Segmented Seal Structure for Thermal Expansion and Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing seal devices for power equipment, such as gas turbines, face issues with abrasion and cracking due to relative displacement and thermal expansion, leading to a loss of seal properties over time.
Innovation Solution
A seal device configuration featuring a first and second seal member inserted into grooves of adjacent components, with a partitioning member extending between them, allowing for relative movement and flexibility to absorb displacement and deformation, reducing friction and internal stress, and maintaining seal properties over a long period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plate-shaped seal device is used to seal clearance between coupled platforms, then sealing function is achieved, but abrasion and cracking occur due to relative displacement and thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The seal device is divided into multiple independent seal members (first seal member and second seal member) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows each seal member to independently accommodate local displacements and deformations without transmitting stress to the entire seal structure, preventing abrasion and cracking while maintaining sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal device transitions from a rigid plate structure to a dynamic structure with movable components. The first and second seal members can move relative to each other along the groove, enabling the seal to adapt to thermal expansion and vibration-induced displacements during operation, thereby maintaining seal integrity over extended service life.
2Reliability
If a rigid plate-shaped seal device contacts groove inner surfaces, then sealing is achieved, but locally-strong friction force causes abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The seal device incorporates movable seal members that can slide relative to each other, transforming the sealing mechanism from static contact to dynamic adaptation. This allows the seal to follow groove displacements caused by vibration and thermal expansion, maintaining contact with groove surfaces while reducing localized friction forces that cause abrasion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the seal device by introducing relative movement capability between seal members. This parameter change allows the seal to accommodate groove deformations and displacements, maintaining effective sealing contact while minimizing friction-induced wear through controlled relative motion.
3Ease of operation
If a plate-shaped seal device is subjected to thermal expansion and vibration, then operation is maintained, but internal stress causes cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The seal device is segmented into multiple independent seal members connected through a partitioning member. This segmentation isolates internal stresses generated by thermal expansion and vibration to individual segments, preventing stress accumulation and propagation that would lead to cracking in a monolithic plate structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal device incorporates dynamic elements that allow relative movement between components, enabling the structure to absorb and dissipate stresses from thermal expansion and vibration. This dynamic capability maintains operational stability while preserving structural integrity by preventing stress-induced cracking.
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 seal device effectively follows relative displacement and deformation, minimizing friction and stress, thereby maintaining seal integrity and preventing abrasion and cracking, ensuring long-term seal performance.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first and second seal members and the partitioning member move relative to each other, and therefore, the seal device can follow the displacement, deformation, etc.
Implementation Method 2
By such relative movement, locally-strong friction force is generated, leading to abrasion of the seal device
Implementation Method 3
the seal device can follow the displacement, deformation, etc. Thus, the seal members can be easily equally brought into contact with inner surfaces of the grooves
Implementation Method 4
the seal device is pressed by purge air and comes into contact with an inner surface of each groove, and therefore, can seal a clearance between the coupled platforms
Data Source
AI summary
A seal device is configured so that seal properties can be held over a long period of time. A seal device 1 inserted into and disposed between grooves each formed at first and second components which are adjacent to each other and collectively form a housing structure includes a first seal member inserted into the groove of the first component, a second seal member inserted into the groove of the second component, and a partitioning member extending between the first and second seal members to partition a space between the grooves of the first and second components and arranged movably relative to the first and second seal members.