Vehicle Wheel Bearing Seal With Labyrinth Groove for Low Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sealing members for vehicle wheel bearings increase rotational torque due to the increased number of sealing lips in contact with the slinger, which compromises sealing performance despite effective prevention of muddy water and dust entry.
Innovation Solution
A sealing member configuration featuring a double-row rolling element bearing with a sealing plate and slinger, where the slinger's wall portion is inserted into a groove on the sealing plate to form a labyrinth without contact, enhancing sealing performance without increasing rotational torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sealing lips are provided to improve sealing performance, then sealing performance is improved, but rotational torque increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is divided into two distinct mechanisms: the pack seal with multiple sealing lips for direct sealing contact, and the labyrinth structure for secondary sealing. This segmentation allows each mechanism to perform its specific function optimally - the sealing lips provide reliable sealing while the labyrinth reduces overall torque by handling some sealing function passively
Solution Approach 2:
The labyrinth structure acts as an intermediary element between the pack seal and the external environment. It provides a preliminary barrier that reduces the burden on the sealing lips, allowing them to maintain sealing performance with reduced contact pressure and thus lower rotational torque
2Reliability
If multiple sealing lips are provided to prevent muddy water and dust entry, then sealing performance is improved, but wear on sealing lips increases
Solution Approach 1:
The labyrinth structure provides beforehand cushioning by creating a preliminary barrier against muddy water and dust before these contaminants reach the sealing lips. This protective effect extends the service life of the sealing lips by reducing their exposure to abrasive contaminants while maintaining sealing performance
3Reliability
If the wall portion is inserted into the groove portion to form a labyrinth, then sealing performance is improved without increasing rotational torque, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The labyrinth structure is extracted as a separate functional element from the main sealing lip assembly. The wall portion and groove portion are designed as distinct features that can be manufactured and assembled independently, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements compared to integrating all sealing functions into a single complex component
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 effectively seals against muddy water and dust without increasing rotational torque, maintaining the bearing's sealing performance and reducing wear on sealing lips.
Implementation Method 1
a wall portion having a cylindrical shape is formed in such a manner that an outer peripheral portion of the standing plate portion is bent. The wall portion is disposed in non-contact with the groove portion on an entire periphery of the groove portion to configure a labyrinth
Implementation Method 2
the sealing member includes a sealing plate and a slinger... At least one of the plurality of sealing lips contacts any one of one side surface of the standing plate portion or an outer peripheral surface of the slinger fitting portion
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing member of a bearing device for vehicle wheel including: a sealing plate having a sealing plate fitting section (7a) fitted to an inner circumferential surface of an outer ring, an annular support section (7c) extending radially inwardly from the sealing plate fitting section, and sealing lips provided on one side surface of the support section; and a slinger (8) having a slinger fitting section (8a) fitted to the outer circumferential surface of an inner ring (4) and an annular upright plate section (8b) extending radially outwardly from the slinger fitting section and facing the support section. The plurality of sealing lips are in contact with one side surface of the upright plate section or with the slinger fitting section, the support section is bent to form an annular groove section, and the outer peripheral portion of the upright plate section is bent to form a cylindrical wall section.