Rotary Joint Mechanical Seal Segmented Ring Friction Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In rotary joints, the seal surfaces of the first and second sealing rings experience increased sliding friction over time due to adhesion, leading to potential breakage of components and reduced lubrication, especially when using hard materials like silicon carbide or superhard alloys.
Innovation Solution
The rotary joint incorporates a mechanical seal with a first sealing ring attached to the case body and a second sealing ring attached to the shaft body, featuring elastic members that apply axial forces to create alternating regions of increased and decreased distortion, forming small gaps for lubrication and reducing friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If hard materials like silicon carbide or superhard alloys are used for sealing rings, then wear resistance is improved, but sliding friction increases due to adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is divided into multiple segments that can move relative to each other, allowing the segments to shift positions and prevent continuous contact at the same adhesive points, thereby reducing sliding friction while maintaining wear resistance of the hard material
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to deform or change shape during operation. This dynamic behavior prevents stable adhesion between sealing surfaces by continuously changing the contact points, reducing sliding friction while preserving the wear resistance of hard materials
2Reliability
If seal surfaces are pressed together with high force, then sealing performance is improved, but sliding friction increases leading to component breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is segmented into multiple parts that can move independently. This segmentation allows the sealing force to be distributed across multiple contact points rather than concentrated on a single surface, maintaining sealing performance while reducing the frictional load on individual components
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing structure incorporates dynamic elements that allow the sealing surfaces to adjust their contact during operation. This dynamic adjustment maintains adequate sealing pressure while preventing excessive frictional forces that could lead to component breakage
3Reliability
If continuous sliding contact occurs between seal surfaces, then sealing function is maintained, but lubrication is reduced due to adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is divided into segments that can move relative to each other, creating varying contact conditions across different segments. This segmentation allows lubricant to access different contact zones and prevents continuous adhesion at the same locations, maintaining sealing function while improving lubrication effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing surfaces are designed to dynamically adjust during operation, creating periodic changes in contact pressure and separation. This dynamic behavior allows lubricant to periodically access the contact zone, preventing complete adhesion while maintaining the sealing function through continuous contact
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 effectively suppresses the increase in sliding friction between the sealing rings, preventing component breakage and maintaining effective lubrication, even under high-load conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastic members are provided along the first sealing ring in a circumferential direction and apply axial forces to the first sealing ring so as to increase distortion in a radial direction of the first sealing ring
Implementation Method 2
a lubricating film is formed between a first seal surface of the first sealing ring and a second seal surface of the second sealing ring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(B)
Figure 3
AI summary
A mechanical seal which defines an annular space formed between a case body and a shaft body is included. The mechanical seal includes: a first sealing ring (11) having a first seal surface; a second sealing ring (12) having a second seal surface which slidably contacts with the first seal surface; and a plurality of coil springs (13) provided along the first sealing ring (11) in a circumferential direction and configured to apply axial forces to the first sealing ring (11) to press the first seal surface against the second seal surface. The plurality of coil springs (13) are divided into a plurality of groups, and first regions K1 in each of which occurring distortion is increased by the axial forces of the coil springs (13) that belong to the group and second regions K2 in each of which distortion is smaller than that in each first region K1 are present alternately along the circumferential direction in the first sealing ring (11).