FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to dynamic mechanical systems and more specifically the present invention relates to a sealing and/or bearing mechanism which functions as a seal and/or bearing in the dynamic mechanical systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typically, a role of a mechanical seal is to prevent leakage of a fluid from dynamic mechanical systems where each of such systems comprises of stationary and rotary elements. In other words, the seal is installed at entry or exit point of the rotary element of the dynamic mechanical system to prevent the leakage of high pressure fluid from the system to ambient atmosphere.

There are varied types of dynamic mechanical systems such as rotary systems, liner systems etc. which employs such mechanical seals. For example, a conventional linear system uses linear seal for positive sealing of linear hydraulic and pneumatic actuators. In such system, pistons are used in cylinder assemblies and they are sealed by way of piston rings, pistons seals, guide rings etc. However, these linear seals always experience a pressure difference on the two faces, which causes compression and deformation of the seal faces. In addition to the deformation of seal, the pressure difference causes wear and tear due to which leakage rate happens over a broad range. Further, irregularities, bumps and dents on the solid surfaces of the mating parts cause leakage. Hence there is a need in the art to overcome these inefficiencies.

Likewise, rotary systems such as rotary shafts, used for various applications such as high pressure applications like turbines, pumps, compressors etc., faces numerous problems i.e. higher rate of leakage from these systems. Additionally, in case of high vacuum applications due i to ingress of ambient air into the system causes malfunctioning. Therefore, aforesaid systems require high energy to get sufficient sealing to maintain the vacuum.

Similarly, bearings are used in dynamic mechanical systems to transfer the load thereby regulating movement of rotary element/s. Bearing has numerous applications and it can be said that the whole dynamic mechanical systems, especially rotary systems depend on bearings. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to ensure that bearings work in the best way possible to avoid any operational losses. Bearings can also be broadly categorized into two types rotary bearings and linear bearings.

A bearing is a mechanical component that constrains relative motion to only the desired motion and reduces friction between moving parts. The bearing can be employed for free linear movement of the moving part or for free rotation around a fixed axis. Further, it may prevent a motion by controlling the vectors of normal forces that are acting on the moving parts. The load on the bearings comprises of the total weight of the machine and the dynamic load like shock load, radial loads etc. which needs to be suspended by the bearings in order to facilitate rotary or linear movements. Wherein, the total load on the bearing exerts pressure and restricts free movement due to friction on sliding/rolling contact surfaces. In other words, the pressure and speed are in direct proportion to the friction being produced leading to higher energy consumption.

Rotary bearings suspend rotating components such as shafts or axles within mechanical systems, and transfer axial and radial loads from the source of the load to the structure supporting it. The simplest form of bearing consists of a shaft rotating in a hole. Existing bearings create lot of friction in the rotary systems which lead to excessive demand of input energy to run the system. The linear bearings generally use a slider or roller system to carry a load on a rail. The characteristics of linear bearing depends on various factors such as load, required speed etc. Though the friction generated by use of linear bearings in the linear systems is less in comparison with the rotary systems, but the similar problems of high power consumption and low output efficiency persist with linear bearings as well.

