US 12,188,563 B2
Mistake-proofing for hydrostatic seal assemblies
Caroline A. Karanian, West Harford, CT (US); and Conway Chuong, Manchester, CT (US)
Assigned to RTX Corporation, Farmington, CT (US)
Filed by Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Farmington, CT (US)
Filed on Mar. 30, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/128,568.
Prior Publication US 2024/0328514 A1, Oct. 3, 2024
Int. Cl. F16J 15/34 (2006.01); F01D 11/00 (2006.01)
CPC F16J 15/342 (2013.01) [F01D 11/005 (2013.01); F05D 2240/55 (2013.01)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A seal assembly configured to reduce fluid flow from an axially upstream side of the seal assembly to an axially downstream side of the seal assembly, the seal assembly comprising:
a primary seal comprising:
a shoe defining an inner circumferential extent of the primary seal; and
a structural rim mechanically connected to the shoe and disposed radially outward of the shoe;
a secondary seal assembly disposed at an axially forward end of the primary seal, the secondary seal assembly comprising:
a seal support comprising:
a downstream axial face disposed axially proximate to and facing the primary seal;
an upstream axial face opposite the downstream axial face;
a body extending from the downstream axial face to the upstream axial face, the body partially defining the downstream axial face and the upstream axial face;
a first leg extending radially inward from the body and defining a remainder of the downstream axial face;
a second leg extending radially inward from the body and defining a remainder of the upstream axial face, wherein the first and second legs together define a radial cavity therebetween; and
a protrusion extending from the upstream axial face and in an axially upstream direction, the protrusion configured for mistake-proof installation of the seal support; and
a secondary seal extending at least partially into the radial cavity.