Sealing Device Labyrinth Lip Notch Absorbs Swelling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hub bearing seals suffer from reduced sealing performance due to deformation of the labyrinth lip when exposed to foreign materials, leading to a higher risk of foreign materials entering the bearing.
Innovation Solution
A sealing device with a sliding lip and a labyrinth lip, featuring a notch portion at the leading end of the labyrinth lip to absorb swelling, and optionally a second labyrinth lip on the inside to prevent foreign material entry, with notch portions arranged circumferentially to enhance sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the labyrinth lip is exposed to foreign material in the machine outside, then the sliding lip protecting function is provided, but the labyrinth lip swells and deforms causing loss of function
Solution Approach 1:
The labyrinth lip is divided into multiple circumferential segments separated by notch portions. This segmentation allows each segment to swell independently when exposed to foreign material, preventing overall deformation while maintaining the protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The notch portions change the physical parameters of the labyrinth lip by creating gaps that accommodate dimensional changes during swelling. This allows the lip to absorb volume increase without losing its structural integrity or sealing function.
2Reliability
If a labyrinth lip is added to protect the sliding lip, then sealing performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The labyrinth lip is integrated with the sliding lip as a single unit, where the labyrinth portion extends from the sliding lip body. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining both protective functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The labyrinth lip serves multiple functions: it protects the sliding lip from foreign material, creates a sealing barrier, and the notch portions provide swelling accommodation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
3Force
If the labyrinth lip is made contactless to reduce sliding torque, then friction is reduced, but the lip is more susceptible to deformation from foreign material exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The notch portions are pre-designed to accommodate swelling before it causes deformation. This beforehand cushioning allows the labyrinth lip to absorb the impact of foreign material exposure and swelling without losing its non-contact sealing capability.
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 notch portions prevent deformation of the labyrinth lip, maintaining sealing and sliding lip protection functions, even when exposed to foreign materials, thereby improving the overall sealing performance and resistance to muddy water and salt water.
Implementation Method 1
a notch portion for absorbing swelling of the labyrinth lip when the labyrinth lip is exposed to the foreign material and is swollen is provided in a leading end portion of the labyrinth lip
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is a sealing device which comprises a sliding lip and a labyrinth lip, the sealing device being configured in such a manner that, even if the labyrinth lip is exposed to foreign matter outside a machine and swells, the deformation of the labyrinth lip is prevented and therefore the sliding lip-protecting function of the labyrinth lip is less likely to be lost. A sealing device is provided with: a sliding lip which performs sealing so that foreign matter outside a machine does not enter the inside of the machine; and a labyrinth lip which makes it less likely that foreign matter outside the machine reaches the sliding lip. The sealing device is characterized in that the front end of the labyrinth lip is provided with a cutout which absorbs the swelling of the labyrinth lip occurring when the labyrinth lip is exposed to foreign matter. Alternatively, the sealing device is characterized in that a second labyrinth lip is provided on the side of the labyrinth lip with which faces the inside of the machine. Alternatively, the sealing device is characterized in that a similar cutout is provided also in the front end of the second labyrinth lip.