Seal Chain Labyrinth Sealing for Bushing-Roller Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal chains lack a sealing structure that effectively seals the parts between bushings and rollers, leading to lubricant leakage and entry of external foreign matter.
Innovation Solution
A seal chain design featuring inner and outer link plates with recesses and a retainer ring, along with an accommodation groove on the roller, forms labyrinth seals to prevent lubricant leakage and foreign matter entry, while maintaining roller durability by positioning the accommodation groove away from the engaged part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no sealing structure is provided between bushing and roller, then the structure is simple, but lubricant leaks easily and foreign matter enters the gap
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing path is segmented into multiple sections by creating recesses in the inner link plates and an accommodation groove in the roller. This divides the direct passage into multiple smaller segments, increasing the total path length and reducing lubricant leakage and foreign matter entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing structure is created by forming recesses in the inner link plates and an accommodation groove in the roller, adding dimensional complexity to the sealing path. This creates a multi-dimensional labyrinthine path rather than a simple linear gap, effectively sealing the interface between bushing and roller.
2Reliability
If accommodation groove is formed in roller, then sealing performance improves, but roller strength decreases at groove location
Solution Approach 1:
The accommodation groove is positioned at a specific location on the roller where it provides sealing functionality without compromising the roller's load-bearing capacity. The groove is strategically placed to create effective sealing while maintaining sufficient structural strength at critical engaged portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer ring acts as an intermediary element that enhances the sealing effect of the accommodation groove. By coupling the retainer ring to the bushing and accommodating it in the groove, the sealing performance is improved without requiring the groove to extend deeply into the roller, thus preserving roller strength.
3Reliability
If recess is formed in inner link plate, then sealing performance improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recess in the inner link plate segments the sealing path, creating a stepped structure that is easier to manufacture than a complex three-dimensional groove system. This segmentation approach simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining effective sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess geometry is optimized to provide effective sealing while minimizing manufacturing complexity. By carefully selecting the recess depth, width, and position, the design achieves good sealing performance with a relatively simple manufacturing process suitable for standard machining operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A seal chain includes two inner link plates opposed to and spaced apart from each other, a tubular bushing, opposite ends of the bushing being respectively joined to the two inner link plates, a pin rotationally inserted into the bushing, a tubular roller into which the bushing is inserted, the roller being rotationally supported by the bushing, and two outer link plates arranged to externally hold the two inner link plates in between, opposite ends of the pin being respectively joined to the two outer link plates. A recess into which an end of the roller is inserted is formed in an inner surface of each of the inner link plates.