Spherical Bearing Seal with Scraper Leg for Contaminant Exclusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spherical plain bearing assemblies face contamination issues due to inadequate sealing, which can impair motion and cause seal dislodgment, leading to bearing damage.
Innovation Solution
A seal for spherical bearings featuring an annular body with elastomeric material and retaining rings, including a scraper seal leg that deflects debris and maintains the seal in compression, preventing contaminants from entering while allowing for relative motion without dislodgment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a single seal is used in a single groove to minimize axial dimensions, then the axial dimension is reduced and load bearing capability is maximized, but the seal cannot effectively prevent contaminant entry and may become dislodged during motion
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into multiple functional components: a primary seal (boot seal) for lubricant retention and a secondary scraper seal for contaminant exclusion. This segmentation allows each seal to perform its specialized function effectively, resolving the contradiction between compact design and sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The scraper seal acts as an intermediary element between the external contaminant environment and the bearing interior. It provides an additional protective barrier that enhances contaminant exclusion without compromising the primary seal's lubricant retention function, thereby improving overall sealing effectiveness.
2Device complexity
If a single seal is used to minimize axial dimensions, then the bearing compactness is improved, but the seal may impair relative motion or become dislodged
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the sealing system are assigned different functional properties: the boot seal provides flexible lubricant retention with motion accommodation, while the rigid scraper seal provides structured contaminant exclusion. This local differentiation of qualities allows both motion capability and sealing effectiveness to coexist.
3Reliability
If the seal is designed to prevent contaminant entry, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the seal may become dislodged during relative motion
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring design merges multiple retention functions into a single integrated component that provides both radial and axial retention. This combination ensures the seal remains securely positioned during relative motion while maintaining effective contaminant exclusion, resolving the contradiction between sealing effectiveness and position stability.
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 seal effectively prevents contaminants from entering the bearing, maintains seal engagement during misalignment, and enhances the durability of the bearing by securely retaining the seal and lubricant, thus reducing damage and improving operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an annular seal that is secured in place via a first and second retaining ring... The seal includes the first retaining ring which has a rectilinear cross section and is covered with an elastomeric material such as nitrile. The annular body portion comprises an elastomeric material such as nitrile, and the second end comprises an elastomeric material such as nitrile.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 2~1B
Figure 3
AI summary
A seal (10) for a spherical bearing has an annular body portion having an arcuate cross section extending between a first axial end and a second axial end. The second axial end is positioned radially outward from the first axial end. The seal includes retaining ring positioned proximate the second end. The seal includes a scraper seal (16) extending radially inward from the second end.