Double Sealing Assembly for Rolling Bearings With Buffer Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rolling-element bearings experience lubricant leakage due to insufficient sealing, requiring frequent maintenance and lubricant replenishment.
Innovation Solution
A double sealing assembly is introduced, comprising a first and second sealing member with a buffer member, arranged between the outer and inner rings, featuring an interference or clearance fit within specific threshold values to minimize lubricant leakage, and a labyrinth seal path formed by the sealing members, inner, and outer rings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single seal is arranged between the inner ring and outer ring, then the structure is simple, but lubricant leakage occurs due to insufficient sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing assembly is divided into multiple independent sealing members (first sealing member and second sealing member) arranged in series between the inner and outer rings. Each sealing member creates a separate sealing interface, segmenting the sealing function to achieve better overall sealing performance while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing members are nested within the bearing structure, with the first sealing member positioned closer to the inner ring and the second sealing member positioned closer to the outer ring. This nested arrangement allows multiple sealing functions to be integrated within the compact bearing space without significantly increasing external dimensions
2Reliability
If an interference fit is formed between the buffer member and sealing member, then the sealing effect is improved, but the buffer member may be damaged due to excessive interference
Solution Approach 1:
The interference amount between the buffer member and sealing member is precisely controlled within a specific range (0.01mm to 0.05mm). This parameter optimization ensures sufficient interference to maintain sealing effect while preventing excessive interference that would damage the buffer member, achieving a balance between sealing performance and component integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer member is designed with specific material properties and dimensional tolerances beforehand to cushion and distribute the interference pressure. This pre-engineered cushioning capability allows the interference fit to function effectively for sealing while protecting the buffer member from damage, preventing the harmful effect before it occurs
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing assembly for a rolling-element bearing includes a first seal element and a second seal element, the first seal element including a first support member mounted on a first bearing ring, a first seal body extending radially from the first support member and having an oblique side surface, and at least one first seal lip extending radially from the first seal body to the second ring to form a first seal and the second seal element including a second support portion mounted on the second ring, a second seal body projecting from the second support portion and at least one second seal lip extending from the second seal body to the oblique side surface to form a second seal. A buffer member extends from the first seal element toward the second seal element and has first and second radially spaced annular ribs that extend toward the second seal element.