Additively Manufactured Stuffing Box With Integrated Cooling Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packing box structures for reciprocally movable piston rods and rotating machinery shafts suffer from friction-induced heating due to sliding seal rings, complex machining processes, and potential coolant leakage, limiting cooling circuit efficiency and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A packing box with a housing and integrated cooling and lubricating conduits formed through additive manufacturing, allowing flexible geometry and seamless fluid flow paths, eliminating the need for additional plugs and enhancing heat exchange efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional machining processes are used to create cooling circuits in packing boxes, then the cooling circuits can be formed, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and delicate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical machining processes with an additive manufacturing process. The cooling circuit is formed by depositing material layer-by-layer to create the conduit structure, eliminating the need for complex drilling, milling, and plugging operations. This substitution of manufacturing methodology directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining cooling circuit functionality while dramatically simplifying the manufacturing process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cooling circuits are formed through drilling and serial connection, then cooling paths can be created, but the shape and functionality of the cooling circuit are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of cooling circuit design by transitioning from linear drilled holes to three-dimensional winding conduits. The additive manufacturing process enables conduits to follow complex spatial paths around the piston rod, optimizing heat removal from multiple surfaces simultaneously. This parameter change in geometric freedom resolves the contradiction by expanding adaptability while managing device complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional cooling hole patterns to three-dimensional winding conduits that wrap around the piston rod. This dimensional escalation allows the cooling circuit to engage multiple surfaces and volumes, dramatically increasing geometric adaptability and cooling effectiveness without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If plugs are used to seal cooling circuit endpoints, then the circuit can be sealed, but potential coolant leakage problems arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling circuit conduit with the packing box housing into a single integrated component manufactured by additive processes. The conduit endpoints are seamlessly joined to the housing structure, eliminating the need for separate plugs or seals. This merging of components resolves the contradiction by maintaining seal integrity through continuous material structure while eliminating leakage risks associated with plug-housing interfaces.
4Strength
If packing boxes are made heavier with traditional machining, then structural strength is sufficient, but the packing box becomes harder to manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by using additive manufacturing to deposit material only where structurally necessary. The winding conduit structure and optimized housing geometry concentrate material in high-stress regions while reducing mass in low-stress areas. This local quality approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining sufficient structural strength while reducing overall weight for easier handling.
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 a lighter, easier-to-manipulate packing box with optimized cooling and lubrication, reducing friction-induced heating and improving thermal efficiency without coolant leakage.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid coolant introduced into the circular passageway flows between the inlet and outlet ports to absorb heat from the cup housing
Implementation Method 2
A fluid coolant introduced into the circular passageway flows between the inlet and outlet ports to absorb heat from the cup housing
Implementation Method 3
While a liquid lubricant is typically introduced through a passageway in the packing case to the surface of the piston rod to reduce such sliding friction
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a packing box for mounting on a machinery shaft. In accordance with one aspect, the packing box housing defines a central opening for insertion of a movable machinery shaft with a hollow passageway surrounding the central opening to form a path for the flow of a fluid coolant. The passageway is provided with a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port opening onto the outer surface of the packing box housing, and it is formed by a single conduit or by a plurality of conduits obtained through additive manufacturing process and connected in series or in parallel to wound around the central opening.