Split Non-Contact Seal for Intermediate Shaft Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-contact seals for rotatable shafts require access to the end of the shaft for mounting, which can be costly and time-consuming, especially when obstructing objects like gears or sprockets are in place, limiting their application in certain environments.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact seal with diametrically split components, including an outer seal retention sleeve, stator ring, rotor ring, and inner seal retention sleeve, allowing for mounting and removal at intermediate stations along the shaft without disturbing existing objects, utilizing interference fits and connecting elements for assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional non-contact seal is used, then the seal provides low friction and protects against lubricating fluid loss, but the seal requires access to the end of the shaft for mounting, which is costly and time-consuming when obstructing objects are present
Solution Approach 1:
The seal components (retention sleeve, stator ring, rotor ring) are divided into diametrically split halves that can be assembled separately and then joined together. This segmentation allows the seal to be installed at intermediate positions on the shaft without requiring end access, as each half can be positioned and connected independently using connecting elements such as bolts or interference-fit joints.
2Ease of operation
If obstructing objects like gears or sprockets are present on the shaft, then the seal cannot be mounted without removing these objects, but removing them is costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into split components that can be assembled at an intermediate location on the shaft without requiring removal of obstructing objects. The connecting elements join the split halves together in place, eliminating the need for end-access installation and avoiding time-consuming removal and reinstallation of gears or sprockets.
3Strength
If the seal components are made as complete rings, then the seal structure is simple and strong, but the seal cannot be installed at intermediate positions without removing existing components
Solution Approach 1:
The retention sleeve and sealing rings are divided into diametrically split halves that maintain structural strength through proper joining methods. The connecting elements (bolts, interference fits) preserve the integrity of the complete ring structure while enabling installation at intermediate positions, thus achieving both strength and installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The split seal components are designed to nest together with interference fits between mating surfaces. The inner seal retention sleeve fits within the outer seal retention sleeve, and the stator and rotor rings are positioned within these sleeves, creating a nested assembly that maintains structural coherence while allowing flexible installation.
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
Enables the installation of a non-contact seal on a rotatable shaft without end access, maintaining lubrication and preventing contamination while avoiding the need to remove obstructing components, thus reducing installation costs and time.
Implementation Method 1
The complete rotor ring defines an annular centrifugal pressurizing chamber circumscribing the rotor ring for pressurizing lubricating or other fluids in the chamber when the rotor ring is rotated about the axis of the seal or rotatable shaft
Implementation Method 2
A non-contact seal has a low resistance to rotation because the sealing surfaces moveable rotationally relative to one another are not in frictional contact
Data Source
AI summary
A non-contact seal for rotatable shafts includes a stator ring and a rotor ring with internal pumping discs. Each of the, the stator ring pumping discs, and the rotor ring is split diametrically into two halves for mounting on a rotatable shaft at an intermediate station without having access to the end of the shaft or without having to remove other components. Various sealing components are employed between the split rings to prevent fluids within the seal from leaking out.