In spite of number of advanced seals and/or bearings structures & types of seals and/or bearings being introduced by existing solutions the problem related to high friction leading to excessive power consumption, leakage of high pressure fluids, deformation of seals etc. still persists. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a mechanism which eliminates aforesaid problems and other problems as well while functioning as a seal and/or bearing in the dynamic mechanical systems and reducing excess power consumption required due to friction to a negligible value.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a sealing mechanism.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bearing mechanism.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a combined sealing and bearing mechanism.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a sealing mechanism for a rotary system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bearing mechanism for a rotary system. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a combined sealing and bearing mechanism for a rotary system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a sealing mechanism to minimize leakage of pressurised fluid from the dynamic mechanical systems by generating opposite pressure inside the system to counter the system pressure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bearing mechanism to eliminate friction in the dynamic mechanical systems thereby drastically reducing excess power consumption requirement, caused due to friction, in such systems.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a combined sealing and bearing mechanism to minimize leakage of pressurised fluid from the dynamic mechanical systems by generating opposite pressure inside the systems for both sealing and suspending requirements and eliminate friction and leakage in the dynamic mechanical system thereby drastically reducing excess power consumption requirement, caused due to friction and leakage, in such systems.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a bearing mechanism comprising a stationary housing connected at both ends of a rotating shaft. The stationary housing having one or more cavities, a plurality of seals provided at interface of the stationary housing and the rotating shaft. Further, a pressurized lubricant is injected circumferentially across the rotating shaft and the plurality of seals are configured to contain the pressure inside the stationary housing. Furthermore, the pressurized lubricant exerts a pressure circumferentially on the rotating shaft equally or slightly higher than pressure created by a load connected with the rotating shaft and it is in direct contact with the rotating shaft. Yet another object of the present invention is to restrict rotation of the rotating shaft to its own axis only.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a pressurized lubricant which is selected from a group comprising of grease, solid/dry lubricants and lubricant pastes.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a sealing mechanism configured to seal a pressurized lubricant within one or more cavities of a stationary housing by creating a pressure difference across the face of the seals facing the pressurized process fluid and the low flowability characteristics of the pressurized lubricant further enhances effective sealing. Furthermore, the sealing mechanism have staged pressure lubricants in the plurality of cavities to contain the process fluid pressure.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a hollow cylinder inside the stationary housing. The hollow cylinder is fixed across the stationary housing and sealed at the interface of the hollow cylinder and the stationary housing. Further, the hollow cylinder is configured to be coupled with the rotating shaft so that the same rotates along with the rotating shaft in same axis.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a sealing and/or bearing mechanism. Further, the proposed mechanism eliminates the need of manufacturing separate seals or bearing. Further, the proposed mechanism eliminates the frictional losses from dynamic mechanical systems. The claimed structure of the proposed mechanism ensures near zero leakage of the high-pressure fluid from dynamic mechanical systems by maintaining opposite pressure equivalent to high pressure fluid within the working chamber acting across the seal faces. Additionally, the proposed mechanism pressurizes the shaft employed in the system to equalizes with total working load, or proposed mechanism pressurizes the shaft to a higher level compared to the working load. Further, the claimed structure of the proposed mechanism reduces friction to near zero between the rotary element of the dynamic mechanical system and the stationary element of the support structure thereby reducing high power requirements, cause due to friction, of the dynamic mechanical system.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a bearing mechanism is provided. The bearing mechanism comprising a plurality of stationary housing connected at both ends of a rotating shaft. Each of the plurality of stationary housing having one or more cavities and a plurality of seals provided at interface of the stationary housing and the rotating shaft. Further, a pressurized lubricant is injected circumferentially across the rotating shaft and the pressurized lubricant exerts a pressure circumferentially on the rotating shaft equally or slightly higher than pressure created by a load connected with the rotating shaft. Furthermore, the plurality of seals contains the pressure inside the stationary housing. Also, the pressurized lubricant is in direct contact with the rotating shaft.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the stationary housing further comprising a hollow cylinder. Preferably, the hollow cylinder is fixed across the stationary housing and sealed at the interface of the hollow cylinder and the stationary housing. Further, the hollow cylinder is configured to be coupled with the rotating shaft so that the same rotates along with the rotating shaft in same axis. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the rotating shaft is restricted to rotate on its own axis only. Further, the load of the rotating shaft rests upon the pressurized lubricant.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the lubricant is pressurized in each of the one or more of cavities and distributed in evenly so as to reduce the pressure of the lubricant to manageable levels according to load and pressure requirements.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the pressurized lubricant acts as a sole contact with the rotating shaft and enables rotary movement by creating nearly zero friction with the rotating shaft.

Preferably, the pressurized lubricant is selected from a group comprising of, but not limited to, grease, solid/dry lubricants and lubricant pastes.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the bearing mechanism is comprising one or more valves, wherein each of the one or more valves connected with a respective cavity of the one or more cavities, disposed on the stationary housing, configured to inject, and fill the pressurized lubricant into the one or more cavities.

