Split Seal Assembly for Constrained Shaft Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seal designs face challenges in maintaining effective sealing characteristics and ease of installation, particularly in environments where axial displacement is restricted, and are prone to leakage due to temperature gradients and wear.

Innovation Solution

A seal assembly comprising a housing with a groove and a split seal assembly where the seal is disposed in the groove, coupled using a coupling element that restricts movement, allowing for installation without axial displacement and featuring a polymeric seal with fillers for enhanced durability, and a two-piece housing design that can be installed transversely.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional seal designs are used, then sealing characteristics can be maintained, but installation is difficult in environments where axial displacement is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidadaptability to constrained environments

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The seal assembly is divided into two separate halves that can be installed independently around the shaft. Each half can be positioned and secured separately, eliminating the need for axial displacement during installation. The segmented design allows the seal to be installed in constrained environments where traditional single-piece seals cannot be accommodated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If seal assemblies are designed for secure coupling, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is segmented into simple corresponding features on each half: protrusions on one half and recesses on the other. This segmentation allows for secure mechanical coupling while keeping each individual component simple in design, avoiding the need for complex fastening systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling features are integrated directly into the seal halves themselves rather than being separate components. The protrusions and recesses are formed as part of the seal half structures, merging the coupling function with the sealing function and reducing overall assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If seals are subjected to temperature gradients, then operational flexibility is maintained, but leakage occurs due to thermal effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidleakage resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The seal material properties are selected and configured to accommodate temperature variations. The elastomeric material is chosen for its ability to maintain sealing characteristics across a range of temperatures, and the biasing mechanism provides continuous contact pressure that compensates for thermal expansion and contraction of the shaft, preventing leakage while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11566710B2Seals

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 SAINT GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS CORP

AI summary

A seal assembly comprising: a housing defining a groove; a seal disposed in the groove of the housing; and a coupling element adapted to restrict relative movement between the housing and the seal.