Seal Retainer Sleeve Layout for Compact Low-Stress Assemblies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seal assemblies for rotational equipment, such as gas turbine engines, face challenges in achieving a compact form and reducing internal stresses within seal elements, necessitating an improved method for securing seal elements to seal carriers.

Innovation Solution

A seal assembly comprising a seal carrier, a seal element, and a retainer, where the seal element is seated in a receptacle on the seal carrier, and the retainer is configured to securely attach the seal element using a sleeve and lip mechanism that axially overlaps the seal carrier, reducing internal stresses and allowing for a compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional seal assembly designs are used, then the seal element can be secured to the seal carrier, but the assembly occupies excessive space and generates internal stresses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal assembly volumeVSAvoidseal element security

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer sleeve is positioned within the seal carrier structure, and the seal element is nested within the retainer assembly. The retainer lip extends radially outward to engage the seal element while the sleeve fits within the seal carrier, creating a nested configuration that reduces overall assembly volume while maintaining secure attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer lip projects radially outward from the retainer sleeve to engage the seal element, utilizing the radial dimension for securing rather than relying solely on axial or circumferential dimensions. This dimensional approach allows compact arrangement while ensuring reliable seal element retention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If conventional securing methods are used, then the seal element is retained, but internal stresses within the seal element increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal element retentionVSAvoidinternal stress in seal element

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer lip provides localized engagement with the seal element at specific radial positions, distributing the retention force across multiple contact points rather than concentrating stress at a single location. This localized quality approach secures the seal element while minimizing internal stress

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the seal carrier and the seal element, providing a buffer structure that reduces direct stress transmission. The sleeve allows controlled engagement while the retainer lip provides gentle radial engagement to secure the seal element without excessive stress

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11624439B2Retainer for securing a seal element to a seal carrier

Publication Date: 2023.04.11 RTX CORP

AI summary

An assembly is provided for rotational equipment. This assembly includes a seal carrier, a seal element and a retainer. The seal carrier is configured with a receptacle. The seal element is seated in the receptacle. The retainer is configured to secure the seal element to the seal carrier. The seal element is arranged radially between the seal carrier and the retainer.