Slide Ring Seal Release Protection for Axial Repositioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mechanical seal arrangements with diamond-coated seal rings used for contaminated media face issues with axial movement and contamination, leading to potential misalignment and damage due to the absence of a secure non-positive connection, which complicates repositioning and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical seal arrangement featuring a rotating and stationary seal ring with a bellows element for axial repositioning, a disengagement safety device with an inner sleeve and radially outward web, and a spring element for secure axial movement, allowing for a diamond-coated seal ring without shrinkage, and a secondary sealing element to prevent contamination and facilitate non-destructive dismantling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a diamond-coated sliding ring is used to seal contaminated media, then service life is extended, but the sliding ring cannot be shrunk onto a sleeve and must be arranged loosely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoidmounting method
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure is segmented into a separate disengagement prevention device that does not require shrink-fitting the sliding ring. The sliding ring remains a separate component that can be loosely mounted on the sleeve, while the disengagement prevention device (comprising a shoulder on the sleeve and a corresponding protrusion on the sliding ring) prevents axial displacement without requiring interference fitting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the sliding ring is arranged loosely to allow axial movement, then repositioning is enabled, but dirt particles may enter the gap and cause misalignment or warping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepositioning capabilityVSAvoidalignment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A disengagement prevention device acts as an intermediary between the sliding ring and the sleeve. It consists of a shoulder on the sleeve and a corresponding protrusion on the sliding ring that engage to prevent axial displacement. This intermediary structure allows the sliding ring to be freely movable for repositioning while simultaneously preventing dirt-induced misalignment by maintaining proper axial positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If shrink-fitting is used to prevent disengagement, then axial movement is prevented, but the sliding ring cannot have a diamond coating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisengagement preventionVSAvoidcoating compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The disengagement prevention function is segmented from the mounting connection. Instead of using shrink-fitting that would compromise the diamond coating, the invention uses a separate disengagement prevention device with a shoulder-protrusion engagement mechanism. This allows the sliding ring to be loosely mounted without interference fitting, preserving the diamond coating integrity while still preventing axial disengagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If the sliding ring is freely movable in the axial direction, then no shrinkage process is needed, but unwanted disengagement may occur during axial movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly processVSAvoidaxial position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The disengagement prevention device serves as an intermediary mechanism that enables free axial movement for assembly while preventing unwanted disengagement during operation. The shoulder on the sleeve and the corresponding protrusion on the sliding ring create a mechanical stop that maintains axial position stability without requiring shrink-fitting or complex assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Ensures secure axial repositioning and operational reliability by preventing contamination and allowing for non-destructive replacement of the seal ring, maintaining the seal's integrity and extending its service life.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element arranged between the web of the inner sleeve and the contact surface of the rotating sliding ring. The spring element provides a spring force in the axial direction and ensures a backlash-free connection between the inner sleeve and the rotating sliding ring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

sliding rings with a diamond coating are often used. However, due to the coating, such a sliding ring cannot be shrunk onto a sleeve or similar component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiamond coating: Diamond-like Carbon

Data Source

PatentEP3311046B1Slide ring seal arrangement comprising release protection
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 EAGLEBURGMANN GERMANY GMBH &CO KG
  • EP3311046B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3311046B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3311046B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a slide ring seal arrangement, comprising a rotating slide ring (2) and a stationary slide ring (3) which together delimit a sealing gap (4), wherein the rotating slide ring (2) comprises a radially inwards orientated recess (20) having a contact surface (21), a bellows element (10) for adjusting the rotating slide ring (2) in an axial direction (X-X) of the slide ring seal arrangement, and a release protection (5) for the rotating slide ring (2), wherein the release protection (5) comprises an inner sleeve (6) with a radially outward orientated ridge (60), which limits a movement of the rotating slide ring (2) in the axial direction (X-X), and wherein the rotating slide ring (2) is arranged to be able to move freely in the axial direction (X-X) on the inner sleeve (6).