Internally Clamping Rectangular Seal for Non-Directional Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing internally clamping rectangular seals require directional installation due to limited buckle geometries, leading to complex and time-consuming assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of at least one contact ramp oriented obliquely to the circumferential and radial directions, allowing for non-directional installation by prestressing the seal to reduce its radius, enabling secure sliding of ring-end sections and facilitating insertion into a groove.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If internally clamping rectangular seals use traditional buckle geometries, then the seal can be installed, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming due to directional installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The contact ramp is designed with an asymmetric oblique orientation relative to the circumferential direction, creating a geometric feature that guides the ring-end sections into proper alignment during prestressing. This asymmetric geometry enables the seal to be installed in either orientation without requiring complex directional procedures, thereby improving installation ease while reducing assembly time
Solution Approach 2:
The contact ramp is pre-configured on the ring-end sections to automatically guide the assembly process during prestressing. This preliminary geometric feature ensures that when the seal is compressed radially, the ring-end sections naturally align and engage correctly, eliminating the need for complex directional installation procedures and reducing assembly time
2Adaptability or versatility
If internally clamping rectangular seals use traditional buckle geometries, then the seal structure is simple, but the assembly process requires complex directional procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The oblique contact ramp creates an asymmetric geometric feature that paradoxically enables symmetric installation flexibility. The ramp's angled surface guides the ring-end sections into proper alignment regardless of which orientation the seal is inserted, providing installation orientation flexibility while keeping the seal structure itself simple
Solution Approach 2:
The contact ramp serves multiple functions: it guides alignment, enables radial sliding during prestressing, and accommodates both installation orientations. This multi-functional geometric feature increases adaptability without significantly complicating the overall seal structure, maintaining simplicity while enabling versatile installation
3Ease of operation
If the rectangular seal is prestressed to reduce radius for installation, then the seal can be inserted into the groove, but the ring-end sections must be precisely aligned to ensure proper sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The contact ramp is pre-configured with a specific oblique angle to automatically guide the ring-end sections into correct alignment during the prestressing process. As the seal is compressed radially, the ramp surfaces contact and guide the sections, eliminating the need for high-precision manual alignment while maintaining proper sealing geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The contact ramp acts as an intermediary geometric feature between the ring-end sections during prestressing. The oblique ramp surfaces mediate the alignment process by providing a guided path for the sections to slide radially, reducing the alignment precision requirements while ensuring proper final positioning for sealing
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 easy and efficient assembly of the seal in either orientation, reducing assembly time and complexity while maintaining a secure fit and low leakage, even under high mechanical and thermal stress.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one contact ramp, starting from a non-stressed state of the rectangular seal, forms a first mechanical contact, pointing in the circumferential direction, between the opposing ring-end sections when the radius of the rectangular seal is reduced by prestressing the rectangular seal
Data Source
AI summary
A seal for sealing a shaft with respect to a housing can be inserted into a groove disposed circumferentially on a shaft bore. The seal is interrupted along its circumferential direction at a joint and two ring-end sections are formed. The seal has an outer surface facing radially outwards, an inner clamping surface facing radially inwards and opposing flank surfaces facing in the axial direction. At least one contact ramp is disposed on at least one ring-end section. At least one contact ramp is oriented obliquely with respect to the circumferential direction and obliquely with respect to the radial direction of the rectangular seal. The at least one contact ramp, starting from a non-stressed state of the rectangular seal, forms a first mechanical contact, pointing in the circumferential direction, between the opposing ring-end sections when the radius of the rectangular seal is reduced by prestressing the rectangular seal.