Liquid metal bearing assembly system and method

Abstract

To provide systems and methods for a liquid metal bearing assembly.SOLUTION: A liquid metal bearing assembly (300) includes a channel (314) fluidly coupling a liquid metal reservoir (312) to a gap (316) between a sleeve (302) and a shaft (304). The channel comprises a first section (314a) sloped at a first angle, and a second section (314b) sloped at a second angle, where the first angle is different from the second angle. A curved transition section (458) is positioned between the first section and the second section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein relate to systems having a liquid metal bearing assembly and methods of assembling a liquid metal bearing assembly. 【Background Art】 【0002】 Liquid metal bearings are used in various operating environments because they have a longer lifespan and can more effectively manage thermal loads compared to roller bearings. For example, certain X-ray sources and X-ray tubes utilize liquid metal bearings, at least in part, due to their durability and thermodynamic properties. However, asymmetric liquid metal distributions and gas formation at the bearing's liquid metal interface can occur within the bearing. 【Summary of the Invention】 【0003】 In one embodiment, a liquid metal bearing assembly is provided that includes a fluid passageway fluidly coupling a liquid metal reservoir between a sleeve and a shaft, and a fluid passageway having a first portion inclined at a first angle and a second portion inclined at a second angle, the first angle being different from the second angle, and a curved transition portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion. gap The above advantages and other advantages, as well as features, of the present specification will become readily apparent from the following detailed description, either alone or in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the above summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, a selection of concepts further described in the detailed description. This is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined solely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Further, the claimed subject matter is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure.​​​​ [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0005】 This disclosure will be better understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] This is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary X-ray imaging system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a pictorial diagram showing a part of an X-ray source according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] This shows a liquid metal bearing assembly according to an embodiment. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a detailed view of a portion of the liquid metal bearing assembly shown in Figure 3, including the liquid metal reservoir. [Figure 4B] Figures 3 and 4A show a first embodiment of the shaft of the liquid metal bearing assembly. [Figure 5] Another shaft of a liquid metal bearing assembly according to an embodiment is shown. [Figure 6] Another shaft of a liquid metal bearing assembly according to an embodiment is shown. [Figure 7] An additional embodiment of the shaft of the liquid metal bearing assembly is shown. [Figure 8] This is a detailed view of a portion of the liquid metal bearing assembly shown in Figure 3, including the pinned feature, according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] Figures 9A and 9B show a second embodiment of the sleeve of the liquid metal bearing assembly according to the liquid metal bearing assembly embodiment shown in Figure 3. [Figure 10] A second embodiment of the sleeve for a liquid metal bearing assembly according to the embodiment is shown. [Figure 11] Figures 11A, 11B, and 11C show additional embodiments of the liquid metal bearing assembly according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] Various diagrams of a liquid metal bearing assembly, including the insertion of a shaft into a sleeve, according to an embodiment are shown. [Figure 13] This is an exemplary assembly method for a liquid metal bearing assembly according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] An additional embodiment of the shaft of the liquid metal bearing assembly is shown. [Figure 15] An additional embodiment of the shaft of the liquid metal bearing assembly is shown. [Figure 16] An additional embodiment of the shaft of the liquid metal bearing assembly is shown. [Figure 17] An additional embodiment of the liquid metal bearing assembly is shown. [Figure 18] This shows an example of adding a pinning feature to a liquid metal bearing assembly. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0006】 The following description relates to various embodiments of a system (e.g., an X-ray imaging system) and a liquid metal bearing assembly deployed therein. Liquid metal bearings enable the system to achieve a desired level of liquid metal filling precision. The outcome of liquid metal filling precision is considered to be a reduction in gases suspended in the liquid metal and, in some cases, a more uniform distribution of liquid metal at the bearing interface. As a result, a reduction in the coefficient of friction is achieved, improving the durability and lifespan of the bearing. 【0007】 The disclosed liquid metal bearing assembly comprises a shaft and a sleeve with a gap between them, and a liquid metal such as gallium can be introduced into the gap by capillary action. This disclosure addresses current challenges in the manufacture of liquid metal bearings by promoting good capillary wettability and retention of the liquid metal. This is achieved by introducing a gradual transition (e.g., a smooth chamfer transition) from the gallium reservoir to the gap. The gradual transition reduces the difficulty of aligning the shaft and sleeve, enabling self-alignment during the assembly process, thereby improving yield and easing capacity constraints during manufacturing. As another example, the shaft and sleeve configuration can reduce reliance on lubricants used during assembly, which can contaminate the gallium and impair its lubricating ability. Furthermore, the outer surface of the thrust bearing is used with a smooth transition to encourage full wetting with the liquid gallium. Strategically placed pinning features reduce the amount of gallium that flows undesirably to the lower rotational seal and reservoir within the bearing outside the journal surface. In this way, capillary forces within the gap hold the gallium in place. 【0008】 An X-ray imaging system, shown in Figure 1, includes an X-ray source (such as an X-ray tube) configured to generate X-rays and an X-ray controller. One embodiment of the X-ray source is shown in Figure 2, and the X-ray source is configured with a liquid metal bearing to provide anode rotation. Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of the liquid metal bearing assembly, and Figure 4A shows the liquid metal reservoir in the liquid metal bearing assembly. gapFigure 4B shows a detailed diagram of the fluid-coupled flow path. Figure 4B is a detailed diagram of the shaft of the liquid metal bearing assembly, including the angled surface that forms the flow path in Figure 4A. Figure 5 is a detailed diagram of another shaft of the liquid metal bearing assembly. Figure 6 is a detailed diagram of another shaft of the liquid metal bearing assembly, different from the shaft shown in Figure 5. Figure 7 shows an additional embodiment of the shaft of the liquid metal bearing assembly having different angled surfaces within the dimensional range of the liquid metal bearing assembly. Figure 8 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the liquid metal bearing assembly of Figure 3, including the pinning feature. Figures 9A and 9B show the first and second figures of the sleeve of the liquid metal bearing of Figure 3, respectively. Additional configurations of the sleeve are shown in Figure 10. Figures 11A, 11B and 11C show additional embodiments of the liquid metal bearing assembly. Figure 12 shows an example of assembly of the liquid metal bearing assembly, including the insertion of the shaft into the sleeve. Figure 13 shows how to operate a system including a liquid metal bearing assembly. Figures 14, 15, and 16 show additional embodiments of the shaft of the liquid metal bearing assembly, each embodiment having surfaces at different angles within the dimensional range of the liquid metal bearing assembly. Figure 17 shows another embodiment of the liquid metal bearing assembly. In this example, the flow path and pinning feature may be oriented in opposite directions, such that the filling port, the angle forming the liquid metal reservoir, and the inlet to the gap are on the sealing side of the liquid metal bearing, and the pinning feature is on the opposite end of the shaft having the sleeve. Figure 18 shows an example of an additional pinning feature for the liquid metal bearing assembly. 