Wheel Bearing Seal with Labyrinth Gap and Interference Lips
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wheel bearing apparatuses face challenges in achieving high sealability while minimizing bearing torque, as existing seals increase rotational torque due to friction resistance, leading to increased fuel consumption and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a wheel bearing apparatus with double row outer and inner raceway surfaces, featuring a slinger and annular sealing plate with 'L' shaped cross-sections, where the sealing member is vulcanized to a metal core with side lips and a radial lip, forming labyrinth seals to enhance sealability and reduce torque through optimized interference and frictional forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional seals with multiple lips are used to improve sealability, then sealing performance is improved, but rotational torque increases due to friction resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple functional lips (first side lip, second side lip, radial lip, and grease lip) with distinct sealing responsibilities. Each lip contacts specific surfaces at controlled interference levels, distributing the sealing function across multiple elements rather than relying on a single high-friction contact interface.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the seal have different interference characteristics optimized for their specific functions. The first and second side lips have first-level interference for primary sealing, the radial lip has second-level interference for radial sealing, and the grease lip has third-level interference for grease retention. This localized optimization reduces overall friction while maintaining seal integrity.
2Reliability
If interference fit is increased to improve sealing contact, then sealability is improved, but bearing torque increases due to increased friction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a hierarchical interference parameter system with three distinct levels. First-level interference parameters are applied to side lips for primary sealing, second-level to the radial lip for radial sealing, and third-level to the grease lip for minimal contact. This parameter differentiation allows optimal sealing contact force while minimizing total frictional resistance.
3Reliability
If complex seal structures are used to improve sealability, then sealing performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing functions (side sealing, radial sealing, grease retention) are merged into a single integrated seal component rather than using separate seal elements. This consolidation reduces the number of parts, simplifies assembly, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining comprehensive sealing performance through the multi-lip design.
Solution Approach 2:
The single seal component performs multiple sealing functions simultaneously: the side lips seal against the inner ring, the radial lip seals radially, and the grease lip retains lubricant. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate seal components, reducing complexity and manufacturing cost.
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
This configuration maintains high sealability while reducing rotational torque, improving durability and assembly efficiency, and lowering manufacturing costs by using press-formed anticorrosion steel sheets for the slinger and sealing plates.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing member (14, 18, 19, 20, 22), integrally vulcanized adhered to the metal core (13)
Implementation Method 2
Each tip of the first and second side lips slidingly contacts the slinger with a predetermined interference
Implementation Method 3
The cylindrical inner end portion is arranged opposite to the slinger with a slight radial gap to form a labyrinth seal therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel bearing apparatus has an outer member, an inner member, double row rolling elements, and seals. At least one seal has a slinger and an annular sealing plate. The sealing plate has a metal core, press fit into the outer member, and a sealing member, integrally vulcanized adhered to the metal core. The sealing member has first and second side lips, formed with an inclination extending radially outward, and a cylindrical inner end portion, surrounding the inner circumferential edge and a portion of the back surface of the metal core. Each tip of the first and second side lips is in sliding contact with the slinger, with a predetermined interference. The cylindrical inner end portion is arranged opposite to the slinger with a slight radial gap therebetween to form a labyrinth seal.