GB2401409A - An articulated joint seal arrangement with an integral wear detection mechanism - Google Patents
An articulated joint seal arrangement with an integral wear detection mechanism Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2401409A GB2401409A GB0310618A GB0310618A GB2401409A GB 2401409 A GB2401409 A GB 2401409A GB 0310618 A GB0310618 A GB 0310618A GB 0310618 A GB0310618 A GB 0310618A GB 2401409 A GB2401409 A GB 2401409A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- articulated joint
- electrically conductive
- bearing surface
- sealing material
- joint
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02K—JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
- F02K1/00—Plants characterised by the form or arrangement of the jet pipe or nozzle; Jet pipes or nozzles peculiar thereto
- F02K1/78—Other construction of jet pipes
- F02K1/80—Couplings or connections
- F02K1/805—Sealing devices therefor, e.g. for movable parts of jet pipes or nozzle flaps
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64C—AEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS
- B64C7/00—Structures or fairings not otherwise provided for
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16J—PISTONS; CYLINDERS; SEALINGS
- F16J15/00—Sealings
- F16J15/02—Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces
- F16J15/06—Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with solid packing compressed between sealing surfaces
- F16J15/064—Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with solid packing compressed between sealing surfaces the packing combining the sealing function with other functions
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16J—PISTONS; CYLINDERS; SEALINGS
- F16J15/00—Sealings
- F16J15/16—Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces
- F16J15/32—Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces with elastic sealings, e.g. O-rings
- F16J15/3296—Arrangements for monitoring the condition or operation of elastic sealings; Arrangements for control of elastic sealings, e.g. of their geometry or stiffness
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T50/00—Aeronautics or air transport
- Y02T50/60—Efficient propulsion technologies, e.g. for aircraft
Abstract
An articulated joint seal arrangement with an integral wear detection mechanism comprises a first member 10 and a second member 12, the first member comprising an arcuate bearing surface 14, the second member locates and supports a pad of sealing material 16 in communication with the bearing surface 14. Embedded in the sealing material 16 are electrically conductive elements 18 positioned at an predetermined depth. The bearing surface 14 is formed from an electrically conductive material. Both the electrically conductive elements 18 and the bearing surface 14 are in communication with an electrical supply 20. A warning signal generating device 22 forms part of the electrical circuit, the circuit being made when the sealing material 16 wears down to the predetermined depth. The sealing material 16 may be formed from an electrically conductive material and the electrically conductive elements 18 may be coated with an electrical insulator.
Description
-1 2401 409
ARTICULATED JOINT
The invention refers to an articulated joint.
In particular it refers to an articulated joint seal configuration with an integral wear detection mechanism.
In a particular problem addressed by the invention it is required to seal between a region of high fluid pressure and a region of relatively low fluid pressure, where the two regions are separated by a casing comprising an articulated joint. A seal is made between a bearing surface and a sealing material. Typically the sealing material is more abradable than the bearing surface and will wear away in operation. Alternatively, the sealing material may become damaged or cracked. À:e
In either scenario, the seal will perform sub-optimally and may either cause damage to the bearing surface, permit fluid to pass from the high pressure region to the low À À À ..
pressure region or impede the articulation of the joint.
- # .
A. In order to avoid unscheduled downtime of the device which comprises the articulated À À.
joint, routine inspections may be required to visually check the condition of the sealing material. Such routine inspections may be time consuming and, unless damage or excessive wear is observed, is time during which the device cannot be operated. - 2
According to the present invention there is provided an articulated joint comprising a bearing surface in communication with a sealing material embedded with at least one electrically conductive element.
Preferably the bearing surface is arcuate and at least one electrically conductive element is set at a predetermined depth in the sealing material.
Preferably the bearing surface is formed from an electrically conductive material.
Preferably the joint is configured such that when the sealing material has worn by a predetermined amount the at least one electrical element is brought into communication with the electrically conductive bearing surface.