【0009】 Figures 2-10, 12, and 14-16 are drawn to scale, but other relative dimensions may be used. Figures 2-10, 12, and 14-18 show exemplary configurations with various relative positional relationships of components. When elements are shown in direct contact with each other or directly joined, such elements can be said to be in direct contact or directly joined, in at least one example. Similarly, elements shown continuous or adjacent to each other may be continuous or adjacent, in at least one example. For example, components laid in surface contact with each other may be said to be in surface contact. As another example, elements that are spaced apart from each other with only space between them and no other components present may be referred to as such, in at least one example. As yet another example, elements shown above / below each other, on opposite sides of each other, or to the left / right of each other may be referred to as such relative to each other. Furthermore, as shown in the figure, in at least one example, the topmost element or point of an element may be referred to as the “top” of the component, and the bottommost element or point of an element may be referred to as the “bottom” of the component. As used herein, top / bottom, upper / lower, above / below are relative to the vertical axis of the figure and may be used to describe the relative positional relationship of elements in the figure to each other. Thus, an element shown above another element is, in one example, positioned vertically above the other element. In yet another example, the shape of an element depicted in the figure may be referred to as having that shape (e.g., circular, straight, planar, curved, rounded, chamfered, angled, or the like). Furthermore, elements shown intersecting each other may, in at least one example, be referred to as intersecting elements or elements that intersect each other.Furthermore, elements shown within another element, or elements shown outside another element, may sometimes be referred to in this way, for example. 【0010】 A liquid metal bearing assembly includes a liquid metal interface positioned between a stationary component and a rotating component. The rotating component is designed to contain liquid metal and includes a liquid metal reservoir positioned radially inward from the liquid metal interface. The rotating component further includes a liquid metal passage extending between the liquid metal reservoir and the liquid metal interface. The rotating component may include a wettability surface within the liquid metal passage. 【0011】 Before further describing liquid metal bearing assemblies for machinability and liquid metal introduction, an exemplary X-ray imaging system in which a liquid metal bearing assembly may be implemented is shown. Figure 1 shows an X-ray imaging system 100 for generating X-rays. In Figure 1, the X-ray imaging system 100 is configured as an X-ray imaging system that can be a computed tomography (CT) imaging system, a radiography imaging system, a fluoroscopy imaging system, a mammography imaging system, an interventional imaging system, a tomography system, etc. However, the X-ray imaging system 100 is applicable to fields other than diagnostic imaging and medical devices. For example, the X-ray imaging system 100 may be deployed in crystallography systems, security scanners, industrial scanners, x-ray photography systems, and so on. In the example of an X-ray imaging system, the X-ray imaging system can be configured to image a subject 102 such as a patient, an inanimate object, one or more manufactured parts, and / or a foreign body present in the body, such as an implant, stent, and / or contrast agent. 【0012】 The X-ray imaging system 100 can include a collector assembly having at least one X-ray source 104, such as an X-ray tube configured to generate and project an X-ray radiation beam 106. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the X-ray source 104 is configured to project the X-ray radiation beam 106 through the subject 102 toward the detector array 108. In some system configurations, the X-ray source 104 can project a conical X-ray radiation beam that is collimated to be located within the X-Y-Z plane of the Cartesian coordinate system. However, other beam profiles and / or systems that omit the detector array are also envisioned. Each detector element of the array generates an individual electrical signal that is a measurement of the X-ray beam attenuation at the detector position. 【0013】 Although only a single X-ray source 104 and detector array 108 are depicted in FIG. 1, in certain embodiments, multiple X-ray sources and / or detectors can be employed to project and detect multiple X-ray radiation beams. For example, in the case of using a CT apparatus, multiple detectors can be used in parallel with the X-ray source to acquire projection data at different energy levels corresponding to the subject. 【0014】 The X-ray imaging system 100 can further include an X-ray controller 110 configured to supply power and timing signals to the X-ray source 104. It will be understood that the system can also include a data acquisition system configured to sample the analog data received from the detector elements and convert the analog data into digital signals for subsequent processing. 【0015】 In certain embodiments, the X-ray imaging system 100 can have a processor 114 and further include a computing device 112 that controls system operation based on operator input. The computing device 112 receives operator input including commands and / or scanning parameters, for example, via an operator console 116 operably coupled to the computing device 112. The operator console 116 can include a keyboard, a touch screen, and / or other suitable input devices that enable the operator to specify commands and / or scanning parameters. 【0016】 Although only one operator console 116 is shown in FIG. 1, for example, multiple operator consoles may be included in the X-ray imaging system 100 for input or output of system parameters, requests for examinations, plotting of data, and / or viewing of images. Further, in certain embodiments, the X-ray imaging system 100 may be coupled to a plurality of displays, printers, workstations, and / or similar devices that are located either locally or remotely and connected via a wired and / or wireless network. In one embodiment, the display 120 can communicate electronically with the computing device 112 and is configured to display a graphical interface indicating system parameters, control settings, imaging data, and the like. 【0017】 In one example, the computing device 112 stores data in a storage device (memory device) 118. The storage device 118 can include, for example, a hard disk drive, a floppy disk (registered trademark) drive, a compact disk read / write (CD-R / W) drive, a digital versatile disk (DVD) drive, a flash drive, and / or a solid state memory device drive. 【0018】 Furthermore, the computing device 112 provides commands to the X-ray controller 110 and other system components to control system operations such as X-ray beamforming, data acquisition, and / or processing. Thus, in certain embodiments, the computing device 112 controls system operations based on operator input. More specifically, the computing device 112 can operate the X-ray controller 110 using commands and parameters supplied by the operator and / or defined by the system, which in turn can control the X-ray source 104. In this way, the intensity and timing of X-ray beam generation can be controlled. It will also be understood that the rotational speed of the sleeve within the X-ray source is adjusted by the computing device 112 in conjunction with the X-ray controller 110. The sleeve may be a rotating element of a liquid metal bearing assembly, as will be described in detail herein. 【0019】 Various methods and processes may be stored as executable instructions in non-transient memory on a computing device (or controller) within the X-ray imaging system 100. In one embodiment, the X-ray controller 110 may include executable instructions in non-transient memory and apply the method to control the X-ray source 104. In another embodiment, the computing device 112 may include instructions in non-transient memory and relay the instructions at least partially to the X-ray controller 110 to adjust the X-ray source output. 【0020】 Figure 2 shows a detailed embodiment of some X-ray sources, such as the X-ray tube 200. The X-ray tube 200 shown in Figure 2 functions as an example of the X-ray source 104 depicted in Figure 1. Thus, not only the X-ray source shown in Figure 2, but other embodiments of X-ray sources described herein may include functional and / or structural features from the X-ray source 104 shown in Figure 1, and vice versa. Furthermore, alternative embodiments combining features from one or more systems are also envisioned. A rotation axis 250 and a radial axis 252 are provided in Figure 2 for reference. It will be understood that the radial axis is any axis perpendicular to the rotation axis 250. 【0021】 The X-ray tube 200 includes a housing 202 having a low-pressure enclosure 204 (e.g., a vacuum enclosure) formed therein. It will be understood that the low-pressure enclosure is intended to have a relatively low pressure relative to atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the pressure inside the enclosure (housing) may be lower than atmospheric pressure. 【0022】 The X-ray tube 200 includes a liquid metal bearing assembly 205 having a rotating member, in this case a rotational component 208, and a stationary member, in this case a stationary component 206. In one example, the rotating component 208 and the stationary component 206 may include a wetted surface and a wet-preventing surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotating component 208 is a sleeve and the stationary component 206 is a shaft. However, embodiments in which the sleeve is stationary and the shaft rotates are also intended. It will be understood that the motion denoted by the descriptors stationary and rotational denote the relative motion between the components. However, in some use cases, the X-ray tube may be incorporated into a movable structure. For example, in the use case of a CT imaging system, the X-ray tube may be incorporated into a rotating gantry. Thus, in a small-scale reference frame, the shaft is stationary relative to the sleeve, but in a larger-scale reference frame, both components exhibit similar rotational motion within the gantry. However, in alternative use scenarios, the X-ray tube may be integrated into a stationary structure relative to a larger-scale reference frame. Furthermore, it will be understood that the liquid metal bearing assemblies described in detail herein may, in some cases, be deployed in other types of systems that utilize liquid metal bearings. 【0023】 The X-ray tube 200 also includes a rotor 218 and a stator 220. The rotor 218 is coupled to a rotating component 208, which is given rotational motion. The stator 220 is shown located outside the low-pressure enclosure 204. However, other suitable stator locations are conceivable. Typically, the rotor and stator may include windings, magnets, electrical connections, etc., and interact electromagnetically to generate rotor rotation in response to control commands from, for example, the X-ray controller 110 shown in Figure 1. 【0024】 The X-ray tube 200 further includes an anode 210 and a cathode 212. The anode 210 is part of the anode assembly. The anode 210 is coupled to and supported by a rotating component 208, which allows for rotation of the anode 210 during X-ray beam generation. The cathode 212 is also part of the cathode assembly and can receive signals from a controller, such as the X-ray controller 110 shown in Figure 1, to generate an electron beam directed towards the surface of the anode 210. When the electron beam from the cathode 212 collides with the anode 210, an X-ray beam 214 is generated. The X-rays are emitted through an X-ray window 216 within the housing 202. 【0025】 Turning to the liquid metal bearing assembly 205, the assembly 205 includes a plurality of liquid metal bearings. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid metal bearing assembly 205 may include a liquid metal journal bearing 222 and a liquid metal thrust bearing 224. The liquid metal journal bearing 222 is designed to support radial loads, and the liquid metal thrust bearing 224 is designed to support axial loads. In this way, the load on the sleeve (e.g., the rotating part 208) can be managed to provide efficient rotation of the sleeve. 【0026】 Each bearing in the liquid metal bearing assembly 205 includes an interface 226 in which the liquid metal acts as a lubricant and also supports radial and axial loads. The thickness of the interface can be selected based on factors such as the type of liquid metal used in the bearing, the manufacturing tolerances of the components, and the expected system operating temperature. Thus, in one use case, the thickness of the liquid metal interface is on the order of 5 microns (μm) to 40 microns (μm). The thickness of the liquid metal interface of the liquid metal journal bearing 222 may be in the direction of the radial axis 252, and the thickness of the liquid metal interface of the liquid metal thrust bearing 224 may be in the direction of both the radial axis 252 and the rotation axis 250. The liquid metal used as the working fluid in the bearing assembly may include gallium, tin, indium, or combinations thereof. Embodiments of the liquid metal bearing assembly described herein with respect to Figures 3 to 11 may use gallium as the liquid metal lubricant. 【0027】 Figure 3 shows one embodiment of the liquid metal bearing assembly 300. In some examples, the liquid metal bearing assembly 300 may be similar to, or identical to, the liquid metal bearing assembly 205 depicted in Figure 2. Thus, features from the liquid metal bearing assembly 205, more generally the features of the X-ray tube 200, may be included not only in the liquid metal bearing assembly 300 but also in other embodiments of liquid metal bearing assemblies described herein. For comparison purposes, axes 399 are provided in Figure 3, as well as in Figures 4A-6, 8-10, and 12. In the examples shown, the y-axis is the vertical axis, the x-axis is the horizontal axis perpendicular to the y-axis (e.g., the horizontal axis), and the z-axis is the vertical axis perpendicular to each of the x-axis and y-axis. While the liquid metal bearing assembly 300 is mounted on an X-ray source of an X-ray imaging system, such as the X-ray imaging system 100 described above with reference to Figure 1, the x-axis is parallel to the direction of gravity. Figure 3 includes a first detail figure 346 and a second detail figure 348. 【0028】 The liquid metal bearing assembly 300 includes a rotating part, which may be referred to herein as a sleeve 302, and a stationary part, which may be referred to herein as a shaft 304. The sleeve 302 and the shaft 304 can be coupled such that the sleeve 302 is rotatable relative to the shaft 304. Each of the sleeve 302 and the shaft 304 is configured to have a structure that forms a liquid metal flow path when the liquid metal bearing assembly 300 is assembled (e.g., the shaft 304 is enclosed by the sleeve 302), as shown in Figure 3. The liquid metal flow path may include a fill port 310, a liquid metal reservoir 312 (e.g., a lubricant reservoir), a channel 314, and a gap 316. The fill port 310 is machined as part of the sleeve 302 or formed together with the sleeve 302 (e.g., integrally molded) and is located radially away from the bearing centerline. For example, the bearing centerline may be a rotational axis 350, similar to or the same as the rotational axis 250 in Figure 2. The filling port may be located at a distance of a first radial distance 322 from the rotational axis 350 (for example, offset from the rotational axis 350 radially). In some examples, during the assembly of the liquid metal bearing assembly 300, a plug (not shown) may be fitted into the filling port following the introduction of liquid metal into the liquid metal reservoir 312. In some embodiments, the liquid metal bearing assembly 300 may be configured to have two or more filling ports. For example, the liquid metal bearing assembly 300 may include a filling port 310 on the first radial side of the sleeve 302, and further include a second filling port (not shown) directly opposite the filling port 310 with respect to the rotational axis 350 (for example, the filling port 310 may be located on the opposite side of the rotational axis 350 from the second filling port). In another example, the second filling port may be located at a different axial position from the first filling port, or it may be located parallel to the bearing axis at a different radial distance from the rotational axis 350.In some embodiments, the filling port 310 may have a wetting or anti-wetting coating. 