Split Piston Seal Ring Channels for Low-Pressure Axial Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piston seal rings (PSRs) face challenges in maintaining effective sealing under varying operational conditions due to small rotational, axial, and radial displacements caused by torque, thrust loads, thermal expansion, and vibrations, leading to inefficiencies in pressure differentials and potential oil leakage.
Innovation Solution
A split ring seal design with a circumferential channel and radial channels on the axial end face, enhancing pressure-induced radial and axial contact forces to improve sealing performance, reducing the need for bias springs and simplifying installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bias springs are used to maintain sealing contact, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bias spring component from the sealing system. Instead of using a separate spring mechanism to maintain contact force, the design relies on the pressure differential across the piston seal ring itself to generate the necessary radial and axial contact forces against the groove sidewalls, thereby eliminating the spring while maintaining sealing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The piston seal ring is designed to generate its own contact forces through the pressure differential across its face. The high pressure side and low pressure side create a self-generating force mechanism that pushes the seal ring against the groove surfaces, making the system self-regulating without external spring assistance
2Reliability
If multiple springs are used to accommodate wear and displacement, then sealing performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates multiple springs and their associated installation tools, simplifying the manufacturing and assembly process to just the piston seal ring itself, which can be directly installed into the groove without special tooling
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the operational parameters by allowing the piston seal ring to accommodate wear and displacement through its compliance and the pressure-induced force mechanism, replacing the need for multiple springs that would require precise manufacturing tolerances and complex assembly procedures
3Force
If pressure differential is increased for axial seating, then sealing force is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston seal ring is designed as a compliant, thin-walled component that can deform and conform to the groove surfaces. This flexibility allows it to generate adequate sealing force with lower pressure differentials compared to rigid sealing solutions, reducing the energy required for axial seating while maintaining effective sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The seal ring's compliance allows it to dynamically adapt to small rotational, axial, and radial displacements caused by torque loads, thrust loads, thermal expansion, and vibrations. This dynamic adaptation maintains sealing force without requiring excessive pressure differential, thereby reducing energy consumption
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 new design reduces the pressure differential required for axial seating, enhances sealing forces, and minimizes complexity and tooling requirements, improving oil containment and reducing oil loss.
Implementation Method 1
In an operational condition where there is a pressure difference across the PSR, optimally, one axial end face of the PSR will bear against and seal against the adjacent sidewall face of the groove
Data Source
AI summary
A split ring seal has: a first circumferential end and a second circumferential end; an inner diameter surface and an outer diameter surface; a first axial end face and a second axial end face. The outer diameter surface has a sealing surface. The first axial end face has: a first section; a second section outboard of the first section; and an axial protrusion between the first section and the second section The second axial end face has: a first sealing surface; a second sealing surface radially outboard of the first sealing surface; a circumferential channel between the first surface and the second sealing surface; and a plurality of channels extending radially outward from the circumferential channel.