Preferably an electrical circuit is made when the at least one electrical element is brought into communication with the electrically conductive bearing surface such that a c warning signal generating device is operated. À À À c
The invention provides a sealing means across an articulated joint forming a seal : .. between a region of high fluid pressure and a region of low fluid pressure. At least one À electrically conductive element is embedded in a pad of sealing material which forms a seal against an electrically conductive bearing surface of an articulated joint. In operation the sealing material wears. After a predetermined volume/depth of material has been worn away from the pad the electrically conductive elements are exposed and brought into communication with the electrically conductive bearing surface. This - 3 completes an electrical circuit triggering a warning signal generating device, thereby alerting a user of the equipment comprising the present invention that the sealing material has worn and should be replaced within a specified time limit to aid optimal seal performance.
For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an articulated joint according to the present invention.
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the articulated joint.
2 À Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the articulated joint. ... e
Referring now to Figure 1, an articulated joint according to the present invention À comprises a first member 10 and a second member 12. The first member 10 : .. comprises an arcuate bearing surface 14. The second member 12 locates and e À ' supports a pad of sealing material 16 in communication with the bearing surface 14.
Embedded in the sealing material 16 are electrically conductive elements 18. The bearing surface 14 is formed from an electrically conductive material. Both the electrically conductive elements 18 and the bearing surface 14 are in communication with an electrical supply 20. - 4
A warning signal generating device 22 forms part of the electrical circuit. It will be appreciated that the electrical circuit is presented in the accompanying figures diagrammatically.
The electrically conductive elements 18 are arranged in a diamond shaped lattice as shown in Figure 2. An additional electrically conductive element 24 may span the plurality of electrically conductive elements 18 such that each element 18 is in communication with the electrical supply 20. The electrically conductive elements 18 may be welded at each of the locations 26 where they overlap other electrically conductive elements 18.
In operation the first member 10 moves relative to the second member 12 and the sealing material 16 is kept in moveable contact with the bearing surface 14. The 2. sealing surface 16 is worn away by the harder bearing surface 14 and the electrical elements 18 are brought into communication with the bearing surface 14, thereby completing an electrical circuit and operating the warning signal generating device 22. :
An alternative embodiment is presented in Figure 3. In this embodiment the electrically conductive elements 18 are arranged such that they are parallel and do not overlap.
An additional electrically conductive element 24 spans the electrically conductive elements 18 such that each of the elements 18 are in communication with the electrical power supply 20. - 5
The first member 10 and the second member 12 may be substantially flat.
Alternatively, the first member 10 and the second member 12 may be formed substantially cylindrical, with the bearing surface 16 formed partially spherical. In this embodiment the second member 12 is disposed around, and coaxial with, the first member 10.
The bearing surface 14 may be formed from or coated with an electrically conductive material chosen from a list of materials comprising titanium and titanium alloys; nickel and nickel alloys; steel and steel alloys; aluminium and aluminium alloys.
The sealing material 16 may be formed from an electrically conductive or an electrically insulating material. The sealing material 16 is chosen from a list of materials comprising carbon and composites of carbon; a graphite composite; polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE); plastics. :e À81
À . The electrically conductive elements 18 are formed from a material chosen from a list of materials comprising copper and alloys of copper; nickel plated copper; beryllium À copper alloys; nickel.
The electrically conductive element 18 may be coated with an electrically insulating material chosen from a list comprising epoxys; ceramics; high temperature ceramics; polyvinylacetal, polyurethane, polyesterimide, polyester, polyamideimide, polyamide, amideimide and other appropriate enamels); other conventional electrically insulating coatings. - 6
It would be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the materials listed in the preceding four paragraphs are not exhaustive.
In operation the sealing material 16 may fracture and break up, perhaps due to vibration or sudden shock loads. In this eventuality once the electrical elements 18 are exposed and brought into contact with the bearing surface 14 the electrical circuit will be completed, activating the warning signal generating device 22.
