Shaft seal with memory metal retainer spring
First Claim
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1. A seal assembly comprising:
- a body, which defines an opening, said opening having a diameter dimensioned to receive a shaft;
a retaining member encircling at least a portion of said body, said retaining member being formed of a shape memory alloy metal and having a memory shape that compresses said body radially inwardly;
wherein an unwanted deformation of said retaining member can be at least minimized by applying heat or an electrical current to said retaining member to restore said retaining member toward its memory shape.
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Abstract
The present invention discloses a shaft seal assembly. A seal retainer member is created from a shape memory alloy and used in combination with a resilient body to seal a shaft. Any deformities in the retaining member upon installation can be corrected through application of an electric current, or through heat, such as that created by an internal combustion engine. This heat forces the retaining member to retain a consistent shape, and a generally constant spring force, despite any eccentricities in the shaft or retaining member.
36 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A seal assembly comprising:
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a body, which defines an opening, said opening having a diameter dimensioned to receive a shaft;
a retaining member encircling at least a portion of said body, said retaining member being formed of a shape memory alloy metal and having a memory shape that compresses said body radially inwardly;
wherein an unwanted deformation of said retaining member can be at least minimized by applying heat or an electrical current to said retaining member to restore said retaining member toward its memory shape. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20)
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11. A method of sealing a shaft comprising the steps of:
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providing a resilient body defining a bore;
providing a retaining member made of a shape memory alloy metal and having a memory shape;
wherein said resilient body is closely disposed around the periphery of the shaft;
wherein said retaining member extends around the external perimeter of said resilient body; and
applying heat or an electric current to said retaining member to provide an inwardly directed force around the periphery of said resilient body. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A seal assembly for use in sealing a shaft, said seal comprising:
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a body that defines an opening;
a retaining member embedded into an upper cylindrical portion of said body, said retaining member being formed of a shape memory alloy metal and having a memory shape, which compresses said body radially inwardly;
wherein a plastic deformation of said retaining member can be eliminated by applying heat or an electrical current to said retaining member to restore said retaining member to its memory shape. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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Specification