Temperature adaptive dynamic shaft seal assembly
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A seal assembly configured for sealing a dynamic shaft, the seal assembly comprising:
- an elastic seal member disposable in sealing communication with the dynamic shaft;
a coil spring disposed in contact with said elastic seal member and configured for applying a compressive force to said elastic seal member;
wherein said coil spring defines an interior surface configured for receiving said shape memory alloy element and an exterior surface configured for at least partially contacting said elastic seal member;
a shape memory alloy element configured for applying pressure to said coil spring to thereby augment said compressive force; and
a clip having a generally C-shape and configured for supporting substantially an entire length of said shape memory alloy element, wherein said clip is coupled to said shape memory alloy element and disposed in contact with said interior surface of said coil spring.
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Abstract
A seal assembly configured for sealing a dynamic shaft includes an elastic seal member disposable in sealing communication with the dynamic shaft. The seal assembly further includes a coil spring and a shape memory alloy element. The coil spring is disposed in contact with the elastic seal member and configured for applying a compressive force to the elastic seal member. The shape memory alloy element is configured for applying pressure to the coil spring to thereby augment the compressive force.
29 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A seal assembly configured for sealing a dynamic shaft, the seal assembly comprising:
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an elastic seal member disposable in sealing communication with the dynamic shaft; a coil spring disposed in contact with said elastic seal member and configured for applying a compressive force to said elastic seal member; wherein said coil spring defines an interior surface configured for receiving said shape memory alloy element and an exterior surface configured for at least partially contacting said elastic seal member; a shape memory alloy element configured for applying pressure to said coil spring to thereby augment said compressive force; and a clip having a generally C-shape and configured for supporting substantially an entire length of said shape memory alloy element, wherein said clip is coupled to said shape memory alloy element and disposed in contact with said interior surface of said coil spring. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A seal assembly configured for sealing a dynamic shaft, the seal assembly comprising:
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an elastic seal member disposable in sealing communication with the dynamic shaft; a coil spring disposed in contact with said elastic seal member and configured for applying a compressive force to said elastic seal member; wherein said coil spring defines an interior surface configured for receiving said shape memory alloy element and an exterior surface configured for at least partially contacting said elastic seal member; a shape memory alloy element configured for applying pressure to said coil spring to thereby augment said compressive force; and a clip having a generally C-shape and configured for supporting substantially an entire length of said shape memory alloy element, wherein said clip is coupled to said shape memory alloy element and disposed in contact with said exterior surface of said coil spring. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A seal assembly configured for sealing a dynamic shaft, the seal assembly comprising:
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an elastic seal member disposable in sealing communication with the dynamic shaft; a coil spring disposed in contact with said elastic seal member and configured for applying a compressive force to said elastic seal member; a shape memory alloy element having a first end section and a second end section and configured for applying pressure to said coil spring to thereby augment said compressive force; and a crimp configured for tying said first end section of said shape memory alloy element to said second end section and disposed inside said coil spring; wherein said crimp has a generally tubular shape defining an inner core having a longitudinal axis and configured for enveloping at least a portion of said first end section and said second end section to thereby form said shape memory alloy element together with said crimp into a continuous loop of desired length. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification