Mechanical Seal Torque Sensing for Slide Ring Wear Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical seal assemblies face challenges in reliably determining the state of wear on sliding surfaces, particularly during contact events such as startup or pressure surges, which can lead to damage and necessitate premature replacement of slide rings.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical seal assembly incorporating a torque meter with a measuring unit and sensor, allowing direct torque measurement on the stationary slide ring, which detects position changes to assess wear through a groove in the slide ring, using optical, strain gauge, or piezo sensors, and a controller to compare torque values with thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If wear determination is based on leakage across the sealing gap, then wear can be detected, but the detection method is indirect and less reliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear detection accuracyVSAvoidwear detection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces indirect leakage-based wear detection with direct torque measurement using a torque meter. The torque meter includes a measuring unit with a sensor that directly measures the torque on the stationary slide ring, providing reliable and precise wear detection through mechanical measurement rather than indirect leakage observation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If direct torque measurement is implemented using a torque meter, then wear detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear detection reliabilityVSAvoidmechanical seal assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The torque meter is nested within the existing mechanical seal assembly structure. The measuring unit is integrated into the stationary slide ring assembly, with the sensor positioned to detect torque through the groove in the stationary slide ring. This nesting approach adds minimal structural complexity while achieving reliable torque measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The groove in the stationary slide ring acts as an intermediary element that allows the sensor to detect torque without requiring direct contact with the sliding surface. The measuring unit translates the torque-induced groove wall contact into a measurable sensor signal, simplifying the overall measurement system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the measuring unit is fixed to the housing with a foot, then torque measurement stability is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque measurement stabilityVSAvoidassembly manufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The torque meter is designed as a segmented assembly with the measuring unit separately mounted to the housing via a foot. This segmentation allows the measuring unit to be manufactured and calibrated independently, then assembled into the mechanical seal assembly, improving both manufacturing ease and measurement stability through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables quick and reliable detection of wear on sliding surfaces, facilitating timely replacement of slide rings and reducing damage by accurately measuring torque during normal operation and contact events.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor is configured to detect a position change of the measuring unit in the groove. In this case, the position change of the measuring unit is a measure for the torque exerted on the stationary slide ring.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPosition change detection:

Implementation Method 2

when a torque is introduced onto the stationary slide ring, the stationary slide ring moves in the peripheral direction, such that the free end of the flat rod undergoes a position change upon contact with a groove wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical displacement: Displacement

Data Source

PatentUS12480581B2Mechanical seal assembly comprising a torque meter, and method therefor

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 EAGLEBURGMANN GERMANY GMBH &CO KG

AI summary

The invention relates to a mechanical seal assembly, comprising a mechanical seal (2) having a rotating slide ring (3) and a stationary slide ring (4) which define a sealing gap (5) between their sliding surfaces (3a, 4a), and a torque meter (6) which is configured to detect a torque acting on the stationary slide ring (4), wherein the torque meter (6) comprises a measuring unit (7) and a sensor (9), wherein the measuring unit (7) is fixed by a foot (72) to a housing (8) and comprises a free end (71) which protrudes in a groove (40) formed in an outer periphery of the stationary slide ring (4), and wherein the sensor (9) is configured to detect a position change of the measuring unit (7) in the groove (40).