Static seal with integrated support function

A seal with an integrated support function for a static axial seal application in a secondary force flux, for a resulting sealing gap between a first component and a sealing groove formed in a second component, and with a variable height, comprising:

• a first structure comprising a first material, the first structure having an elongate form that extends in a lengthwise direction between a first end and a second end;
• and
• a second structure comprising a second material, the second structure having, at least in part, an elongate form that extends in a lengthwise direction between a first end and a second end;
• wherein the first structure and the second structure are at least partially connected to one another;
• wherein the first structure has a higher hardness, or a higher Shore A hardness, than the second structure;
• wherein the second structure at least partially encloses the second end of the first structure and thus forms a flexible region adjoining the second end of the first structure;
• wherein the first structure is configured to be insertable into the sealing groove such that the lengthwise direction is substantially aligned with a height of the sealing groove, wherein the first end of the first structure is configured for contact with the first component and the flexible region of the second structure is configured for contact with the second component within the sealing groove such that the seal is compressible in the flexible region and can therefore compensate for differences in height between the first component and the sealing groove of the second component;
• wherein the second structure comprises a first sealing lip that is defined by the first end of the second structure and is configured to extend away from the flexible region, out of the sealing groove;
• and
• wherein the second structure comprises a second sealing lip that is configured to extend away from the flexible region, toward a bottom of the sealing groove;
• wherein the first sealing lip is configured for contact with the first component;
• wherein the second sealing lip is configured for contact with the second component within the sealing groove;
• wherein the first sealing lip comprises a third material, which is different from the second material;
• wherein the seal has a cross-sectional shape that is in a shape of an H or a K;
• wherein the first structure defines at least a portion of a first strut of the H or the K and the second structure defines at least a portion of a second strut of the H or the K;
• and
• wherein the first material and/or the second material comprises an elastomer or a thermoplastic.