Preferably, the one or more valves are sealed indefinitely after injecting and filling the pressurized lubricant into the one or more cavities.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a sealing mechanism is provided. The sealing mechanism is configured to seal a pressurized lubricant within one or more cavities of the stationary housing by creating a pressure difference across the face of the seals facing the pressurized process fluid and the low flowability characteristics of the pressurized lubricant further enhances effective sealing.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the sealing mechanism is configured to have staged pressure lubricants in the plurality of cavities to contain the process fluid pressure.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a sealing device of a dynamic mechanical system is provided. The device comprises of a housing enclosing a part of a rotating shaft at both ends of the rotating shaft. Further, the housing having a plurality of seals. Furthermore, the housing having an inlet which is configured to facilitate pumping of a lubricant to pressurize the housing and a valve to seal the inlet after pressurization.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the stationary housing is made of any suitable material for desired function.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of seals is provided at the various junctions so as to be able to seal the shaft and the housing. Also, the plurality of seals are utilized for staged pressure reduction.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a sealing device of a dynamic mechanical system is provided which comprises of plurality of seals arranged in stagewise manner to withstand high pressure without getting damaged. Preferably, each of the plurality of seals are made to withstand different pressure on each of their two faces. Further, in the sealing device as soon as the pressurised lubricant is filled- up in a stationary housing, then it creates a pressure equivalent to the process pressure on opposite side of the seal which is used to contain the pressure. Therefore, pressure on both faces of the seal is balanced out and this equilibrium prevent leakage of any pressurised system fluid. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a bearing device of a dynamic mechanical system is provided. The device comprises of a housing enclosing a part of a rotating shaft at both ends of the rotating shaft. Further, the housing having a plurality of seals. Furthermore, the housing having an inlet which is configured to facilitate pumping of a lubricant to pressurize the housing and a valve to seal the inlet after pressurization.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in the bearing device as soon as the pressurised lubricant is filled-up in the housing, then it creates a pressure equivalent to the total load of the suspended system on both ends of the shaft. Therefore, pressure on both ends of the shaft and the housing is balanced out and this ensures that entire shaft weight is rested on pressurised lubricant. Thereby, ensuring the load pressure and balancing pressure are equalised and rotation of shaft takes place with near zero friction.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a bearing device of a dynamic mechanical system is provided which comprises of plurality of bearings arranged at both ends of the shaft so as to distribute the load thereby bringing down the pressure requirements in the bearings.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a rotary bearing is provided wherein the load of the rotating shaft rests upon a pressurised and compressed lubricant and sealed with rotary seals at both ends so as to lock both ends of the seal with the shaft and the lubricant container, wherein entire load of the shaft rests upon the lubricant and upon rotary movement of the shaft, the lubricant acts as the sole contact of the shaft and also helps in rotary movement by sliding contact with the shaft, while the seals act as pressure equalizers and allows for positive sealing of the pressurised process fluids. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a sealing and bearing device of a dynamic mechanical system is provided. The device needs to be placed where sealing arrangement is required in any given high-pressure system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may have been referred by examples, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical examples of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective examples.

These and other features, benefits, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following text figure, with like reference numbers referring to like structures across the views, wherein:

Fig. 1 illustrates a bearing mechanism, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 illustrates a bearing mechanism, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 illustrates a bearing mechanism, in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 illustrates a sealing mechanism, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 5 illustrates a system employing bearing as well as sealing mechanism, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. io DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention In addition, a number of materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment. As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one” and the word “plurality” means “one or more” unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. The systems, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting. The bearing and/or sealing mechanism disclosed in the present invention can be understood by way of following embodiments below:

Figure 1 illustrates a bearing mechanism (100) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 1 , a rotating shaft (102) connected with a load (not shown). Further, a stationary housing (104) is connected at both ends (A, B) of the rotating shaft (102). Further, as shown in figure 1 , the stationary housing (104) is having one or more cavities (108) and plurality of seals (112, 106).

Each of one or more cavities (108) is configured to store a pressurised lubricant (110) wherein the pressurised lubricant (110) is injected through one or more valves (114). Further, the pressurised lubricant (110) is injected circumferentially across the rotating shaft (102) to exert pressure circumferentially on the rotating shaft (102). Furthermore, the one or more valves (114) are sealed indefinitely after injecting and filling the pressurized lubricant (110) into the one or more cavities (108).

