Slide Ring Wear Measurement Using Integrated Resistance Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical seals suffer from wear-induced failures due to contact during startup and operation, leading to potential leakage of sealed media, with existing wear detection methods being costly and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A stationary sliding ring with an integrated wear measuring device that detects wear on its sliding surface by monitoring changes in electrical resistance, using a recess filled with electrically conductive material and connected to a voltage source through bores, allowing continuous monitoring and precise wear detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If wear detection is implemented using existing methods, then wear detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wear measuring device is integrated directly into the stationary sliding ring by embedding conductive material within the ring structure itself. The measuring area is formed as part of the sliding ring body, with supply and return lines embedded within the ring, eliminating the need for separate external measuring devices and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical wear measurement systems with a simple electrical resistance measurement system. Instead of using mechanical gauges or sensors, the invention uses electrical conductivity changes in the sliding ring material to detect wear, significantly simplifying the measurement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If wear detection is implemented using existing methods, then wear detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear detection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive material is integrated during the manufacturing process of the sliding ring itself, combining two manufacturing operations into one. This eliminates the need for separate assembly of measuring devices and reduces overall manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical resistance measurement system is significantly cheaper to manufacture than mechanical wear measurement systems. The simple electrical circuit with voltage source and resistance measurement requires minimal components compared to mechanical gauges, reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If continuous wear monitoring is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous feedback monitoring by constantly measuring the electrical resistance of the sliding ring and comparing it against reference values. This feedback mechanism provides real-time wear information, enabling continuous monitoring while maintaining system simplicity through the use of basic electrical measurement principles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The wear monitoring operates continuously during the entire service life of the sliding ring through constant electrical resistance measurement. The measuring device remains active throughout operation, providing uninterrupted wear data without requiring periodic manual inspections or complex intermittent measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Enables reliable and cost-effective detection of wear, allowing for timely replacement of seal rings, preventing sudden failures and leakage, and facilitating planned maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

The wear measuring device (6) is designed to detect the current wear of the stationary sliding ring (4) on its sliding surface (40) based on a change in an electrical parameter, in particular based on a change in electrical resistance of the electrical circuit of the wear measuring device (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP4419818B1Slide ring with wear measuring device and slide ring sealing arrangement having such a slide ring
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 EAGLEBURGMANN GERMANY GMBH &CO KG
  • EP4419818B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4419818B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4419818B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a stationary slide ring of a slide ring sealing arrangement, comprising a main body (41) having a sliding surface (40) and a wear measuring device (6), which is arranged on the main body (41) in order to detect wear of the sliding surface (40) of the stationary slide guide based on a change in an electrical quantity, wherein the wear measuring device (6) has an electrical voltage source (60), a measuring area (6a) on the sliding surface (40), an electrical supply line (61), which electrically connects the voltage source (60) to the measuring area (6a), and an electrical return line (62), which electrically connects the measuring area (6a) to the voltage source (60), and wherein the measuring area (6a) is arranged in a depression (42) in the sliding surface (40).