Split Seal Assembly Resilient Connector Strip Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing split mechanical end face seal assemblies require adhesive to retain elastomeric seal elements and lack visual inspection capabilities during installation, leading to potential misalignment and performance issues due to concealed sealing engagement and rigid support limitations.
Innovation Solution
A split mechanical end face seal assembly with a pre-assembled mating ring using a resilient connector strip for axial and radial support, allowing separate assembly of primary ring segments around the shaft for visual inspection and alignment, eliminating the need for adhesives and ensuring proper positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If seal ring segments are rigidly supported within carriers during installation, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to accommodate misalignment and debris is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The connector strip is designed to be resilient rather than rigid, allowing the seal ring segments to dynamically adjust their position. The strip can elastically deform to accommodate misalignment between mating surfaces and push out debris that may have become trapped during assembly, while still maintaining structural support for the seal rings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the support structure from rigid to resilient. The connector strip is made of elastomeric material that provides flexible support, enabling the seal ring segments to move slightly to achieve proper alignment and expel contaminants, thereby improving seal reliability without sacrificing structural stability.
2Ease of operation
If seal ring segments are pre-assembled into carriers, then installation ease is improved, but visual inspection capability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The connector strip is divided into multiple discrete segments rather than being a continuous rigid structure. This segmentation allows the strip to flex independently at each segment, providing resilient support while enabling the seal ring segments to be visually inspected during installation. The gaps between segments do not interfere with the pre-assembly benefits but allow light and visual access to the sealing interfaces.
3Strength
If adhesive is used to retain elastomeric seal elements, then retention strength is improved, but installation complexity and environmental concerns are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The connector strip segments are designed to mechanically interlock with the seal ring segments through friction and geometric engagement. The elastomeric material of the connector strip naturally adheres to the seal rings through friction and elastic deformation, providing retention strength without requiring external adhesives. This self-service mechanism simplifies installation by eliminating adhesive application steps and reduces environmental concerns associated with chemical adhesives.
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 solution provides axial non-rigid support, simplifies installation, ensures accurate alignment, and enhances the durability and performance of the seal assembly by allowing visual inspection and eliminating the need for adhesives, thus overcoming the limitations of existing designs.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient connector strip provides axial and radial support within the assembled mechanism for the mating seal ring
Data Source
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
A split mechanical end face seal assembly has a split gland plate assembly, a split mating seal ring assembly, a split primary seal ring assembly and a split biasing assembly. The segmented mating seal ring is axially and radially supported on the segmented mating ring adapter by resilient connector strips as pre-assembled sub-assemblies and the resilient connector strips axially non-rigidly support the mating seal ring within said mating ring adapter assembly. An axially movable primary sealing ring assembly includes a segmented primary seal ring. The biasing assembly is pre-assembled into the gland plate assembly and urges the primary seal ring into sealing relation with the mating seal seal ring.