It will be appreciated that if the sealing material 16 fractures it may not bring the electrically conductive element 18 into communication with the bearing surface 14. The electrically conductive elements 18 may, in this eventuality, fatigue and crack whilst remaining spaced apart from the bearing surface. In an embodiment where the sealing material 16 comprised an electrically conductive constituent, such as graphite, then the graphite dust generated in operation will aid in making an electrical circuit between the Àece bearing surface 14 and an electrically conductive element 18 exposed through fracture Àe of the sealing material. À À À Àe À:
The invention described herein may be employed in any application where it is required À e.
À . to seal across an articulated joint.
The invention has been found to be of particular efficacy when employed in a gas turbine engine. In particular, it has been found to be effective in the sealing of an articulated jet pipe of a gas turbine engine. It has also found utility in the sealing of - 7 articulated pressurised fluid ducts which deliver fluid from the engine to other locations within an aircraft. In configurations where larger degrees of articulation are required it is also possible to arrange at least two articulated joints in series along a fluid duct.
The configurations shown in Figures 1 to 3 are diagrammatic. The design of the articulated joint, the bearing surface, the arrangement of the electrically conductive elements and the electrical components may vary between designs. À: e. À e. À À ee. À À À À e. À À À À .. À À . À À - 8
Claims (1)
1 An articulated joint comprising a bearing surface in communication with a sealing material embedded with at least one electrically conductive element.
2 An articulated joint as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said bearing surface is arcuate.
3 An articulated joint as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the said at least one electrically conductive element is set at a predetermined depth in the sealing material.
4 An articulated joint as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the electrically conductive elements are coated with an electrical insulator.
An articulated joint as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sealing material is formed from an electrically conductive material. Àe
lo: 6 An articulated joint as claimed in claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the bearing e surface is formed from an electrically conductive material. À À À
7 An articulated joint as claimed in claims 1 to 5 wherein the bearing surface in communication with the said sealing material is formed from an electrically . conductive material. À À ÀÀ
8An articulated joint as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the bearing surface is coated with an electrically conductive material.
9An articulated joint as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the joint is configured such that when the sealing material has worn by a predetermined - 9 - amount the at least one electrically conductive element is brought into communication with the electrically conductive bearing surface.
An articulated joint as claimed in claim 9 wherein an electrical circuit is made when the at least one electrical element is brought into communication with the electrically conductive bearing surface.
11 An articulated joint as claimed in claim 10 wherein a warning signal generating device is operable on completion of said electrical circuit.
12 An articulated joint as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a plurality of I electrical elements are embedded in the sealing material.
13 An articulated joint as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the plurality of electrical elements are embedded in the sealing material forming a diamond shape lattice.
14 An articulated joint as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sealing! material is chosen from a list of materials comprising carbon and composites of carbon; a graphite composite; polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE); plastics. À.. À À
An articulated joint as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the at least one À.
electrically conductive element is chosen from a list of materials comprising copper copper and alloys of copper; nickel plated copper; beryllium copper alloys; nickel. À. - e À . À Àe
16 An articulated joint as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the bearing surface is chosen from a list of materials comprising titanium and titanium alloys; nickel and nickel alloys; steel and steel alloys; aluminium and aluminium alloys.
17 An articulated joint as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the electrically conductive elements are coated with a material selected from the at least one of - 10 a group of materials comprising epoxys; ceramics; high temperature ceramics; polyvinylacetal, polyurethane, polyesterimide, polyester, polyamideimide, polyamide, amideimide and other appropriate enamels; other conventional electrically insulating coatings.
18 An articulated joint as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the bearing surface is substantially cylindrical.
19 An articulated joint as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the bearing surface is partially spherical.
An articulated joint as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sealing surface is disposed around the bearing surface.
21 An articulated joint as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sealing surface is coaxial with the bearing surface.
22 An articulated joint as claimed in claims 18 to 21 wherein the electrical elements are embedded in the sealing material in a substantially circumferential configuration. À e.. À À.e
23 An articulated joint as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the bearing and À.
sealing surface form a seal between a high pressure fluid source and a relatively À..
low pressure fluid source. À À À
. 24 An articulated joint as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the bearing À À surface is moveable relative to the sealing material.
An articulated joint as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the joint forms part of a gas turbine engine. - 11
26 An articulated joint as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the joint forms part of the exhaust section of an engine.
