Self-Suctioning Mechanical Seal Assembly Without Barrier Gas Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical seal assemblies in the automotive sector face challenges due to the high cost and space requirements of tandem designs with sealing gas devices, which are necessary for reliable sealing but increase capital and operational expenses.
Innovation Solution
A self-suctioning mechanical seal assembly that aspirates a barrier gas independently, eliminating the need for a separate sealing gas device by using a rotating and stationary slide ring with grooves and a gas supply line to create suction pressure, allowing air to be aspirated into the sealing gap, thus reducing costs and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing gas device is used to provide barrier gas for sealing, then reliable sealing of the mechanical seal assembly is achieved, but capital expenditure and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the barrier gas supply function directly into the mechanical seal assembly by integrating a gas supply line with a supply opening that communicates with the sealing gap. This merging eliminates the need for separate sealing gas devices while maintaining reliable sealing, thereby reducing device complexity and costs without compromising sealing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical seal assembly is designed to self-supply barrier gas through its own integrated gas supply line and supply opening. The system serves itself by incorporating the gas supply functionality within the seal assembly structure, eliminating dependency on external sealing gas devices and reducing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If a tandem design with a second mechanical seal is implemented, then sealing reliability is improved, but installation space and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the barrier gas supply function into the single mechanical seal assembly, eliminating the need for a tandem design with a second seal. By integrating the gas supply line and supply opening directly into the seal assembly, the system achieves reliable sealing in a compact configuration, reducing installation space while maintaining sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical seal assembly is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the primary sealing element and as the barrier gas supply system. The stationary slide ring incorporates both the sealing surface and the gas supply opening, allowing a single component to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate seals and gas devices
3Reliability
If a separate sealing gas device is used, then barrier gas supply is ensured, but manufacturing cost and investment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the barrier gas supply function directly into the mechanical seal assembly by integrating a gas supply line with a supply opening that communicates with the sealing gap. This merging eliminates the need for separate sealing gas devices while maintaining reliable sealing, thereby reducing device complexity and costs without compromising sealing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical seal assembly is designed to self-supply barrier gas through its own integrated gas supply line and supply opening. The system serves itself by incorporating the gas supply functionality within the seal assembly structure, eliminating dependency on external sealing gas devices and reducing overall system complexity
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 design enables reliable sealing of liquid media without additional sealing gas devices, reducing both investment and operating costs, and allows for the use of mechanical seals in a wide range of applications, including automotive, without the need for compressors or complex gas supply systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the two sliding surfaces of the slide rings comprises grooves for gas conveyance... The grooves in at least one of the sliding surfaces of the slide rings thus generate an appropriate suction pressure for aspirating the gas through the through hole and the gas supply line
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a mechanical seal assembly comprising a slide ring seal (2) having a rotating slide ring (3) with a first slide surface (30) and a stationary slide ring (4) with a second slide surface (40), a sealing gap (5) being defined between the first and second slide surfaces, the stationary slide ring (4) having a through hole (42) extending from a rear side (41) of the stationary slide ring to an orifice (43) of the second slide surface (40) and a gas supply line (8) extending from a gas source to an inlet (44) of the through hole (42) at the rear side of the stationary slide ring, wherein grooves (6, 7) are formed in at least one of the sliding surfaces (30, 40), the grooves being arranged in radial direction between the orifice (43) of the through hole (42) and a radially outer outlet portion (50) of the sealing gap (5).