【0029】 The liquid metal reservoir 312 can extend annularly around the shaft 304 as a second radial distance 324 between the shaft 304 and the sleeve 302. The liquid metal reservoir 312 can be fluidly coupled to a filling port 310 and a flow path 314. Each of the liquid metal reservoir 312 and the gap 316 can hold approximately equal volumes of liquid metal. As an example, the liquid metal reservoir 312 and the gap 316 can each accommodate equal volumes of liquid gallium. As another example, the liquid metal reservoir 312 and the gap 316 can hold more liquid gallium than the volume required to fill the journal gap. As one non-limiting example, the liquid metal may be approximately 5 grams. The filling port 310 coupled to the liquid metal reservoir 312 can increase the usable volume of the liquid metal reservoir 312. For example, the filling port 310 can increase the liquid metal capacity. Increasing the amount of liquid metal that can be held by the liquid metal reservoir 312 may not only increase the long-term resistance of the bearing to undesirable liquid metal flow, as described further herein, but may also increase desirable bearing performance, such as the maintenance of a continuous bearing surface. 【0030】 The liquid metal flow path, including the liquid metal reservoir 312, the flow path 314, and the gap 316, may have an annular configuration between the sleeve 302 and the shaft 304. The sloping diameter (e.g., tapering) of the shaft 304 and the sleeve 302 provides a narrow width of the liquid flow path from the liquid metal reservoir 312 to the gap 316 (e.g., between the shaft 304 and the sleeve 302). In other words, in the flow path 314, the diameter of the shaft 304 increases relative to the diameter of the shaft 304 in the liquid metal reservoir 312, and the internal diameter of the sleeve 302 decreases relative to the internal diameter of the sleeve 302 in the liquid metal reservoir 312, thus reducing the overall width of the liquid metal flow path between the shaft 304 and the sleeve 302 in the direction from the second end 308 to the first end 306 of the shaft. 【0031】 During the assembly of the liquid metal bearing assembly 300, the liquid metal is injected or inserted into the liquid metal reservoir 312 through the filling port 310. The liquid metal flows into the gap 316 in a funnel shape through the flow path 314. The width of the gap 316 may be smaller than the width of the liquid metal bead, and therefore the liquid metal may not passively flow into the gap 316. The liquid metal is hair ThinThe bearing surface is wetted by drawing the liquid metal from the channel 314 into the gap 316 through capillary forces. In this way, the liquid metal can coat the surface of the bearings of the liquid metal bearing assembly 300 (e.g., liquid metal journal bearings and / or liquid metal thrust bearings), forming a bearing surface with a continuous layer of liquid metal extending between the sleeve 302 and the shaft 304. This can provide smooth and uninterrupted rotation of the sleeve 302 relative to the shaft 304, such as during the operation of an X-ray tube for generating an X-ray beam, as described with respect to Figures 1 and 2. The liquid metal bearing assembly 300 may further include a seal in the lower region of the first end 306 of the liquid metal bearing assembly 300, designed to reduce the amount of undesirable liquid metal flow from the bearing. For example, the seal may be a rotary seal, a compression seal, etc. The seal may obstruct the flow of liquid metal axially away from an anode, such as the anode 210 shown in Figure 2 (for example, along the rotational axis 350). 【0032】 The sleeve 302 of the liquid metal bearing assembly 300 may be formed from a first body 302a and a second body 302b, the separation of the first body 302a and the second body 302b is indicated by an interface 302c. During the assembly of the liquid metal bearing assembly 300, the shaft 304 is inserted into the first body 302a of the sleeve 302 from the first end 306. The body 304a of the shaft 304 has a flange 304b formed thereon that extends radially from the body 304a of the shaft 304. The first body 302a of the sleeve 302 has a complementary section 352 formed thereon where the flange 304b can be positioned. When flange 304b is positioned in complementary section 352 (for example, as shown in Figure 3), the second body 302b of sleeve 302 is coupled to the first body 302a at the first end 306, enclosing the shaft 304 within sleeve 302. The first body 302a and the second body 302b may be joined via bolts, welding, other fasteners, etc. For example, the second body 302b may be a sleeve cap. 【0033】 The first body 302a of the sleeve 302 is configured to have an annular cutout in which the shaft 304 is positioned when the liquid metal bearing assembly 300 is assembled. When the shaft 304 is positioned within the annular cutout of the sleeve 302, a liquid metal trap may be formed between them, which includes a complementary section extending 318 of the length 302a of the first body 302a in which the flange 304b of the shaft 304 is positioned. The liquid metal trap may have an angled wall in a first region 319 of length 318 such that the first diameter of the first region 319 gradually increases toward the Y-axis from the second end 308. The liquid metal trap may further have a second diameter of a second region 320 that decreases toward the Y-axis from the flow path 314 to a third region 321 of length 318, the third region 321 being a complementary section. The third diameter of the third region 321 may be greater than the second diameter of the second region 320. In other examples, the third diameter of the third region 321 may be smaller than the second diameter of the second region 320. The transitions between the first, second, and third diameters will be discussed further with respect to Figures 4A-4B and 8-11. 【0034】 The liquid metal reservoir 312 is located in a first region 319 of a trap formed by the sleeve 302 and the shaft 304. The distance between the sleeve 302 and the shaft 304 in the first region 319 is greater than the distance between the sleeve 302 and the shaft 304 in the gap 316 and the flow path 314. The liquid metal reservoir 312 may have a first volume, and the gap 316 may have a second volume, the second volume being greater than or equal to the first volume. The liquid metal reservoir 312 can be fluidly coupled to the gap 316 by the flow path 314. As further described herein, the flow path 314 includes a first portion inclined at a first angle, a second portion inclined at a second angle, and a curved transition section connecting the first portion and the second portion. In embodiments, the curved transition section is not straight and does not include a straight portion. The first angle and the second angle are different. 【0035】 A portion of the gap 316 may be positioned at a third angle, which is different from the first and second angles. The second portion of the flow path 314 fluidly connects the flow path 314 to the gap 316. The gap 316 may have a width that is continuous along the length of the liquid metal journal bearing 326 (e.g., liquid metal journal bearing 222 in Figure 2) between the sleeve 302 and the shaft 304. In other embodiments, the gap 316 may have different widths along the length of the liquid metal journal bearing 326. In the illustrated example, the liquid metal journal bearing 326 and the liquid metal thrust bearing 328 (e.g., liquid metal thrust bearing 224 in Figure 2) may have a continuous layer of liquid metal extending in and between them. In one embodiment, at the transition between the liquid metal journal bearing 326 and the liquid metal thrust bearing 328, the structure of the sleeve 302 and shaft 304 can form a wet reservoir 330 that connects the gap 316 to the liquid metal interface 340 of the liquid metal thrust bearing 328. In one embodiment, the liquid metal interface 340 may be the fluid surrounding the liquid metal thrust bearing 328 extending along the first side 332, second side 334, and third side 336 of the flange 304b of the liquid metal thrust bearing 328. The third side 336 of the flange 304b may be configured to have a pinning feature 338. For example, the first angle of the flange 304b and the second angle of the shaft 304 in a complementary section 352 may be in contact to form an annular acute angle between them. In this way, the pinning feature 338 provides pinning of the fluid and hair ThinAlong with the pipe force, it is possible to prevent the liquid metal from flowing into the gas reservoir, in this case the expansion chamber 342, which is formed by the second body 302b of the sleeve 302 and the shaft 304. In this way, the liquid metal reservoir 312 is fluidly separated from the expansion chamber 342 by the pinning feature 338. Further details regarding the liquid metal reservoir 312, the flow path 314, and the gap 316 are described with reference to Figures 4A-4B. Further details regarding the pinning feature 338 and the expansion chamber 342 are described with reference to Figure 8. 