Annular Sealing Assembly for Shock-Absorber Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing assemblies for one-pipe hydraulic shock absorbers are bulky, complex to assemble, and perform poorly at low temperatures, particularly below -15°C, due to their design and materials used.
Innovation Solution
A compact sealing assembly featuring an elastomeric sealing ring with an integrated annular sealing lip and a reinforcing structure made of a more rigid material, which is partly embedded within the ring, providing mechanical support and maintaining performance at low temperatures, and is easier to assemble.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional sealing assembly with multiple separate parts (rubber pad, lock washer, contrasting member) is used, then the sealing function is achieved, but the assembly becomes bulky and complex to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing ring, reinforcing structure, and guiding liner into a single integrated assembly. The sealing ring is molded as one piece with the reinforcing structure embedded within it, eliminating the need for separate lock washers and contrasting members. This merging reduces the number of parts and simplifies assembly while maintaining the sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction by embedding a rigid reinforcing structure (metal or rigid plastic) within the elastomeric sealing ring. This composite design provides both the flexibility needed for sealing and the rigidity needed for structural support, replacing multiple separate metal and rubber parts with a single composite component.
2Reliability
If a conventional sealing assembly with multiple separate parts is used, then the sealing function is achieved, but the assembly becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (sealing ring, reinforcing structure, guiding liner) into a single integrated assembly. The reinforcing structure is embedded within the sealing ring, and the guiding liner is incorporated into the same housing, significantly reducing the overall volume occupied by the sealing assembly compared to conventional multi-part designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies nesting by placing the reinforcing structure inside the sealing ring, and the guiding liner inside the same housing structure. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, reducing the overall bulk of the assembly.
3Reliability
If a rubber pad made of FKM elastomer is used, then the sealing function is achieved, but the performance worsens at temperatures below minus 15° C.
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure with the elastomeric sealing ring combined with a reinforcing structure made of material that maintains flexibility at low temperatures. This composite design allows the sealing function to be maintained while improving low-temperature performance through the embedded rigid yet flexible reinforcing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the sealing assembly by incorporating a reinforcing structure that changes the mechanical properties of the overall assembly. This allows the sealing ring to maintain its sealing capability while the reinforcing structure provides dimensional stability across a wider temperature range, including temperatures below -15°C.
4Temperature
If a sealing assembly with integrated reinforcing structure is used, then low temperature performance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing ring and reinforcing structure into a single molded component. The reinforcing structure is embedded within the elastomeric material during the molding process, creating a single integrated part that can be manufactured in one operation, thereby simplifying production despite the complex internal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal sealing assembly design where the integrated reinforcing structure serves multiple functions: providing structural support, maintaining low-temperature flexibility, and guiding the sealing ring's movement. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single manufacturing process, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining performance.
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 ensures excellent performance at very low temperatures, reduces assembly complexity and bulk, and maintains performance across a wide temperature range, while being cost-effective and easy to produce.
Implementation Method 1
an annular reinforcing structure made of material which is at least partly elastically deformable but relatively much more rigid than the elastomeric material of the sealing ring
Implementation Method 2
a sealing ring made of elastomeric material and having, integrally in one piece, at least one elastically deformable, annular sealing lip
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing assembly including a sealing ring made of elastomeric material and having, integrally in one piece, at least one elastically deformable, annular sealing lip, at least part of which projects axially from and radially inwards of the sealing ring, from a respective root portion adjacent to a first axial end of the sealing ring, and towards a second axial end, opposite the first, of the sealing ring; and an annular reinforcing structure made of material which is elastically deformable but relatively much more rigid than the elastomeric material of the sealing ring and relative lip, and at least partly embedded in the sealing ring; wherein the reinforcing structure extends at least partly in an axial direction, at least partly alongside but on the opposite side to the sealing lip; the sealing lip being designed to define, when undeformed, a predetermined radial clearance between itself and a radially inner lateral wall of the sealing ring.