Segmented Roller Bearing Seal for Joint Moisture Exclusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large roller bearings face challenges in sealing joints between ring segments due to twisting and tilting under bending moments and tilting forces, leading to premature wear and potential moisture infiltration, especially in maritime environments, where existing sealing methods fail to maintain effectiveness under deformations and environmental influences.
Innovation Solution
A seal with rubber elastic and/or yielding sealing limbs seated in grooves on both sides of the joint, connected by a flexible section that deforms to compensate for ring part movements without applying counteracting forces, ensuring a reliable seal even under deformations and relative movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the bearing rings are produced in a segmented manner to accommodate large dimensions and center-free design, then the bearing can support large loads and allow center passage, but joints between ring segments create potential leak points for moisture penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible sealing lips made of elastomeric material that can deform and conform to the joint geometry between ring segments. These sealing lips create a continuous barrier against moisture while accommodating the segmented construction required for center-free design and large bearing dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism introduces an intermediary sealing element between the adjacent ring segments that actively prevents moisture penetration. This sealing lip acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between segments while maintaining sealing integrity under various loading conditions.
2Device complexity
If rigid sealing methods are used at the joints, then sealing structure is simple, but the seal fails under twisting and tilting deformations caused by bending moments and tilting forces
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing lip is designed as a dynamic element that can deform elastically in response to twisting and tilting forces acting on the bearing rings. This dynamic capability allows the seal to maintain contact and sealing effectiveness even when the bearing undergoes angular offsets and deformations during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism utilizes changes in the physical state and geometry of the elastomeric sealing lip under load. The material properties and shape of the sealing lip change dynamically to accommodate deformation while maintaining sealing function, rather than relying on a fixed rigid structure.
3Reliability
If the bearing rings are constrained to prevent twisting, then sealing is easier, but the bearing cannot accommodate bending moments and tilting forces in large dimension applications
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sealing lip accommodates the necessary twisting and angular deformations of the bearing rings under load while maintaining sealing integrity. The flexibility of the elastomeric material allows the seal to adapt to the deformed geometry without compromising sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric sealing lip inherently provides cushioning and compliance to absorb and accommodate deformations before they compromise the seal. This prior cushioning effect allows the bearing to experience necessary deformations under bending moments and tilting forces while the seal remains effective.
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 seal effectively prevents moisture penetration and maintains sealing integrity during deformations and operational loads, enhancing the durability and reliability of large roller bearings in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
A seal (11) has at least two sealing limbs (12, 13) of a rubber elastic and/or yielding sealing material that are spaced apart from one another and that are sealingly seated in grooves (16) that are formed at both sides of the joint (9) in the two adjacent ring segments or ring parts
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a seal for a large roller bearing for sealing a joint between two adjacent ring segments or ring parts of the roller bearing, wherein at least two mutually spaced apart sealing limbs of a rubber elastic and/or yielding sealing material for sealing insertion into grooves that are formed at both sides of the joint in ring segments or ring parts that are adjacent to one another and a connection section connecting the sealing limbs and composed of a rubber elastic and/or yielding sealing material to span said joint.