【0036】 A detailed drawing 400 of a portion of the liquid metal bearing assembly 300 is shown in Figure 4A. Detailed drawing 400 is similar to the first detailed drawing 346, including additional details of the liquid metal reservoir 312, the flow path 314, and the gap 316. In one embodiment, the sleeve 302 and shaft 304 include a structure having a shape designed to allow liquid metal to flow into the gap 316 during field assembly of the liquid metal bearing assembly 300. This shape may result in reduced gas formation at the interface between the sleeve 302 and the shaft 304 (e.g., interface 226 in Figure 2), where the liquid metal acts as a lubricant and provides structural support. This shape may also result in a more uniform distribution of liquid metal throughout the bearing assembly. Furthermore, this shape may allow a sufficient amount of liquid metal to flow into the bearing journal during assembly, reducing underfilling and voids within the journal. The reservoir is sized to completely fill the capillary gap of the bearing without leakage from the filling port or rotary seal. 【0037】 In one embodiment, the liquid metal reservoir 312 extends in a direction from a second end 308 toward a first end 306. The liquid metal reservoir 312 includes a first portion 312a which may be narrower than the second portion 312b, and a third portion 312c which may be wider than the second portion 312b. The second portion 312b may be a void portion opposite the filling port 310, with the first portion 312a being above the second portion and the third portion 312c being below the second portion 312b. The expansion of the liquid metal reservoir 312 is formed by the angle of the first body 302a of the sleeve 302. In the first portion 312a, the inner portion 402 and the outer portion 404 of the first body 302a meet at an angle 406 which is approximately 45 degrees in one embodiment. Furthermore, in the first portion 312a, the internal portion 402 of the sleeve 302 narrows in the direction from the second end 308 toward the first end 306. From angle 406, the radial width of the liquid metal reservoir 312 increases from the first portion 312a to the second portion 312b. In the transition between the second portion 312b and the third portion 312c, the liquid metal reservoir 312 increases to the first radial width 408. In one embodiment, the first radial width 408 can hold liquid metal beads (as further described herein) having a diameter larger than the diameter of the flow path 314 in close proximity to the flow path 314 in order to promote capillary flow during field assembly. 【0038】 The flow path 314 fluidly couples the liquid metal reservoir 312 to the gap 316 between the sleeve 302 and the shaft 304. In one example, the flow path 314 tapers from the second end 308 toward the first end 306. The tapering is formed by a widening of the shaft 304. For example, the shaft 304 may have a second radial width 410 within the region of the liquid metal reservoir 312. The shaft 304 widens within the region of the flow path 314 to a third radial width 412 within the region of the gap 316. The widening of the shaft 304 from the second radial width 410 to the third radial width 412 includes a first angle, a second angle, a curved transition between the first and second angles, and a third angle. The angles of the shaft 304 are shown in Figure 4B. 【0039】 The angled surface of the shaft 304 relative to the sleeve 302 affects the shape of the channel 314. Angled surfaces are described later in Figure 4B. In one embodiment, the flow path 314 includes a first portion 314a inclined at a first angle, a second portion 314c inclined at a second angle different from the first angle, and a curved transition portion 314b between the first portion 314a and the second portion 314c. The gap 316 may be inclined at a third angle. In one embodiment, the angled surface of the shaft 304 forms the flow path 314 so that the liquid metal bead is held above the gap 316 during field assembly. As the liquid metal bead heats up during use, the tapered shape of the flow path 314 and gap 316 further increases capillary flow during assembly. For example, the first portion 314a is sized so that the liquid metal comes into contact with the second portion 314c, enabling capillary flow. Therefore, the liquid metal entering the gap 316 (e.g., the journal) can be controlled by the specific wetting properties of the shaft chamfer (e.g., the transitional edge between two faces of an object). 【0040】 A detailed drawing 450 of a portion of the liquid metal bearing assembly 300 is shown in Figure 4B. Detailed drawing 450 includes additional details of the shaft 304. In one embodiment, the shaft 304 includes an angled surface designed to allow liquid metal to flow into the gap 316 during field assembly of the liquid metal bearing assembly 300. This shape may result in reduced gas formation in the bearing journal, e.g., the gap 316, where the liquid metal acts as a lubricant and provides structural support. The shape may also result in a more uniform distribution of liquid metal throughout the assembly. Furthermore, the shape of the structure may facilitate automatic alignment of the shaft and sleeve during field assembly, improving manufacturing efficiency. 【0041】 The shaft 304 includes an upper section 452. The upper section 452 of the shaft 304 may be adjacent to a liquid metal reservoir 312 (e.g., Figure 3). A step 454 may be located below the upper section 452. In one example, the step 454 may be a grinding step. Below the step 454, a gradual transition 464 is formed on the shaft 304. The gradual transition 464 includes a first portion 456, a curved transition 458, a second portion 460, and a third portion 462. In one embodiment, the gradual transition 464 may be adjacent to a flow path 314 and a transition between the flow path 314 and the gap 316 (e.g., Figure 3). 【0042】 In one example, the first portion 456 may be inclined at a first angle 456a ranging from a lower boundary of 45° to an upper boundary of 60°. The first portion 456 may have a first axial length 456b ranging from a lower boundary of 0.5 mm to an upper boundary of 3 mm, where the axial length is the length in the direction of the axis of rotation (e.g., parallel to the axis of rotation). The first portion 456 may have a first radial change 456c ranging from a lower boundary of 1 mm to an upper boundary of 2 mm. In one embodiment, the curved transition portion 458 may be in the range of 4 mm to 9 mm in length. In one embodiment, the second portion 460 may be inclined at a second angle 460a ranging from a lower boundary of 0.5° to an upper boundary of 15°. The second section 460 may have a second axial length 460b ranging from a lower boundary of 1.5 mm to an upper boundary of 7 mm. The second portion 460 may have a second radial change (second radial change portion) 460c in the range of 0.5 mm to 1 mm. In one embodiment, the third portion 462 may be inclined at a third angle 462a in the range of a lower boundary of 0 degrees to an upper boundary of 2.5 degrees. The third portion 462 may be the length of the journal of the assembly. In one example, the radius in the first radial change 456c is smaller than the radius in the second radial change 460c, and the difference is equal to the length of the second radial change 460c. 【0043】 In one embodiment, the first angle 456a is larger than the second angle 460a and acts as a funnel to move the liquid metal from the liquid metal reservoir 312 into the channel 314 and gap 316 (e.g., the bearing journal). The size of the first angle 456a allows the bead of liquid metal to fit more closely into the channel 314, thereby reducing the distance between the channel 314 and the gap 316 to increase capillary flow. The shape of the second angle 460a and the corresponding sleeve 302 allows for automatic alignment during assembly. Such shaft and sleeve shapes are described in more detail in Figure 12. 【0044】 Figure 5 shows a detail drawing 550 of another embodiment of a shaft 500 that can be mounted in a liquid metal bearing assembly, such as the liquid metal bearing assembly 300 in Figure 3. The shaft 500 is relatively similar in form and function to the shaft 304 shown in Figures 3, 4A, and 4B. In one example, the dimensions of the shaft 500, and the additional shaft embodiments illustrated below, may be within the range of the dimensions described with respect to Figures 3, 4A–4B. 【0045】 For example, the shaft 500 includes a first portion 504 inclined at a first angle 504a, a second portion 508 inclined at a second angle 508a, a curved transition 506 between the first portion 504 and the second portion 508, and a gentle transition 502 including a third portion 510 inclined at a third angle 510a. The first angle 504a, the second angle 508a, and the third angle 510a of the shaft in the gap (e.g., gap 316 in Figure 3) may differ in the embodiment of the shaft 500 compared to the embodiment of the shaft 304 in Figures 3-4B. In one example, the first angle 504a may be greater than the first angle 456a shown with respect to Figure 4B. In one example, the second angle 508a may be greater than the second angle 460a shown with respect to Figure 4B. 