Segmented Guide Bodies for Metal Bellows Friction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guiding devices for metal bellows, such as guide rings, are complex to produce and require openings for media passage, leading to increased production efforts and mass inertia, which affects the service life and operating behavior during expansion and contraction.
Innovation Solution
A guiding device comprising separate guide bodies with a U-shaped profile, which are clamped to the peripheral edge of the sealing body, eliminating the need for media passages and reducing mass inertia, allowing for simpler production and improved sliding properties using plastic materials like PTFE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a guide ring is used to guide the bellows end body, then guidance function is achieved, but production complexity increases and mass inertia increases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous guide ring is segmented into multiple separate guide bodies arranged circumferentially around the bellows end body. Each guide body is an independent component with simplified geometry, eliminating the need for complex L-shaped cross-sections and welding operations. The guide bodies are positioned at specific intervals rather than forming a complete ring, reducing overall material usage and production complexity while maintaining effective guidance through distributed contact points.
2Reliability
If a guide ring is used to guide the bellows end body, then guidance function is achieved, but openings for media passage must be provided increasing production efforts
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the continuous guide ring into discrete guide bodies positioned at intervals, the structure naturally creates gaps between components. These gaps serve as passive media passage openings without requiring any additional machining or drilling operations. The segmented configuration allows fluid or gas to flow freely through the spaces between guide bodies, eliminating the need for separately provided openings and associated production efforts.
3Reliability
If a guide ring extending over entire periphery is used, then guidance function is achieved, but mass inertia increases affecting response behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The guide ring is replaced by multiple discrete guide bodies positioned at specific circumferential intervals. This segmentation significantly reduces the total mass of the guiding structure compared to a continuous ring, as material is removed from non-critical regions. The reduced mass lowers the moment of inertia, enabling faster response to bellows expansion and contraction movements while maintaining guidance effectiveness through the distributed arrangement of guide bodies.
4Reliability
If a guide ring is used, then guidance function is achieved, but friction increases affecting operating behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous contact surface of a guide ring is replaced by multiple discrete contact points formed by individual guide bodies. This segmentation reduces the total surface area in contact with the bellows end body, thereby reducing cumulative friction forces. The distributed arrangement of guide bodies allows for more uniform load distribution and reduces stress concentration, improving operating behavior and reducing wear during bellows expansion and contraction cycles.
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 enhances the service life and operating behavior by reducing friction and weight, enabling more efficient guidance and centering of the bellows during expansion and contraction, particularly in hydraulic accumulators.
Implementation Method 1
operating behavior is also improved by guidance taking place with reduced friction
Implementation Method 2
the guide shoes, by overlapping the peripheral edge of the cup forming the sealing body and due to their elasticity, can be clamped to the peripheral edge in the manner of a clip
Data Source
AI summary
A guiding device for a metal bellows (3), on at least one bellows end (37) movable along the wall of a housing (10) during the expansion and contraction of the bellows (3). A guiding element is provided between the end body and the housing (10). The guiding element is formed by a plurality of separate guiding bodies (49) disposed in intervals from each other on the circumference of the end body (39).