Rotating Machine Output Sealing With a Debris Slinger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating machines and drive module assemblies face challenges in balancing the performance and cost of seals used to prevent debris and contaminants from entering the housing interior, often requiring a trade-off between the two.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a slinger seal engaged with both the output shaft and the primary seal to further prevent debris ingress, allowing for a less complex and cost-effective sealing solution while maintaining exceptional sealing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single complex seal is used to prevent debris ingress, then sealing performance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is divided into two separate components: a first seal that prevents lubricant expulsion and a slinger seal that prevents debris ingress. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall complexity while maintaining effective sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The slinger seal acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the first seal. It intercepts debris before it reaches the first seal, protecting the more complex sealing component and allowing for a simpler overall design.
2Reliability
If a single complex seal is used to prevent debris ingress, then sealing performance is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sealing system into two simpler components (first seal and slinger seal), the manufacturing cost is reduced compared to using a single complex seal. Each component can be manufactured using simpler processes and materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The slinger seal serves as a sacrificial or easily replaceable component that protects the more expensive first seal. This approach allows for cost-effective maintenance where the cheaper slinger seal can be replaced rather than the entire sealing assembly.
3Device complexity
If simplified sealing is used to reduce complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but sealing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of sealing functions into two simple components achieves the same protective effect as a complex seal would provide, but with reduced complexity. The first seal handles lubricant containment while the slinger seal handles debris exclusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The slinger seal serves as a protective intermediary that shields the first seal from debris exposure. This intermediary arrangement maintains effective sealing performance while allowing both components to remain structurally simple.
4Loss of substance
If a first seal is used to prevent lubricant expulsion, then lubricant retention is improved, but debris protection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing functions are segmented such that the first seal is optimized for lubricant retention while the slinger seal is optimized for debris protection. This division of labor ensures both functions are performed effectively without compromising either aspect.
Solution Approach 2:
The slinger seal acts as an intermediary protective barrier that filters debris before it can reach the first seal. This allows the first seal to focus on its primary function of preventing lubricant expulsion while being protected from debris by the slinger seal.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating machine includes a housing defining a housing interior, an output shaft disposed in the housing interior, extending along an output axis, and configured to be rotatably coupled to an external shaft, a first seal engaged with the output shaft and the housing for preventing ingress of debris into the housing interior; and a slinger seal engaged with both of the output shaft and the first seal for further preventing ingress of debris into the housing interior by preventing ingress of debris toward the first seal.