【0046】 The first portion 504 may have a first axial length 511. The curved transition 506 and the first portion 504 together may have a second axial length 512. The first portion 504, the curved transition 506, and the second portion 508 together may have a third axial length 514. The third portion 510 may have a fourth axial length 516. The first portion 504, the curved transition 506, the second portion 508, and the third portion 510 together may have a fifth axial length 518. In some embodiments, the first axial length 511 of the shaft 500 may be in the same range of length as described with respect to the first axial length 456b of the shaft 304 in Figure 4B. In some embodiments, the first axial length 511 may be shorter than the first axial length 456b of the shaft 304. In other embodiments, the first axial length 511 may be greater than the first axial length 456b. Similarly, the difference between the second axial length 512 and the third axial length 514 may be the same as the range of lengths described for the second axial length 460b of the shaft 304 in Figure 4B. 【0047】 Figure 6 shows yet another embodiment of a shaft 600 that can be mounted in a liquid metal bearing assembly, such as the liquid metal bearing assembly 300 in Figure 3. The shaft 600 is relatively similar in form and function to the shaft 304 shown in Figures 3, 4A, and 4B, and the shaft 500 shown in Figure 5. A rotating shaft 602 is provided in Figure 6 for reference. The rotating shaft 602 may be the same as or similar to the rotating shaft 350 in Figures 3 and 4A. 【0048】 Figure 6 includes a detail drawing 650 of a shaft 600 including a gently sloping transition section 620. The gently sloping transition section 620 includes a first portion 606 inclined at a first angle 606a, a second portion 610 inclined at a second angle 610a, and a third portion 612. A curved transition section 608 may be located between the first portion 606 and the second portion 610. In other embodiments, the angled sections, e.g., the first portion 606 and the second portion 610, may transition directly to each other without a curved transition section. In some examples, the shaft 600 may include a tool transition region 604. The first angle 606a, the second angle 610a, and the third angle 612a of the shaft in the gap (e.g., gap 316 in Figure 3) may differ in embodiments of the shaft 600 compared to embodiments of the shaft illustrated with respect to Figures 3-4B and Figure 5. For example, as explained with reference to Figure 5, the first angle 606a may be smaller than the first angle 504a, and the second angle 610a may be smaller than the second angle 508a. In one embodiment, the gradual transition 620 may have a length 614. In one embodiment, the length 614 may be shorter than the third axial length 514, as explained with reference to Figure 5. 【0049】 Figure 7 shows a liquid metal reservoir. gap Further embodiments of the shaft 700 that may be implemented in a liquid metal bearing assembly (e.g., liquid metal bearing assembly 300 in Figure 3) are shown, along with a detailed view of the angles used to form the coupled flow path. 【0050】 The shaft 700 includes a first portion 702, a second portion 706, a curved transition 704 between the first portion 702 and the second portion 706, and a third portion 714. The shaft 700 includes a first angle 702a and a second angle 706a. The first portion 702 includes a first axial length 708. The second portion 706 includes a second axial length 712. The second portion 706 and the curved transition 704 have a combined axial length 710. The first angle 702a and the second angle 706a of the shaft 700 may differ from the first and second angles of the shafts 304, 500, and 600 illustrated with respect to Figures 3-4B, 5, and 6, respectively. For example, the first angle 702a may be greater than the first angle 504a described with respect to Figure 5. As another example, the second angle 706a may be greater than the second angle 610a described with respect to Figure 6. In one embodiment, the shaft 700 includes a cutaway 716. 【0051】 Figure 8 shows a detail drawing 800 of a portion of the liquid metal bearing assembly 300. Detail drawing 800 may be similar to a second detail drawing 348, including additional details of the wet reservoir 330, the pinning feature 338, and the expansion chamber 342. In particular, detail drawing 800 shows features of the liquid metal bearing assembly that can reduce undesirable liquid metal flow from the assembly. 【0052】 In one example, the third side surface 336 of the flange 304b may be in surface-sharing contact with the surface 804 of the second body 302b. Flow of liquid metal beyond the liquid metal interface 340 between the third side surface 336 and the surface 804 may be prevented or reduced by a sharp angle 802, which is a hair after discontinuity. ThinIt acts as a discontinuity that changes the capillary force after the discontinuity. The first angled notch 806 on the third side surface 336 of flange 304b and the second angled notch 808 on the surface 804 of the second body 302b come into contact and extend in an annular shape, forming an acute angle 802. The sharp angle 802 formed by the line-on-line transition between the first angled cutaway 806 and the second angled cutaway 808 may hold liquid metal at the intersection of the two sides and may reduce the incidence of liquid metal entering lower rotating seals, which may lead to undesired flow due to gas pressure and full wetting of the bearing journal. In one embodiment, the first angled cutaway 806 and the second angled cutaway 808 may be substantially symmetrical and form a sharp point. In another embodiment, two asymmetrical cutaways may form a sharp point that acts as a pinning feature. In one embodiment, the first angled notch 806 and the second angled notch 808 meet at an acute angle 802 at approximately a right angle. In this way, the pinning feature 338 provides pinning for the fluid and hair. ThinThe pinning feature 338 may thus provide fluid pinning and, along with capillary forces, prevent liquid metal from flowing into the expansion chamber 342. In one embodiment, the pinning feature 338 fluidly separates the expansion chamber 342 from the wet reservoir. In a further example, the pinning feature can be achieved by forming an undercut on its surface. An example of an undercut surface forming a pinning feature is shown in Figure 18. 【0053】 The expansion chamber 342 can be formed by the second body 302b of the sleeve 302 and the shaft 304. The expansion chamber 342 may also be defined by the inner surface of the liquid metal bearing assembly 300, which forms an annular shaped void. For example, the first surface 810 of the second body 302b can form the outer boundary of the expansion chamber 342. The second surface 812 and fourth surface 830 of the shaft 304 can form the inner boundary of the expansion chamber 342. The third surface 816 of the flange 304b may be continuous with the first angled notch 806 and may form the upper boundary of the expansion chamber 342. The notch 814 can form the first surface 810 toward the first end 306 of the liquid metal bearing assembly 300 and form the lower boundary of the expansion chamber 342. The expansion chamber 342, which is preferably free of liquid metal, may function as a gas reservoir to retain liquid metal off-gases. 【0054】 The wetting reservoir 330 can fluidly connect the gap 316 to the liquid metal interface 340 surrounding the flange 304b. The wetting reservoir 330 may be formed by the first body 302a of the sleeve 302 and the shaft 304. The wetting reservoir 330 may be defined by the inner surface of the liquid metal bearing assembly 300, which forms an annular gap. For example, the fourth surface 818 of the first body 302a may form the outer boundary of the wetting reservoir 330. The fifth surface 820 of the shaft 304 may form the interior boundary of the wetting reservoir 330. The fifth surface 820 may have a shape that avoids a sharp transition, for example, such that the floor 822 of the wetting reservoir 330 is lower relative to the first side surface 332 of the flange 304b, for example, along the y-axis, and gradually slopes toward the liquid metal interface 340. The shape of the wetted reservoir 330 provides a smooth transition that facilitates complete wetting of the liquid metal thrust bearing (e.g., the liquid metal thrust bearing 224 in Figure 2). The combination of the shape of the wetted reservoir 330 and the pinning feature 338 allows liquid metal to be retained in the gap 316 and the liquid metal interface 340, enabling the introduction of a sufficient amount of liquid metal during field assembly while minimizing underfilling and voids in the flow path. 