Slinger Groove Sealing Structure for Static Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional end-face contact-type sealing apparatuses face static leakage issues when the slinger is stopped, leading to increased sliding resistance, which is undesirable for reducing fuel consumption in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A sealing apparatus with a slinger featuring shallow grooves, each with a depth of equal to or less than 10 µm, intersecting with the seal lip contact area to prevent static leakage without increasing sliding resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a seal lip on the inner periphery side is added to prevent static leakage, then static leakage is prevented, but sliding resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the grooves by strictly controlling their depth to be 5 µm or less. This parameter optimization allows the grooves to prevent static leakage while minimizing their impact on sliding resistance, resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and frictional force
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different functional properties to different regions: the shallow grooves provide static leakage prevention at specific locations, while the overall seal lip structure maintains low sliding resistance. The localized groove structure ensures that sealing function is enhanced without proportionally increasing friction
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 apparatus effectively prevents static leakage while maintaining low sliding resistance, as demonstrated by evaluation tests showing no leakage for extended periods with groove depths of 8 µm or less.
Implementation Method 1
the slinger has a plurality of shallow grooves... a depth of each of the grooves is equal to or less than 10 μm... the groove intersects with a portion where the seal lip contacts
Data Source
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AI summary
A sealing apparatus which can prevent static leakage of a target to be sealed without increasing sliding resistance with respect to a shaft is provided. A sealing apparatus (1) includes a sealing apparatus body (2) and a slinger (3), and the sealing apparatus body (2) includes an annular reinforcing ring (10) and an annular elastic body portion (20). The slinger (3) includes a flange portion (31) which is an annular portion extending toward an outer periphery side. The elastic body portion (20) includes an annular end-face lip (21) which extends toward an inner side and which contacts an outer side surface (31d) of the flange portion (31). At least one shallow groove (33) is formed on the outer side surface (31d) of the flange portion (31) of the slinger (3).