Rotating Elastomeric Seal for Grain Separator Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional seal systems in grain separators often leak due to non-conformal materials and stationary seals, allowing whole and broken grains to pass through, causing inefficiencies and damage.
Innovation Solution
A seal system comprising an elastomeric material with an inelastomeric portion, designed to rotate with the cylinder, providing a conformal fit and dual seal interface to prevent leakage, with the elastomeric portion maintaining sealing contact during rotation and reducing material buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hard plastic or soft fibrous seals are used, then the seal structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the seal leaves clearance gaps allowing grain leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The seal system uses a composite structure combining an elastomeric material (such as rubber or polymer) with a reinforcing framework or fabric. This composite construction allows the seal to conform to the spout surface while maintaining structural integrity, eliminating the clearance gaps that plague traditional single-material seals without requiring an overly complex design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters by transitioning from rigid or fibrous materials to elastomeric materials with specific durometer ratings. This parameter change enables the seal to deform and conform to the spout surface, creating effective sealing contact that prevents grain leakage while maintaining a relatively simple seal structure.
2Reliability
If stationary seals are used, then the seal system is simple, but the seals cannot maintain continuous contact during rotation causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The seal system transitions from a stationary configuration to a rotating one, where the seal moves with the spout. This dynamic configuration allows the seal to maintain continuous contact with the mating surface during rotation, preventing grain from pushing past the seal. The elastomeric material's flexibility ensures continuous contact is maintained throughout the rotation cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the seal with the rotating spout assembly, so they rotate together as a unified system. This integration ensures the seal maintains its sealing position and continuous contact with the mating surface throughout the rotation, eliminating the leakage problems associated with stationary seals while keeping the overall system relatively simple.
3Reliability
If non-conformal seal materials are used, then the seal is easy to manufacture, but clearance gaps allow whole and broken grains to push past the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameters by selecting elastomeric materials with specific properties (durometer, elasticity, compression set) that enable the seal to conform to the spout surface. These material parameter changes allow the seal to deform and fill clearance gaps, preventing grain leakage while remaining manufacturable through conventional molding or fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal utilizes an elastomeric shell or membrane that is flexible enough to conform to the spout surface geometry. This flexible construction allows the seal to adapt to surface irregularities and maintain sealing contact, preventing grain from pushing past the seal while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple through standard elastomeric fabrication methods.
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 rotating seal system effectively prevents grain leakage and reduces wear by maintaining continuous contact and pressure, improving the sealing performance and operational efficiency of grain separators.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric material... adapted to rotate along with the rotating member... maintaining sealing contact during rotation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention includes a grain separator with a seal system. The seal system includes an elastomeric portion and an inelastomeric portion. The seal system interfaces with an inlet spout at at least two locations. The seal system is rotatable about an inlet spout. A sealing pressure is increased as grain interacts with the seal system.