Mechanical Seal Sliding Element for Reverse-Rotation Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical seals currently fail to prevent leakage of sealed fluid into the leakage side during reverse rotation, as the sealed fluid supplied into the gap between sliding surfaces flows into the spiral grooves and leaks into the leakage space.
Innovation Solution
A sliding element with a pair of sliding members, where one surface has introduction grooves for low-speed rotation, dynamic pressure generation grooves for high-speed rotation, and a groove portion that allows sealed fluid to flow between adjacent introduction grooves, preventing leakage by collecting and redirecting the fluid during both forward and reverse rotations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If spiral grooves are provided for high-speed rotation to generate positive pressure and improve lubricity, then lubricity is improved, but sealed fluid leaks into the leakage side during reverse rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding surface is segmented into multiple functional zones: introduction grooves for low-speed fluid introduction, spiral grooves for high-speed dynamic pressure generation, and groove portions for fluid collection and redirection. Each segment serves a specific function that activates under different operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between lubricity and leakage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove portions are designed to redirect fluid flow in reverse rotation conditions. Instead of allowing fluid to leak through the spiral grooves during reverse rotation, the groove portions capture and redirect the fluid back toward the sealed fluid side, effectively inverting the potential leakage path into a protective flow pattern.
2Use of energy by moving object
If introduction grooves are provided for low-speed rotation to introduce sealed fluid and improve lubricity, then lubricity is improved, but sealed fluid flows into spiral grooves and leaks during reverse rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The groove portions act as intermediary structures between the introduction grooves and the spiral grooves. During reverse rotation, they intercept the sealed fluid introduced by the introduction grooves before it can enter the spiral grooves, and redirect it back toward the sealed fluid side, preventing substance loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical seal is designed for forward rotation with spiral grooves, then high-speed lubricity is improved, but the seal cannot handle reverse rotation without leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding surface design achieves multi-functionality by incorporating multiple groove types that serve different purposes under different operating conditions. The introduction grooves, spiral grooves, and groove portions work together to provide both forward and reverse rotation capability with effective leakage prevention in both directions, making the seal universal for bidirectional applications.
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 solution effectively prevents leakage into the leakage side during both forward and reverse rotations, improving lubricity and reducing wear between sliding surfaces by efficiently managing the sealed fluid flow, thereby enhancing the mechanical seal's performance.
Implementation Method 1
When the relative rotation speed of the sliding member is low, the introduction grooves introduce a sealed fluid into a gap between the sliding surfaces
Implementation Method 2
when the relative rotation speed of the sliding member is high, in the spiral grooves that suction the gas on the leakage side, a positive pressure is generated at closed end portions located on a radially outer side of the sliding surface
Implementation Method 3
the spiral grooves slightly suction gas on the leakage side. Since the gas prevents the sealed fluid from moving to the leakage side
Implementation Method 4
the groove portion allows the sealed fluid, which has flowed into one introduction groove, to efficiently flow into the adjacent introduction groove
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding element includes a pair of sliding members having sliding surfaces that rotate and slide relative to each other. One sliding surface is provided with introduction grooves for low-speed rotation communicating with a space on a sealed fluid side, and with a dynamic pressure generation groove for high-speed rotation communicating with a space on a leakage side. The sliding surface is further provided with a groove portion disposed on the sealed fluid side with respect to the dynamic pressure generation groove and allowing a sealed fluid to flow between the introduction grooves adjacent to each other.