The pressure exerted by the pressurised lubricant (110) on the rotating shaft (102) is, preferably, equally or slightly higher than pressure created by the load connected with the rotating shaft (102). Furthermore, the plurality of seals (112, 106) assists in containing the pressure inside the stationary housing (104) thereby keeping the pressurised lubricant (110) in direct contact with the rotating shaft (102) and enabling movement of the rotating shaft (102) on its own axis only, hence completes the function of a bearing i.e. constraining relative motion to only the desired motion of the rotating shaft (102).

As shown in figure 1 , the rotating shaft (102) rests upon the pressurised lubricant (110) which is sealed by the plurality of seals (112, 106) at both interface (C,D) of the rotating shaft (102) and the stationary housing (104). Since the pressurized lubricant (110) is in direct contact with the rotating shaft (102) the load of the rotating shaft (102) rests upon the pressurised lubricant (110) as well as at the time of rotary movement of the rotating shaft (102). Therefore, as shown in figure 1 , the pressurized lubricant (110) acts as a sole contact with the rotating shaft (102) and enables rotary movement by creating nearly zero friction with the rotating shaft (102).

In view of the above, the bearing mechanism (100) of figure 1 performs both the functions i.e. ensuring the rotating shaft (102) in the desired motion on its axis of rotation only and reducing friction between the rotating shaft (102) & the pressurised lubricant (110). Also, the plurality of seals (112, 106) act as pressure equalizers and allows for positive sealing of the pressurised lubricant (110), therefore, the mechanism disclosed in figure 1 besides providing bearing functionality provides sealing functionality as well. The one of the uniqueness of the mechanism disclosed in figure 1 is that it can be used as a bearing mechanism or a sealing mechanism or bearing & sealing mechanism as per the requirements.

Figure 2 illustrates a bearing mechanism (200) in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 2, a rotating shaft (202) connected with a load (not shown). Further, a stationary housing (204) is connected at both ends (A, B) of the rotating shaft (202). Further, as shown in figure 1 , the stationary housing (204) is having one or more cavities (208) and plurality of seals (212, 212’, 206, 206’). The functionality of the bearing mechanism (200) is similar to the bearing mechanism (100) of figure 1 and therefore same has not been discussed in respect of figure 2 for sake of brevity. However, the functionality of the bearing mechanism (100) of figure 1 is part and parcel of explanation of figure 2 with or without few workshop variations. The only difference between the bearing mechanism (200) of figure 2 and the bearing mechanism (100) of figure 1 is that the plurality of seals (212, 212’, 206, 206’) of the bearing mechanism (200) are configured to seal the pressurised lubricant (210) in axial as well as radial direction.

Figure 3 illustrates a bearing mechanism (300) in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 2, a rotating shaft (302) connected with a load (not shown). Further, a stationary housing (304) is connected at both ends (A, B) of the rotating shaft (302). Further, as shown in figure 1 , the stationary housing (304) is having one or more cavities (208) and plurality of seals (312, 306). The functionality of the bearing mechanism (300) is similar to the bearing mechanism (100) of figure 1 and therefore same has not been discussed in respect of figure 3 for sake of brevity. However, the functionality of the bearing mechanism (100) of figure 1 is part and parcel of explanation of figure 3 with or without few workshop variations. The only difference between the bearing mechanism (300) of figure 3 and the bearing mechanism (100) of figure 1 is that the plurality of seals (312, 306) of the bearing mechanism (300) are configured to seal the pressurised lubricant (310) in axial direction.

Figure 4 illustrates a sealing mechanism (400) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 4, a rotating shaft (402) connected with a load (not shown). Further, a stationary housing (404) is connected at both ends (A, B) of the rotating shaft (402) to contain the pressurized fluid in the process. Further, as shown in figure 4, the stationary housing (404) is having one or more cavities (408) and plurality of seals (412, 406).

Each of one or more cavities (408) is configured to store a pressurised lubricant (410) wherein the pressurised lubricant (410) is injected through one or more valves (414). Further, the pressurised lubricant (410) is injected circumferentially across the rotating shaft (402) to exert pressure circumferentially on the rotating shaft (402). Furthermore, the one or more valves (414) are sealed indefinitely after injecting and filling the pressurized lubricant (410) into the one or more cavities (408).

