Rotative Assembly Sealing Element Extraction Groove
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotative assemblies in applications like tunnel boring machines and marine installations face challenges in replacing worn-out sealing elements without complex and lengthy operations, often requiring dismounting of components like rolling bearings.
Innovation Solution
A rotative assembly design featuring an extraction groove on the first element, allowing the sealing element to be dismounted and extracted without removing other components, using a specialized tool that inserts into the groove and lifts the sealing element from its housing, enabling replacement without disassembling the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional sealing element replacement methods are used, then the sealing element can be replaced, but other components such as rolling bearings must be dismounted which increases operation complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an extraction groove that segments the sealing element removal process from the bearing disassembly process. The groove allows the sealing element to be accessed and removed independently through a dedicated extraction path, separating the two operations that were previously coupled in traditional designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the sealing element removal function from the bearing assembly process by creating a dedicated extraction groove. This groove provides a direct access path that allows the sealing element to be taken out independently without disturbing the bearing components, effectively separating the removal operation from the bearing structure.
2Productivity
If traditional sealing element replacement methods are used, then the sealing element can be replaced, but the operation takes more time due to complex disassembly procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction groove is pre-formed as part of the first element structure, providing ready-made access to the sealing element. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming disassembly operations during maintenance, allowing the sealing element to be quickly accessed and replaced through the pre-established extraction path.
3Ease of repair
If the sealing element is housed in a peripheral groove without an extraction groove, then the structure is simpler, but the sealing element cannot be removed without dismounting other components
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction groove acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates the removal of the sealing element. It provides a dedicated access path and working space that mediates between the sealing element and the extraction tool, enabling easy removal without requiring disassembly of the bearing components.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
This rotative assembly (A) comprises a first element (R) rotating with respect to a second element (B) around a rotation axis (X-X'), at least one bearing (2, 4) arranged between the first and second element (R, B), and at least one sealing element (6, 8) arranged between the first element (R) and the second element (B). The sealing element (6, 8) is housed in a peripheral groove (12) provided on the first element (R), and comprises at least one sealing lip (62) resting on a surface (10) of the second element (B). The first element (R) comprises an extraction groove (18) realized on a radial surface (16) of the first element (R), and which forms an empty space (22) below an internal surface (68) of the sealing element (6) and creates an axial access to said empty space (22) from an axial end surface (14) of the first element (R).