Asymmetric X-Section Lamellar Sealing Ring for Low-Friction Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-shaped lamellar sealing rings with equal leg lengths face challenges in compensating for component tolerances and require high lubrication to reduce static friction during assembly, making them costly and complex to produce.
Innovation Solution
A lamellar sealing ring with an X-shaped cross-section geometry featuring legs of different lengths, where the radially inner short leg is shorter than the outer short leg, and the radially inner long leg is shorter than the outer long leg, allowing for reduced assembly force and enhanced sealing under fluid overpressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional X-shaped lamellar sealing rings with equal leg lengths are used, then the structure is simple and symmetric, but high static friction occurs during assembly and component tolerances cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making the four legs of the X-shaped sealing ring have different lengths. Specifically, the first and second legs have a first length while the third and fourth legs have a second length that is shorter than the first length. This asymmetric configuration reduces static friction during assembly compared to conventional symmetric designs, while still maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by varying the length of specific legs (third and fourth legs are shorter) to address local assembly problems. The shorter legs are positioned to reduce friction in critical assembly areas, while the longer legs maintain sealing effectiveness. This localized modification resolves the assembly difficulty without requiring complete redesign of the entire sealing ring structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional X-shaped lamellar sealing rings with equal leg lengths are used, then manufacturing is simple, but very good lubrication is required and production becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric leg length configuration (first legs longer than second legs) is designed to inherently reduce static friction during assembly. This reduces or eliminates the need for additional lubrication measures, keeping the manufacturing process simple and avoiding the complexity and cost associated with lubrication application or incorporation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring's asymmetric geometry itself provides the friction-reducing function that would otherwise require external lubrication. The design is self-sufficient, using its structural characteristics to achieve low-friction assembly without requiring separate lubrication systems or processes.
3Force
If lamellar sealing rings with equal leg lengths are used, then the structure is simple, but high joining forces are required and tolerances cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The different leg lengths create an asymmetric force distribution during assembly. The shorter legs make first contact and begin the sealing process at lower forces, while the longer legs gradually engage. This progressive engagement reduces peak joining forces and allows the structure to accommodate tolerance variations in the components being assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the geometric parameter of leg length from uniform to varied, the sealing ring modifies its mechanical behavior. The length difference creates a staged engagement sequence that reduces required joining force and provides tolerance compensation capability.
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 design enables low static friction assembly and effective sealing with reduced lubrication needs, suitable for pressures up to 3.5×10^5 Pa for cooling water and up to 5.1×10^5 Pa for motor oils and gases at high temperatures, while facilitating easy mold removal and residue cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
After the installation of the lamellar sealing ring in a mechanical engineering structure, for example, this lamella bears against a rotatable part, for example, with elastic deformation of the same.
Implementation Method 2
The contact pressure required for this is generated either by the elastic restoring force of the elastomer material of the lamella
Implementation Method 3
The contact pressure required for this is generated either by the elastic restoring force of the elastomer material of the lamella, by the force of an additional O-ring or by the pressure of the fluid to be sealed.
Implementation Method 4
Without such lubrication, the X-legs of the lamellar sealing ring would twist when the components are joined due to the resulting high static friction.
Data Source
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~1
AI summary
The invention relates to a lamellar sealing ring (1) made of an elastomer material with an X-shaped cross-sectional geometry, which has an annular central section (2) from which a first long leg (4) and a first short leg (5) extend radially outwards in opposite axial directions, and from which a second long leg (6) and a second short leg (7) extend radially inwards, also pointing in opposite axial directions.To achieve a very good sealing effect and easy assembly, the length (L1) of the radially inner short leg (7) is less than the length (L2) of the radially outer short leg (5), the length (L3) of the radially inner long leg (6) is less than the length (L4) of the radially outer long leg (4), the radially outer long leg (4) extends further radially outward than the radially outer short leg (5), and the radially inner long leg (6) extends further radially inward than the radially inner short leg (5).