffening element (146) which supports the outer sealing surface (132) against a radially inwardly acting pressing force.