The plurality of seals (412, 406) act as pressure equalizers across the face of the seals facing the pressurized process fluid and the low flowability characteristics of the pressurized lubricant (410) further enhances effective sealing and allows for positive sealing of the pressurised process fluid at the interface of the rotating shaft (402) and the stationary housing (404).

Furthermore, the plurality of seals (412, 406) assists in containing the pressure inside the stationary housing (404) thereby keeping the pressurised lubricant in direct contact with the rotating shaft (402) and enabling movement of the rotating shaft (402) on its own axis only hence completes the function of a bearing as well i.e. constraining relative motion to only the desired motion of the rotating shaft (402).

As shown in figure 4, the rotating shaft (402) rests upon the pressurised lubricant (410) which is sealed by the plurality of seals (412, 406) at both interface (C,D) of the rotating shaft (402) and the stationary housing (404). Since the pressurized lubricant (410) is in direct contact with the rotating shaft (402) and the load of the rotating shaft (402) rests upon the pressurised lubricant (410) as well as at the time of rotary movement of the rotating shaft (402). Therefore, as shown in figure 1 , the pressurized lubricant (410) acts as a sole contact with the rotating shaft (402) and enables rotary movement by creating nearly zero friction with the rotating shaft (402).

In view of the above, the sealing mechanism (400) of figure 4 performs both the functions i.e. positive sealing of the pressurised process fluid at the interface of the rotating shaft (402) and the stationary housing (404). Further, restricting the movement of rotating shaft (402) in the desired motion (axial in present case) and reducing friction between moving parts of a mechanical system. Therefore, the mechanism disclosed in figure 4 besides providing sealing functionality provides bearing functionality as well. The one of the uniqueness of the mechanism disclosed in figure 4 is that it can be used as a bearing mechanism or a sealing mechanism or bearing & sealing mechanism as per the requirements.

Figure 5 illustrates a system (500) employing bearing as well as sealing mechanism, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 5, the system (500) is based on constructional features as elaborated in figure 1 and figure 4 and the same not repeated here for sake of brevity. The functionality of the bearing mechanism (100) of figure 1 and sealing mechanism (400) of figure 4 are part and parcel of explanation of figure 5 with or without few workshop variations. The only difference in figure 5 is that the stationary housing (504) is configured to have plurality of cavities (508, 508’, 508”, 508”’) and plurality of seals (506, 5062, 5064, 5066, 5068). Further, the plurality of cavities (508, 508’, 508”, 508’”) are connected with plurality of valves (514, 514’, 514”, 514’”). A pressurised lubricant (510) is injected into each of the plurality of cavities (508, 508’, 508”, 508’”) through respective plurality of cavities (508, 508’, 508”, 508’”). Further, the lubricant (510) is pressurised in each of the plurality of cavities (508, 508’, 508”, 508’”) in an even manner so as to reduce the system pressure to manageable levels of the plurality of seals (506, 5062, 5064, 5066, 5068) and also to progressively reduce pressure of the pressurised lubricant (510) in a staged manner in the plurality of cavities (508, 508’, 508”, 508’”). This staged pressure lubricant will help in containing the process fluid pressure thereby ensuring perfect sealing and improved efficiency of the system.

The present invention offers a number of advantages, viz

1 . the mechanism eliminates excess power consumption required in a dynamic mechanical system due to friction losses 2. the mechanism reduces system pressure leakages to near zero

3. the mechanism helps in maintaining the alignment of the shaft

4. durability of the mechanism increases drastically due to less friction and optimum alignment of the shaft 5. durability of the entire dynamic mechanical system increases

Although the foregoing description of the present invention has been shown and described with reference to particular embodiments and applications thereof, it has been presented for purposes of illustration by way of examples and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the particular embodiments and applications disclosed. The particular embodiments and applications were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such changes, modifications, variations, and alterations should therefore be seen as being within the scope of the present invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Various modifications to these embodiments are apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and the accompanying drawings. The principles associated with the various embodiments described herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the description is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown along with the accompanying drawings but is to be providing broadest scope of consistent with the principles and the novel and inventive features disclosed or suggested herein. Accordingly, the invention is anticipated to hold on to all other such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the present invention and appended claims.