Robot Joint Sealing Structure for Long-Life Reducer Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing structures for robot joints, particularly those using single sealing members or slit seals, are unreliable and fail to effectively prevent leakage from the reducer in harsh environments, leading to reduced service life and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
A sealing structure comprising a first sealing member made of a harder material, such as stainless steel, and a second sealing member made of a softer material, arranged between the first sealing member and the second part of the robot joint, forming a durable seal that reduces radial and axial dimensions while maintaining effective sealing in harsh conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single sealing member or slit seal is used, then the sealing structure is simple, but the sealing reliability is insufficient and leakage occurs in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is divided into two distinct parts: a first sealing member made of harder material and a second sealing member made of softer material. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function - the harder first sealing member provides structural support and wear resistance, while the softer second sealing member provides conformal sealing contact, together achieving reliable sealing in harsh environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing structure uses composite materials by combining a harder material (such as metal or hard polymer) for the first sealing member and a softer material (such as rubber or elastomer) for the second sealing member. This composite approach leverages the advantages of both materials - structural integrity and sealing compliance - to achieve reliable sealing under various operating conditions.
2Strength
If the first sealing member is made of harder material, then wear resistance and corrosion resistance are improved, but the sealing contact with softer materials may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented between two members with different material properties. The harder first sealing member handles wear and corrosion, while the softer second sealing member handles conformal contact and sealing, resolving the conflict between wear resistance and sealing contact reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the sealing structure have different material qualities suited to their specific functions. The first sealing member has hard, wear-resistant material for structural durability, while the second sealing member has soft, compliant material for effective sealing contact, achieving both wear resistance and sealing reliability through localized material optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a sealing structure for a robot joint. The sealing structure comprise a first sealing member adapted to be connected to a first part of the robot joint and a second sealing member adapted to be arranged between the first sealing member and a second part of the robot joint and in contact with the first sealing member. The first part is rotatable with respect to the second part. A material of the first sealing member is harder than the material of the second sealing member. With such a sealing structure, the reducer is closely sealed from the ambient environment. In this way, the leakage of the reducer can be prevented for an extended period even in harsh conditions and thereby the service life of the robot joint can be prolonged.