【0055】 Figures 9A and 9B are perspective views of sleeves that may be mounted on a liquid metal bearing assembly, such as the liquid metal bearing assembly 300 in Figure 3. In one example, Figure 9A shows a first perspective view 900 of a sleeve (e.g., sleeve 302) that may be positioned along a second end (e.g., second end 308) of the bearing assembly. Figure 9B shows a second perspective view 950 of a sleeve that may be positioned along a first end (e.g., first end 306) of the bearing assembly. 【0056】 First, looking at Figure 9A, the first perspective view 900 of the first side 902 of the sleeve shows an example of a first surface 906 and a second surface 908. The first surface 906 may be joined to the second surface 908 by a step 910. The step 910 may include an inclined (e.g., curved or angled) edge 904. In some examples, the step 910 may be angled (e.g., between 0.5° and 15°) with respect to the axis of rotation (e.g., the axis of rotation 250 in Figure 2). Angling may reduce the occurrence of deformation of the component in some embodiments. 【0057】 Figure 9B shows a second perspective view 950 of an example of a second body 952 of a sleeve similar to the second body 302b of the sleeve 302. The second body 952 includes a first surface 954 and a second surface 956 joined by a first step 962. In one embodiment, the first step 962 may be positioned substantially perpendicular to the first surface 954 and the second surface 956. The second body 952 includes a third surface 958 joined to the second surface 956 by a second step 960. In one embodiment, the second step 960 may be positioned substantially perpendicular to the second surface 956 and the third surface 958. The second step 960 may include a rounded edge 968. 【0058】 The first surface 954 may include an inner cylindrical surface 964, an opening 970 on the first surface 954, and a plurality of through holes 966 defined by an opening on the opposite surface (e.g., an opening 826 on the opposite surface 824 in Figure 8). In one embodiment, fasteners (e.g., bolts 828 in Figure 8) can be inserted through the through holes 966 to secure the second body 952 to the first body of the sleeve (e.g., the first body 302a) during field assembly. 【0059】 Figure 10 shows another embodiment of the sleeve 1000 that can be mounted on a liquid metal bearing assembly, such as the liquid metal bearing assembly 300 in Figure 3. The sleeve 1000 has a form and function relatively similar to the sleeve 302 shown in Figures 3, 9A, and 9B. 【0060】 In one example, the inner surface of the sleeve 1000 may be machined in various ways to have different surface finishes. For example, a first region of the sleeve radially surrounded by the inner surface of the shaft may have a first surface finish. A second region of the sleeve not radially surrounded by the inner surface of the shaft may have a second surface finish different from the first surface finish. In one example, the first surface 1002 of the sleeve 1000 may include turned sections and ground sections. In one example, the sleeve 1000 may have a first region 1004 that is substantially cylindrical with respect to a first length 1006. In another example, a second region 1008 of the first surface 1002 may be ground for a second length 1010, and a third region 1012 may be turned for a third length 1014. The sleeve 1000 along the second length 1010 may be formed in an uncontrolled cylindrical shape. The grinding interface 1016 between the second length 1010 and the third length 1014 can generate a step or discontinuity 1018. 【0061】 The first surface 1002 of the sleeve 1000 may be formed to include a first angle 1024 and a second angle 1022. In one embodiment, the first angle 1024 is in the range of 30° to 60°, and the second angle 1022 is in the range of 0.5° to 15°. In one embodiment, the shape of the sleeve 1000 can reduce the occurrence rate of liquid metal being retained in a liquid metal reservoir (e.g., liquid metal reservoir 312 in Figure 3) during field assembly, such as between wetting and coating steps in manufacturing. 【0062】 Figures 11A, 11B, and 11C show the first embodiment 1110, the second embodiment 1140, and the third embodiment 1170 of the liquid metal bearing assembly 1100, respectively. The embodiments of the liquid metal bearing assembly 1100 are functionally relatively similar to the liquid metal bearing assembly 300 shown in Figures 3, 4A, etc. The first embodiment 1110, the second embodiment 1140, and the third embodiment 1170 show modifications of the liquid metal bearing assembly 1100 that can increase the capillary flow of liquid metal into the bearing journal and facilitate automatic alignment of shaft insertion during field assembly. 【0063】 The liquid metal bearing assembly 1100 includes a shaft 1102, a sleeve 1104, a filling reservoir 1106, and a bearing gap 1108. The filling reservoir 1106 may consist of a void formed by the inner surfaces of the shaft 1102 and the sleeve 1104. For example, the surfaces may include a first surface 1102a of the shaft 1102 and a second surface 1104a of the sleeve 1104. 【0064】 Figure 11A shows a first embodiment 1110 including a first modification 1112. The first modification 1112 may be a section that separates the filling reservoir 1106 from the shaft 1102. 【0065】 Figure 11B shows a second embodiment 1140 including a first modification 1112 and a second modification 1142. The second modification 1142 may be separated from the second surface 1104a of the sleeve 1104 (see, for example, Figure 11A). The second modification 1142 and the first modification 1112 enlarge the filling reservoir 1106 and widen the angle 1144 of the bearing clearance 1108. 【0066】 Figure 11C shows a third embodiment 1170 including a third modification 1172, a fourth modification 1174, a fifth modification 1176, and a sixth modification 1178. The third modification 1172 may be a cut from the first modification 1112 (see, for example, Figure 11A) of the shaft 1102. The fourth modification 1174 and the fifth modification 1176 may be cuts from the first surface 1102a of the shaft 1102. The sixth modification 1178 may be a cut from the second modification 1142 (see, for example, Figure 11B). The modifications enlarge the filling reservoir 1106 and widen the angle 1180 of the bearing clearance 1108. 【0067】 The modifications shown in Figures 11A-11C may offer various advantages. For example, by widening the filling reservoir 1106, the modification allows for sufficient liquid metal filling before wetting. As another example, by reducing the chamfering of the filling reservoir 1106, the modification increases capillary flow into the bearing gap 1108. Furthermore, by reducing chamfers and other sharp transitions, galling and other wear that may occur on the sliding surfaces between the shaft 1102 and the sleeve 1104 during field assembly can be reduced. 【0068】 Figure 12 shows an assembly series 1200 of a liquid metal bearing assembly 300 during insertion of the shaft 304 into the sleeve 302. For example, the first position 1202, second position 1204, and third position 1206 of the shaft 304 and sleeve 302 during field assembly are shown. As an example, the mating angles of the sleeve 302 and shaft 304 are aligned to facilitate assembly. For example, by aligning the angles, automatic alignment of the shaft 304 and sleeve 302 is possible during field assembly, improving manufacturing efficiency. 【0069】 The gradual transition 464 of the shaft 304 is shown including sections formed to have a compound angle, for example, a first section 456, a second section 460, and a third section 462, as well as a curved transition section 458. The second section includes a second angle 460a. The first region 1208 of the first body 302a of the sleeve 302 may be formed to have a sleeve angle 1208a that is the same as or similar to the second angle 460a. Dashed lines 1210, 1212 are drawn to illustrate the gap 316 or bearing journal axis between the shaft 304 and the sleeve 302. The second angle 460a and the sleeve angle 1208a may be cut out from the gap 316. 【0070】 During assembly, the shaft 304 is inserted into the sleeve 302 from the first end 306. In the first position 1202 during assembly, the shaft 304 approaches the first region 1208 of the sleeve. In the second position 1204, the shaft 304 passes through the first region 1208 of the sleeve 302. The second angle 460a and the sleeve angle 1208a coincide, and the shaft 304 is separated from the gap 316, allowing the shaft 304 and the sleeve 302 to slide over each other. Once the shaft 304 has passed the first region 1208 of the sleeve 302, the distance between them narrows to the gap 316. In the third position 1206, the shaft 304 is fully inserted into the sleeve 302. As an example, once the shaft 304 is fully inserted to align with the second end 308 of the assembly, the liquid metal reservoir 312, the flow path 314, and the gap 316 may be formed to receive liquid metal or other bearing lubricant. 