Sliding Surface Sealing Structure for Seal Position Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

During the rotation of a rotating member, the sealing member can be displaced from its predetermined position due to sliding contact, leading to abnormal noise, abrasion, and reductions in torque and rotation.

Innovation Solution

A sliding surface sealing structure is implemented, which includes a wall surface to hold the sealing member, an opposing surface with a gap, and protruding portions that constrain the sealing member's position, preventing displacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sealing member is brought into contact with a circumferential surface of a rotating member to block a gap, then sealing function is improved, but the sealing member may be displaced from predetermined position causing abnormal noise and abrasion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing functionVSAvoidabnormal noise and abrasion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing structure is divided into multiple functional components: a sealing member for blocking gaps, a wall surface for holding the sealing member, and protruding portions for positional constraint. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving overall reliability while preventing harmful effects through dedicated constraint mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protruding portions act as intermediary elements between the sealing member and the rotating member. These protrusions provide mechanical guidance and constraint, mediating the interaction between the sealing member and rotating member to prevent displacement while maintaining sealing contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a sealing member makes sliding contact with a circumferential surface during rotation, then sealing function is maintained, but the sealing member suffers from abrasion and deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing functionVSAvoidservice life of sealing member

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The protruding portions are pre-configured to provide guidance and constraint before the sealing member undergoes wear. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures proper positioning from the start of operation, preventing abnormal sliding and reducing abrasion throughout the service life of the sealing member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the sealing structure by adding protruding portions with specific shapes and positions. This parameter modification creates optimal contact conditions that reduce friction and wear while maintaining sealing effectiveness throughout the operational duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the sealing member is constrained by protruding portions, then positional displacement is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositional stabilityVSAvoidsealing structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protruding portions are merged with the wall surface to form an integrated sealing structure. This combination achieves positional constraint functionality without requiring separate components, thereby preventing displacement while minimizing increases in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wall surface serves multiple functions: it provides the primary sealing contact surface, holds the sealing member in place, and includes integrated protruding portions for positional constraint. This multi-functionality achieves reliable positioning without adding separate dedicated components, reducing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 sealing structure effectively prevents positional displacement of the sealing member, reducing abnormal noise, enhancing wear resistance and durability, and maintaining torque and rotation efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a protruding portion protruding from the opposing surface toward the sealing member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a sealing member that makes sliding contact with a circumferential surface of the rotating member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12326188B2Sliding surface sealing structure, gear box, and motor unit

Publication Date: 2025.06.10 MABUCHI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A sliding surface sealing structure is a structure that seals a sliding surface between a rotating member that rotates about an axis and a sealing member that makes sliding contact with a circumferential surface of the rotating member, and includes: a wall surface configured to hold the sealing member between the wall surface and the circumferential surface of the rotating member; an opposing surface facing the sealing member with a gap therebetween; and a protruding portion protruding from the opposing surface toward the sealing member.