Integrated Cooling Channels in Slip Ring Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical seals used in hydrodynamic machines, such as hydrodynamic retarders, are complex with many individual parts, requiring costly assembly and potentially prone to errors, and often require additional inserts for cooling circuits that occupy valuable space and increase production costs.
Innovation Solution
The mechanical seal features groove-shaped cooling channels integrated into the slide rings, eliminating the need for separate cooling inserts and optimizing heat transfer by allowing coolant to flow through the slide rings themselves, with strategically placed inlet and outlet lines and conveying ribs to enhance circulation and pressure, thereby simplifying assembly and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a separate insert is used for coolant guidance in the mechanical seal, then the cooling circuit can be established, but the device complexity increases and installation space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channels are integrated directly into the sliding rings as groove-shaped features, merging the cooling function with the existing sealing components. This eliminates the need for separate cooling inserts while maintaining effective coolant flow through the sealing surfaces, thereby reducing device complexity without compromising cooling performance
2Temperature
If a separate insert is used for coolant guidance, then the cooling circuit can be established, but the volume of the mechanical seal increases due to installation space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channels are integrated directly into the sliding rings as groove-shaped features, merging the cooling function with the existing sealing components. This eliminates the need for separate cooling inserts while maintaining effective coolant flow through the sealing surfaces, thereby reducing device complexity without compromising cooling performance
3Temperature
If many individual parts are used in the mechanical seal, then the cooling function can be implemented, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channels are integrated directly into the sliding rings as groove-shaped features, merging the cooling function with the existing sealing components. This eliminates the need for separate cooling inserts while maintaining effective coolant flow through the sealing surfaces, thereby reducing device complexity without compromising cooling performance
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding rings serve dual functions: they provide sealing contact with the counter ring and simultaneously guide the coolant through their integrated groove-shaped cooling channels. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts needed in the mechanical seal assembly
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
This design results in a more compact, cost-effective, and efficient cooling system that effectively dissipates frictional heat, reducing the risk of assembly errors and improving the mechanical seal's thermal performance and service life.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid-flowable cooling circuit (1) with a liquid inlet (2) and a liquid outlet (3), wherein the first sliding ring (4) has at least one first cooling channel (11) and the second sliding ring (5) has at least one second cooling channel (13)
Implementation Method 2
The sliding rings themselves therefore perform the function of guiding the coolant through the mechanical seal. This optimizes heat transfer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Mechanical seal comprising a liquid-flowable cooling circuit (1) with a liquid inlet (2) and a liquid outlet (3), a first sliding ring (4), a second sliding ring (5) arranged coaxially to the first sliding ring (4), and a counter ring (6), wherein the sliding rings (4, 5) and the counter ring (6) each have at least one sealing surface (7, 8, 9, 10), wherein the at least one sealing surface (7, 8) of the sliding rings (4, 5) each contact the at least one sealing surface (9, 10) of the counter ring (6) in a sealing manner, wherein the first sliding ring (4) has at least one first cooling channel (11) which is designed as an inlet (12) or outlet to or from the sealing surfaces (7, 8, 9, 10), wherein the second sliding ring (5) has at least one second cooling channel (13) which is designed as an outlet (14) or inlet to or from the sealing surfaces (7, 8, 9, 10) is trained,wherein the inlet (12) or outlet of the first sliding ring (4) and the outlet (14) or inlet of the second sliding ring (5) are arranged on the circumferential sides (16, 17) of the sliding rings (4, 5) facing each other in the radial direction (15) and form an integral part of the respective sliding ring (4, 5) and wherein the liquid inlet (2) is flow-conductingly connected to the inlet (12) and the liquid outlet (3) to the outlet (14).