Integrated Shaft Seal Ring Assembly for Low-Leakage Rotary Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The leaf seal device, while effective in reducing leakage and having a long lifespan, tends to be costly due to its complex structure with multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A shaft seal device comprising a plurality of thin plates arranged circumferentially around a rotational shaft and a seal ring with a groove for mounting these plates, reducing the number of components and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a leaf seal is used to reduce leakage rate, then the leakage rate decreases and service life increases, but the device cost increases due to large number of components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (thin plates, seal ring, retaining ring, and spring) into an integrated shaft seal device where the seal ring serves as both a structural support and a mounting structure for the thin plates. The retaining ring and spring are integrated into a unified assembly that simplifies installation and reduces the number of discrete parts while maintaining the leaf seal's effectiveness in reducing leakage rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal ring performs multiple functions: it provides structural support, mounts the thin plates, and works with the retaining ring and spring to maintain sealing pressure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a leaf seal with multiple components is used, then sealing performance improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the seal ring, retaining ring, and spring into an integrated assembly, the patent reduces manufacturing steps and assembly operations. This integration maintains sealing performance while reducing manufacturing cost through simplified production processes and reduced labor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin plates are pre-mounted onto the seal ring during manufacturing, creating a pre-assembled unit that simplifies final installation. This preliminary action reduces on-site assembly complexity and manufacturing cost while ensuring proper sealing performance is achieved.
3Reliability
If multiple thin plates and components are used in the seal device, then leakage reduction is effective, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the seal ring, retaining ring, and spring into a unified assembly reduces the number of separate assembly steps. The thin plates are pre-mounted on the seal ring, and the retaining ring with spring is installed as a single unit, significantly simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining effective leakage reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin plates are pre-assembled onto the seal ring during manufacturing, creating a ready-to-install module. This preliminary assembly action reduces on-site installation complexity and ensures proper positioning, making the overall assembly process easier while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A shaft seal device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of thin plates arranged in a circumferential direction of a rotational shaft and each having a width in an axial direction of the rotational shaft and a seal ring including a seal mounting groove for mounting the plurality of thin plates. An inner wall of the seal mounting groove on one side in the axial direction has a groove formed along the circumferential direction, in an inner region in a radial direction of the rotational shaft.