Release Bearing Sealing Device With Gap Seal And Return Channel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing release bearings for friction clutches have a delicate return structure in the sealing lip that is prone to wear, leading to an unreliable sealing effect and potential grease loss, especially under rough operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
The release bearing incorporates an engine-side sealing device with a contact-free gap seal and a transmission-side axial sealing lip that interact with radially directed components, forming a labyrinth-like seal and ensuring a high sealing effect, along with a space-saving design, using a radially inward projection and pretensioned spring, and a transmission-side sealing device with radially and axially staggered sealing lips for enhanced protection against foreign substances and lubricant retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a return structure is added to the sealing lip to improve grease return, then the sealing effect is enhanced, but the structure becomes more delicate and wear-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the return structure from the sealing lip and implements it as a separate return channel in the inner race. This separates the sealing function from the grease return function, allowing the sealing lip to remain simple while still achieving effective grease return through the dedicated channel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a return channel as an intermediary structure between the sealing lip and the bearing interior. This channel serves as a mediator that guides discharged grease back into the bearing space without requiring the sealing lip itself to have complex return structures.
2Reliability
If conventional sealing devices are used, then sealing function is provided, but space is not optimized and sealing effect is insufficient under rough operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing element and the return channel structure into an integrated sealing device. The sealing element is positioned within the return channel structure, combining both sealing and grease return functions in a single compact unit that saves space while maintaining high sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible sealing element with a sealing lip that can deform to maintain contact with the sealing surface. This flexible membrane structure provides effective sealing in a compact form factor, adapting to rough operating conditions while occupying minimal space.
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
This configuration provides a robust and long-lasting sealing solution that effectively prevents foreign particle penetration and lubricant loss, ensuring reliable operation and mechanical stability even under harsh conditions, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a contact-free gap seal radially on the inside, that this gap seal is formed by a radially inwardly directed annular projection of the inner race and a pretensioned spring
Implementation Method 2
the sealing lip is provided with a return structure radially on the inside... in wear-prone friction contact with the outer cylindrical sealing surface
Data Source
AI summary
A release bearing in which a permanently high sealing effect is provided, with at the same time a space saving arrangement of the sealing devices.