Segmented Seal Ring Structure for Wear-Compensating Shaft Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seals for systems with rotating components are unsatisfactory in terms of long-term sealing effectiveness, particularly due to issues with wear and uneven readjustment during relative movement.
Innovation Solution
A seal design featuring a main ring and two side rings, subjected to spring forces, with the side rings pressed apart and the main ring compressed, ensuring reliable sealing by allowing for readjustment without relative movement, using materials with varying coefficients of friction and a spring element to distribute forces evenly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seal uses compression springs to press the sealing ring against the shaft, then the sealing effect is improved, but the readjustment requires relative movement which causes uneven wear and sticking
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into three separate rings (two side rings and one main ring) instead of a single sealing ring. This segmentation allows each ring to perform its specific function independently - the side rings provide sealing against the stator/rotor while the main ring seals against the shaft, enabling readjustment without relative movement between the main ring and shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements are designed to dynamically adjust the positioning of the side rings relative to the main ring. As wear occurs, the springs automatically allow the side rings to move axially while maintaining constant sealing pressure, providing self-adjusting functionality without requiring relative movement of the main ring on the shaft.
2Reliability
If the side rings are pressed against the main ring with spring force, then the sealing integrity is improved, but the friction and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different rings are made from materials with different friction characteristics optimized for their specific sealing locations. The main ring uses high-friction material for reliable sealing against the shaft, while the side rings use low-friction materials (PTFE, PEEK, or carbon-based) to reduce wear during rotation against the stator/rotor, thereby extending service life while maintaining sealing integrity.
3Reliability
If the main ring is compressed in the axial direction, then the sealing effect is improved, but the complexity of assembly and manufacturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements serve dual functions: they compress the main ring axially to ensure proper sealing contact while simultaneously pressing the side rings against the main ring. This merging of functions into a single component simplifies the overall structure and assembly process compared to using separate compression mechanisms for each ring.
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 provides a durable and effective sealing solution that maintains sealing integrity despite wear, preventing leakage of substances like lubricants, with a design that allows for cost-effective manufacturing and easy assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The rings are subjected to a spring force in such a way that the side rings are pressed apart in an axial direction and the main ring is pressed in the direction of the shaft or axle
Implementation Method 2
Each of the side rings is in sealing contact with the main ring on the one hand and has a sealing point for sealing against the stator or the rotor on the other
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a seal and a system with two mutually related components and a seal.