27 An articulated joint as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the joint forms part of a jet pipe of a gas turbine engine.
28 An articulated joint as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the joint forms part of an aircraft structure.
29 An articulated joint substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
A means for ducting fluid comprising an articulated joint as claimed any one of claims 1 to 24.
31 A means for ducting fluid as claimed in claim 30 wherein at least two articulated joints as claimed in claims 1 to 24 are arranged in series.
32 A means for ducting fluid in as claimed in a claim 30 and claim 31 which forms :' part of an aircraft. see. Àeee Àe.e À- e À e ee À: À À À e. e A e À eee
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0310618A GB2401409A (en) | 2003-05-09 | 2003-05-09 | An articulated joint seal arrangement with an integral wear detection mechanism |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0310618A GB2401409A (en) | 2003-05-09 | 2003-05-09 | An articulated joint seal arrangement with an integral wear detection mechanism |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0310618D0 GB0310618D0 (en) | 2003-06-11 |
| GB2401409A true GB2401409A (en) | 2004-11-10 |
Family
ID=9957696
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0310618A Withdrawn GB2401409A (en) | 2003-05-09 | 2003-05-09 | An articulated joint seal arrangement with an integral wear detection mechanism |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2401409A (en) |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1956275A1 (en) * | 2007-02-12 | 2008-08-13 | Robert Bosch GmbH | Electric device for recognising the wear status of a dynamic sealing element |
| US11168792B2 (en) | 2017-11-28 | 2021-11-09 | Carl Freudenberg Kg | Seal arrangement |
| US11293351B2 (en) | 2020-07-16 | 2022-04-05 | Raytheon Technologies Corporation | Gas turbine engine including seal assembly with abradable coating including magnetic particles embedded in polymer |
| US11313280B2 (en) | 2020-07-16 | 2022-04-26 | Raytheon Technologies Corporation | Gas turbine engine including seal assembly with abradable coating and cutter |
| US11313281B2 (en) | 2020-07-16 | 2022-04-26 | Raytheon Technologies Corporation | Gas turbine engine including seal assembly with abradable coating including magnetic particles |
| US11401832B2 (en) | 2021-01-05 | 2022-08-02 | Raytheon Technologies Corporation | Gas turbine engine including seal plate with separable tabs |
Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5540448A (en) * | 1992-02-25 | 1996-07-30 | Heinzen; Ralph | Seal with electrical conductor wear indicator |
| US5785323A (en) * | 1992-02-25 | 1998-07-28 | Heinzen; Ralph | Seal with electrical conductor wear indicator |
-
2003
- 2003-05-09 GB GB0310618A patent/GB2401409A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5540448A (en) * | 1992-02-25 | 1996-07-30 | Heinzen; Ralph | Seal with electrical conductor wear indicator |
| US5785323A (en) * | 1992-02-25 | 1998-07-28 | Heinzen; Ralph | Seal with electrical conductor wear indicator |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1956275A1 (en) * | 2007-02-12 | 2008-08-13 | Robert Bosch GmbH | Electric device for recognising the wear status of a dynamic sealing element |
| US11168792B2 (en) | 2017-11-28 | 2021-11-09 | Carl Freudenberg Kg | Seal arrangement |
| US11293351B2 (en) | 2020-07-16 | 2022-04-05 | Raytheon Technologies Corporation | Gas turbine engine including seal assembly with abradable coating including magnetic particles embedded in polymer |
| US11313280B2 (en) | 2020-07-16 | 2022-04-26 | Raytheon Technologies Corporation | Gas turbine engine including seal assembly with abradable coating and cutter |
| US11313281B2 (en) | 2020-07-16 | 2022-04-26 | Raytheon Technologies Corporation | Gas turbine engine including seal assembly with abradable coating including magnetic particles |
| US11401832B2 (en) | 2021-01-05 | 2022-08-02 | Raytheon Technologies Corporation | Gas turbine engine including seal plate with separable tabs |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0310618D0 (en) | 2003-06-11 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |