Segmented Circle Sealing Assembly for Motor Grader Gear Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing arrangements for motor graders are bulky, difficult to manufacture and assemble, and increase manufacturing costs due to the need for close tolerances, while also allowing debris and lubricant escape, which reduces the operable life of ring and pinion gears.
Innovation Solution
A sealing assembly comprising multiple cover segments with defined gaps and removably disposed sealing elements that snap fit into these gaps to provide a sealing engagement, effectively enclosing the ring gear and pinion gears while allowing for easy assembly and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single large and bulky cover and seal are used to seal the circle assembly, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the ease of manufacture and assembly is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The single large cover and seal are divided into multiple smaller cover segments and corresponding sealing elements. Each cover segment is associated with a separate sealing element that can be independently installed and removed. This segmentation makes the sealing arrangement easier to manufacture, assemble, and disassemble while maintaining effective sealing of the ring gear and pinion gear.
2Reliability
If close tolerances are used in the sealing arrangement to provide accurate mating surfaces, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sealing arrangement into multiple cover segments and sealing elements, the patent reduces the need for close tolerances on large mating surfaces. Each smaller sealing element requires less precise machining, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining effective sealing through the cumulative effect of multiple sealing interfaces.
3Reliability
If a single large cover and seal are used, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the ease of repair is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design allows individual sealing elements to be removed and replaced independently by simply detaching the associated cover segment. This modular approach significantly simplifies repair operations compared to a single large seal that would require complete disassembly, while maintaining effective sealing through the distributed sealing elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing assembly for a circle member of a motor grader is provided. The sealing assembly includes a plurality of cover segments disposed adjacent to an inner circumference of the circle member. At least one of the plurality of cover segments defines a gap in association with a component disposed adjacent to the at least one of the plurality of cover segments. The sealing assembly also includes a sealing element removably disposed on the at least one of the plurality of cover segments and extending into the gap. The sealing element is adapted to sealingly engage each of the at least one of the plurality of cover segments and the component.