Speed Reducer Seal Layout to Limit Lubrication Region Growth
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Solution Overview
Problem
The enlargement of the lubrication region in speed reducers due to the placement of the sealing member away from the carrier and bearing increases oil storage, leading to higher oil usage and weight.
Innovation Solution
A sealing member design comprising a first ring mounted to the case or carrier, a second ring in contact with an annular region of the first ring, and an elastic ring compressed between the second ring and the other of the case or carrier, positioned partly in the same region as the main bearing in a radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axes, inhibits the enlargement of the lubrication region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sealing member is located away from the carrier and bearing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the lubrication region is enlarged and oil storage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is repositioned from a radial arrangement (away from carrier) to an axial arrangement (overlapping with bearing in radial direction). This dimensional shift allows the sealing function to be maintained while the lubrication region boundaries are重新defined, preventing oil storage enlargement.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member and bearing are merged in spatial occupation by positioning the sealing member to overlap with the bearing in the radial direction. This merging allows both components to occupy the same radial region, preventing the sealing member from encroaching on the lubrication region while maintaining effective sealing.
2Reliability
If the sealing member is located away from the carrier and bearing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the weight of the speed reducer increases
Solution Approach 1:
By repositioning the sealing member to overlap with the bearing in the radial direction, the design prevents enlargement of the lubrication region volume. This reduces the total oil storage capacity of the speed reducer, thereby reducing the weight of the stationary object while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
3Quantity of substance
If the sealing member is positioned to overlap with the main bearing in radial direction, then oil storage is reduced, but sealing effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is merged with the bearing in radial space occupation, allowing both to coexist in the same radial region. This merging enables the sealing member to maintain its sealing function while the overall lubrication region is constrained, reducing oil storage without compromising sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member is designed with specific local characteristics (annular shape with contact surfaces) that enable it to function effectively in the overlapping region with the bearing. The local quality of the sealing surfaces ensures effective sealing even in the constrained space.
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 effectively reduces the lubrication region, minimizing oil usage and weight while maintaining effective sealing and lubrication, preventing oil leakage and contamination.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic ring compressed between the second ring and another of the case and the carrier
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention makes it possible to inhibit the enlargement of a lubrication region in a speed reducer including a sealing member. The speed reducer includes a case, a carrier, main bearings, and a sealing member. The carrier is located at least partly inside the case. The main bearings are located between the case and the carrier. The sealing member includes a first ring, a second ring, and a first elastic ring. The first ring is annular and mounted to one of the case and the carrier. The second ring contacts an annular region of the first ring. The first elastic ring is compressed between the second ring and the other of the case and carrier. The sealing member is located at least partly in the same region as the main bearings in the radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the carrier rotating relative to the case.