Dynamic Seal Rotor Cooling Structure for Thermal Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dynamic seals suffer from thermal distortion due to heat generation at the sealing interface, leading to performance variations caused by temperature gradients, which affects the sealing efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A seal rotor design with internal fins and fluid inlets that enhance heat transfer and airflow, forming a complex shape to dissipate heat efficiently and maintain isothermal conditions, potentially using multiple materials with varying thermal conductivity for improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional dynamic seals are used, then the sealing function is provided, but thermal distortion occurs at the sealing interface due to heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is segmented into multiple functional regions including an interstitial space with fins and blades, allowing heat to be dissipated through multiple pathways rather than accumulating at the sealing interface
Solution Approach 2:
Cooling fluid is introduced as an intermediary medium into the interstitial space to absorb and carry away heat from the sealing interface, preventing thermal distortion while maintaining sealing performance
2Temperature
If heat is removed quickly and efficiently, then thermal distortion is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional cooling structures
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling structures (fins and blades) are merged into the rotor body itself, creating an integrated thermally managed seal rotor rather than adding separate cooling components
Solution Approach 2:
The interstitial space serves multiple functions: it provides structural support through the finned walls, enables heat dissipation through convection pathways, and accommodates cooling fluid flow, eliminating the need for dedicated separate cooling systems
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 design effectively reduces thermal distortion and maintains isothermal operation, enhancing the sealing performance by efficiently dissipating heat and promoting fluid flow to maintain consistent performance.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of fins and/or blades at least partially located within the interstitial space and extending between the inner and outer circumferential walls
Implementation Method 2
enhance heat transfer and airflow, forming a complex shape to dissipate heat efficiently
Implementation Method 3
promoting fluid flow to maintain consistent performance
Data Source
AI summary
A seal rotor which can include a plurality of fluid inlets on the exterior. The fluid inlets can draw fluid into the body of the seal which can assist in removing heat from the primary sealing interface, thereby reducing thermal deformation of the sealing interface with its non-rotating counterpart. The seal rotor configuration allows fluid to flow through the seal rotor and keep the seal rotor closer to an isothermal state than a prior art seal rotor. The seal's body can additionally include a series of fins on the inside of the body. The fins define channels through which fluid entering via the fluid inlets can flow. These features function as a system for spreading and dissipating the heat of the system.