Compact Rotary Joint With Integral Case Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary joints require a divided case body structure and multiple bolts for assembly, increasing the radial size and complexity, which hinders the creation of a compact design.
Innovation Solution
A rotary joint with an integral and inseparable cylindrical case body, featuring tubular members with third flow passages that connect first and second flow passages, eliminating the need for bolts and allowing for a compact design, and utilizing seals to prevent fluid leakage and facilitate assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the case body is divided into multiple ring bodies for assembling seal rings, then the sealability is improved, but the radial size and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the seal rings into multiple segments arranged circumferentially around the projection portion. Each seal ring segment seals a portion of the circumference, and together they provide complete circumferential sealing. This segmentation allows the seal rings to accommodate radial movements between the case body and shaft body while maintaining effective sealing, resolving the contradiction between sealability and structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If multiple ring bodies are stacked and assembled with bolts, then the seal rings can be properly positioned, but the radial size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the seal rings within the annular groove formed by the projection portion of the case body and the corresponding groove in the shaft body. The seal rings are positioned radially inward within this nested structure, eliminating the need for external bolts and multiple stacked ring bodies. This nesting approach maintains reliable seal ring positioning while minimizing the radial size of the overall structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If bolts are used to integrate ring bodies, then the assembly stability is improved, but the radial space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the bolts from the assembly structure. Instead of using bolts to integrate ring bodies, the design uses the projection portion with circumferential seal rings that inherently provide stable assembly through the sealing interface and circumferential engagement. This extraction of unnecessary components reduces radial space requirements while maintaining assembly stability.
4Area of stationary object
If the case body is made integral and inseparable, then the radial size is reduced, but the assembly complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The projection portion of the case body serves multiple functions: it provides the structural support for the seal rings, creates the annular groove for sealing, defines the radial position of the shaft body, and enables circumferential sealing without requiring separate assembly components. This multi-functionality allows the integral case body design to achieve compact radial size while keeping assembly straightforward.
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 compact and efficient assembly of the rotary joint by eliminating the need for bolts and maintaining sealability between components, allowing for relative rotation while preventing fluid leakage.
Implementation Method 1
a bearing portion provided in an annular space formed between the case body and the shaft body, the bearing portion supporting the case body and the shaft body such that the case body and the shaft body are rotatable relative to each other
Implementation Method 2
a first seal configured to prevent a fluid flowing through the first flow passage and the third flow passage from leaking through between the case body and the tubular member; and a second seal configured to prevent a fluid flowing through the third flow passage and the second flow passage from leaking through between the tubular member and the shaft body
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a rotary joint that allows a case body to be made compact. A rotary joint includes: a cylindrical case body having a plurality of first flow passages formed therein; a shaft body having a plurality of second flow passages formed therein; rolling bearings and provided in an annular space formed between the case body and the shaft body; a plurality of tubular members provided in the annular space and each having a third flow passage formed for connecting the first flow passage and the second flow passage; a first seal configured to prevent leak of a fluid flowing through the first flow passage and the third flow passage; and a second seal configured to prevent leak of a fluid flowing through the third flow passage and the second flow passage.