Slider Seal Assembly With Non-Circular Puck for Pressure Load Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal interfaces in gas turbine engines face challenges in reducing forces on internal components, leading to potential damage and inefficiency due to high pressure differentials.
Innovation Solution
A slider seal assembly featuring a washer with a non-circular cross-sectional geometry and a tubular puck with a matching non-circular cross-sectional geometry, allowing for axial sliding and accommodating thermal expansion, which reduces the surface area exposed to pressure and minimizes force on the fluid conduit and attached components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional circular seal interface is used, then the seal provides basic sealing function, but high pressure differentials create excessive forces on internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the seal interface from a conventional circular geometry to a non-circular geometry (such as triangular, rectangular, or other polygonal shapes). This asymmetric design reduces the surface area exposed to pressure differentials, thereby reducing the forces on internal components while maintaining effective sealing through the unique geometric configuration
2Force
If the seal surface area is reduced to minimize force, then force on components decreases, but sealing effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The non-circular geometry strategically reduces the surface area exposed to pressure differentials compared to a circular seal of equivalent outer dimension. The asymmetric shape distributes pressure forces more favorably and reduces the net force on the fluid conduit while maintaining sealing effectiveness through the geometric configuration
3Ease of manufacture
If a rigid seal geometry is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but thermal expansion causes binding and operational failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the seal with a non-circular geometry that provides clearance in specific directions to accommodate thermal expansion. The asymmetric shape allows the seal to expand and contract dynamically with temperature changes without binding, while maintaining proper sealing contact during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The non-circular geometry changes the physical parameters of the seal interface, creating varying clearance distances in different directions. This parameter variation allows the seal to accommodate thermal expansion differently than a circular seal, providing directional clearance that prevents binding during temperature cycles
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 assembly provides a compliant seal interface that reduces the force exerted by pressure differentials on internal components, minimizing damage and leakage, while accommodating thermal expansion and ensuring efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
The outer puck surface is sealingly engaged with and configured to slide axially along the inner washer surface
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided that includes a slider seal having a washer and a tubular puck. The washer includes an inner washer surface and an outer washer surface. The inner washer surface extends around an axis of the slider seal and has a non-circular cross-sectional geometry. The inner washer surface forms a washer bore axially through the washer. The outer washer surface extends around the axis and has a cross-sectional geometry with a shape that is different than a shape of the non-circular cross-sectional geometry. The tubular puck projects axially through the washer bore and includes an outer puck surface. The outer puck surface extends around the axis. The outer puck surface is sealingly engaged with and configured to slide axially along the inner washer surface.