Sealing Device with Segmented Elastic Lips for Rolling Bearing Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large-diameter work rolls, the sealing device experiences excessive wear due to non-uniform axial forces and differential peripheral speeds between inner rings, leading to shortened service life.
Innovation Solution
The sealing device incorporates an annular elastic portion with a thick and thin portion, featuring a fixed lip on the inner or outer peripheral surface and a sliding lip on the opposite surface, which reduces twisting and wear by allowing the sliding lip to move relative to the other annular member, while the fixed lip remains stationary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sealing device uses a conventional configuration with four seal lips contacting the inner rings, then the sealing function is achieved, but the wear of the seal lips becomes large when the inner ring diameter is very large
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic portion is divided into a thick portion and a thin portion, with different lip configurations on each. The thick portion has fixed lips that remain stationary, while the thin portion has sliding lips that can move circumferentially. This segmentation allows different regions of the sealing device to handle different functional requirements, reducing overall wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device transitions from a fully fixed configuration to a dynamic configuration where the sliding lips can move circumferentially relative to the thin portion. This dynamic capability allows the sliding lips to accommodate rotational differences between the first and second inner rings, preventing excessive twisting and wear when the inner ring diameter is large.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the second inner ring rotates relative to the first inner ring due to nonuniform axial forces, then the sealing device must accommodate this rotation, but the seal lips experience excessive twisting and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding lips are designed to move circumferentially on the thin portion, creating a dynamic sealing interface that can accommodate rotational movement between the first and second inner rings. This dynamic capability allows the sealing device to adapt to the rotation caused by nonuniform axial forces without causing excessive twisting to the seal lips.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the elastic portion have different properties: the thick portion provides structural support and houses fixed lips for stable sealing, while the thin portion provides flexibility and houses sliding lips that can move to accommodate rotation. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally.
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
This configuration significantly prolongs the service life of the sealing device by minimizing wear on both lips, even when the second inner ring rotates relative to the first, by preventing excessive circumferential twisting and allowing for lubrication of the sliding lip.
Implementation Method 1
an annular elastic portion, wherein the elastic portion includes a thick portion and a thin portion which extends from the thick portion in an axial direction of the elastic portion and has a thinner thickness in a radial direction than the thick portion
Data Source
AI summary
This sealing device has an annular metal core portion and an annular elastic portion. The elastic portion has a thick portion and a thin portion which extends from the thick portion in an axial direction of the elastic portion and has a thinner thickness in a radial direction than the thick portion. A fixed lip is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the thick portion, and a sliding lip is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the thin portion.