Rotating Machine Seal Structure With Parallel Biasing Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing sealing devices for rotating machines, the biasing members at multiple positions in the circumferential direction generate forces that are not aligned, leading to hindered movement of the sealing member and unstable operation, which can decrease the efficiency of the rotating machine.
Innovation Solution
A sealing device with a movable sealing member supported by a holding member and multiple first biasing members that generate parallel biasing forces in the vertical direction at different circumferential positions, along with a second biasing member for additional support, ensuring stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple biasing members are provided at different circumferential positions to bias the sealing member, then the sealing member can be reliably biased, but the biasing forces are not aligned and hinder the movement of the sealing member
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing function is segmented into two independent components: biasing members that provide radial biasing force, and a holding member that provides guided movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between reliable biasing and smooth movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member acts as an intermediary between the biasing members and the sealing member. It receives the biasing force from multiple biasing members and translates it into unidirectional radial movement of the sealing member through its groove structure, preventing the non-aligned forces from hindering movement while maintaining reliable biasing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sealing member is made movable to adapt to operation states, then sealing efficiency is improved, but the operation becomes unstable due to hindered movement
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is designed to be dynamically movable in the radial direction through the holding member's groove, allowing it to adapt to different operation states (start/stop, load, etc.). The dynamic movement is enabled while maintaining stability through the guided groove structure that prevents lateral displacement and ensures smooth operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member provides a counterbalancing guided movement mechanism that counteracts the unstable forces from multiple biasing members. By constraining the sealing member to move only in the radial direction through the groove, the holding member stabilizes the operation while preserving the adaptability of the movable sealing member.
3Ease of manufacture
If biasing members generate forces in different directions, then they can be distributed circumferentially, but close contact between parts occurs and hinders movement
Solution Approach 1:
The movement guidance function is extracted from the biasing members and assigned to a separate holding member. The biasing members only need to provide radial force without worrying about movement guidance, while the holding member handles the guidance through its groove structure. This separation simplifies the interaction between parts and eliminates close contact issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member serves as an intermediary that receives forces from multiple circumferentially distributed biasing members and channels them into unified radial movement of the sealing member. This intermediary structure allows circumferential distribution for ease of manufacture while preventing harmful close contact between parts through its guided groove mechanism.
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 parallel alignment of biasing forces stabilizes the movement of the sealing member, reducing fluid leakage and maintaining efficient operation of the rotating machine.
Implementation Method 1
the movable sealing member is biased toward the radial outer side by an elastic member
Implementation Method 2
a pressure of a working fluid on a high-pressure side acts on an outer peripheral surface of the movable sealing member, and thereby a radial inward force is applied to the movable sealing member
Data Source
AI summary
This sealing device comprises: a sealing member provided between a rotating part and a stationary part of a rotating machine in a radial direction of the rotating machine; a holding member for supporting the sealing member movably along the radial direction, the holding member being at least partly accommodated in a groove provided in the stationary part so as to extend along a circumferential direction; and a plurality of first biasing members provided at a plurality of different locations, respectively, in the circumferential direction, each first biasing member being accommodated in the holding member and configured to bias the sealing member along a vertical direction with respect to the holding member. The plurality of first biasing members are configured to generate biasing forces, respectively, which are parallel to each other.