Rotary Seal Assembly With Bendable Outer Seal for Easier Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary valve seals in thermal management systems for electric vehicles experience increased assembly difficulty due to high reaction forces from integral seals made of elastic materials, which reduce slidability and ease of assembly.
Innovation Solution
A sealing device comprising a first seal with radial ports and grooves, and a second seal that is bendable during assembly, reducing the reaction force transmitted in the radial direction by allowing the second seal to bend and deform, thereby easing assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If integral seals made of elastic materials are used, then sealing performance is improved, but assembly difficulty increases due to high reaction forces
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into two separate components: a first seal (cylinder) and a second seal (outer rib), which are assembled together. This segmentation allows the second seal to be designed with bendable portions that reduce reaction forces during assembly, while the first seal maintains the sealing function. The separation enables independent optimization of each component's properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The second seal is designed with bendable portions that change its physical state during assembly. By introducing flexibility through bends, the seal can deform to reduce reaction forces in the radial direction during assembly, while still providing effective sealing when installed. This parameter change from rigid to flexible during the assembly process resolves the contradiction.
2Reliability
If integral seals with solid cross section are used, then sealing performance is improved, but slidability of rotor decreases due to increased reaction forces
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is segmented into a first seal (cylinder) that contacts the rotor and a second seal (outer rib) that provides structural support. This segmentation allows the second seal to be designed with bendable portions that reduce radial reaction forces, thereby improving rotor slidability while maintaining sealing performance through the first seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The second seal incorporates bendable portions that allow it to deform and reduce reaction forces in the radial direction. This parameter change reduces the friction between the seal and rotor, improving slidability while the sealed structure maintains sealing effectiveness.
3Reliability
If integral seals made of elastic material are used, then sealing performance is improved, but assembly time increases due to reduced ease of assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into a first seal and a second seal that can be assembled separately. The second seal with bendable portions can be installed more easily, reducing assembly time. The segmented design allows for simpler installation procedures compared to a single integral seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The bendable portions of the second seal allow it to deform during assembly, reducing resistance and facilitating faster installation. This parameter change from rigid to flexible during the assembly process reduces assembly time while maintaining sealing performance.
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 sealing device reduces the radial reaction force, improving the slidability of the rotor and housing components, making assembly easier and enhancing the sealing performance between the housing and rotor.
Implementation Method 1
the second seal including a bend bendable during assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing device is assembled between a cylindrical housing and a rotor located inside the housing coaxially with the housing and rotatable about an axis. The sealing device includes a first seal and a second seal. The first seal includes a body to extend along an outer periphery of the rotor, a port through the body in a radial direction of the body, and a groove on an outer circumferential surface of the body, surrounding the port when the outer circumferential surface is viewed in the radial direction, and including a groove bottom parallel to the outer circumferential surface. The second seal is attachable to the groove to be in contact with the groove bottom to seal a gap between the housing and the first seal and includes a bend bendable during assembly.