【0071】 Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 1300 for a liquid metal bearing assembly. In one example, the liquid metal bearing assembly may be a liquid metal bearing assembly 300. In one example, method 1300 may be performed by an automated system for assembling the liquid metal bearing assembly. 【0072】 For example, in 1302, method 1300 may include coupling a shaft to a sleeve of a liquid metal bearing assembly by inserting the shaft into the sleeve at an opening at the first end of the sleeve. For example, automatic alignment during assembly may be possible by matching one or more angled faces or composite angles of the shaft with the angles of the sleeve. 【0073】 In 1304, method 1300 may include joining a sleeve cap to a first end of the sleeve. For example, the sleeve cap may be identical or similar to the second body 302b, and the first end of the sleeve may be identical or similar to the first body 302a described in Figures 3 and 8. For example, by joining the sleeve cap to the first end of the sleeve, a first reservoir (e.g., a liquid metal reservoir) may be formed at the first end of the assembly (e.g., the second end 308), and a second reservoir (e.g., a gas reservoir, expansion chamber 342) may be formed at the second end (e.g., the first end 306). Furthermore, when joined, the flange of the shaft and the complementary sections of the sleeve form a clamping function with an acute angle formed at the interface between them. For example, when joined, the sleeve and shaft can form a liquid metal reservoir 312, a wetting reservoir 330, a pinning feature 338, and an expansion chamber 342. 【0074】 In 1306, method 1300 may include injecting liquid metal into a liquid metal reservoir through a filling port located at a second end of the assembly. The liquid metal, such as gallium, may be an example of a lubricant that can be used as a bearing in a liquid metal bearing assembly. The filling port may be similar to the filling port 310 shown in Figure 3, etc. In one example, an amount of liquid metal equal to the volume of the liquid metal reservoir may be injected into the liquid metal reservoir. In some embodiments, additional injection of liquid metal into the reservoir may be performed so that the total amount of injected metal exceeds the volume of the reservoir. 【0075】 In 1308, method 1300 involves heating the liquid metal bearing assembly to create bearing surfaces in the gap between the sleeve and the shaft, thereby allowing the liquid metal to form hair. Thin This may include flowing into gaps using pipe force. In other words, liquid metal, hair Thin It is drawn into the gap from the liquid metal reservoir by tubular force. Thin Pipe force can draw liquid metal into gaps without heat. In some cases, liquid metal bearings may not be heated during assembly. For example, the flow of liquid metal into the expansion chamber may be blocked (e.g., reduced, prevented) by a pinning feature formed between the shaft and the sleeve. 【0076】 Figures 14, 15, and 16 show further embodiments of a shaft that may be implemented in a liquid metal bearing assembly (e.g., the liquid metal bearing assembly 300 in Figure 3) used to form a flow path with a liquid metal reservoir coupled to a gap, along with angular detail views. In one example, the dimensions of the further embodiments of the shaft described with respect to Figures 14-16 may be within the range of the dimensions described with respect to Figures 3, 4A-4B. 【0077】 Figure 14 shows the shaft 1400. The shaft 1400 includes a first portion 1402, a second portion 1408, a curved transition portion 1404 between the first portion 1402 and the second portion 1408, and a third portion 1422. The shaft 1400 includes a first angle 1412, a second angle 1414, and a third angle 1416. The first portion 1402 has a first axial length 1410. The second portion 1408 has a second axial length 1406. The curved transition portion 1404 has an axial length 1420 of the transition portion. The shaft 1400 has a third axial length 1418, including the first portion 1402, the second portion 1408, the curved transition portion 1404, and the third portion 1422. 【0078】 In some examples, the first angle 1412, the second angle 1414, and the third angle 1416 may differ from the first, second, and third angles of the various embodiments of the shaft illustrated with respect to Figures 3-4B, 5, 6, and 7. For example, the first angle 1412 may be smaller than the first angle 504a described with respect to Figure 5. The first angle 1412 may be larger than the first angle 606a described with respect to Figure 6. The second angle 1414 may be larger than the second angle 508a described with respect to Figure 5. 【0079】 In some examples, the first axial length 1410, the second axial length 1406, the axial length of the transition section 1420, and the third axial length 1418 may differ from the corresponding axial lengths of various embodiments of the shaft illustrated with reference to Figures 3-4B, 5, 6, and 7. For example, the first axial length 1410 may be longer than the first axial length 511 described with reference to Figure 5. The third axial length 1418 may be shorter than the fifth axial length 518 described with reference to Figure 5. In another example, the first axial length 1410 may be longer than the first axial length 708 described with reference to Figure 7. 【0080】 Figure 15 shows the shaft 1500. The shaft 1500 includes a first section 1502, a second section 1504, a third section 1508, and a curved transition section 1506. The shaft 1500 includes a first angle 1510, a second angle 1512, and a third angle 1514. The first section 1502 has a first axial length 1524. The curved transition section 1506 and the first section 1502 have a second axial length 1516. The first section 1502, the second section 1504, part of the third section 1508, and the curved transition section have a third axial length 1520. 【0081】 In some examples, the first angle 1510, the second angle 1512, and the third angle 1514 may differ from the corresponding angles in various embodiments of the shaft illustrated with respect to Figures 3-4B, 5-7, and 14. For example, the first angle 1510 may be greater than the first angle 1412 described with respect to Figure 14. The first angle 1510 may be greater than the first angle 504a described with respect to Figures 5 and 6. The second angle 1512 may be smaller than the second angle 508a described with respect to Figure 5. 【0082】 In some examples, the first axial length 1524, the second axial length 1516, and the third axial length 1520 may differ from the corresponding axial lengths of various embodiments of the shaft illustrated with respect to Figures 3-4B, 5, 6, and 7. For example, the first axial length 1524 may be shorter than the first axial length 708 described with respect to Figure 7. The third axial length 1520 may be longer than the third axial length 1418 described with respect to Figure 14. 【0083】 Figure 16 shows a shaft 1600. The shaft 1600 includes a first portion 1602, a second portion 1604, and a third portion 1608. The shaft 1600 includes a first angle 1610 and a second angle 1612. In some examples, the first angle 1610 and the second angle 1612 may differ from the first and second angles of the various embodiments of the shaft illustrated with respect to Figures 3-4B, 5-7, and 14-15. For example, the second angle 1612 may be smaller than the second angle 1414 described with respect to Figure 14. The shaft 1600 does not include a curved transition between the first angle 1610 and the second angle 1612 (e.g., the curved transition 1404 in Figure 14). In other examples, the shaft 1600 may include a curved transition between the first angle 1610 and the second angle 1612. 【0084】 Figure 17 shows an example of a liquid metal bearing assembly 1700. The liquid metal bearing assembly 1700 is a configuration for the disclosed liquid metal bearing, in which the components are arranged in a different orientation (e.g., in contrast to the orientation of the components in Figure 3). In this example, a fill port and pinning feature may be in an opposite orientation such that the fill port and angles creating the reservoir and entrance to the gap are on the seal side of the bearing (e.g., a first end 1706), and the pinning feature is on the opposite end of the shaft with the sleeve (e.g., a second end 1708). 【0085】 The liquid metal bearing assembly 1700 includes a sleeve 1702 and a shaft 1704. In one example, the sleeve 1702 may be a rotating part and the shaft 1704 may be a stationary part. The sleeve 1702 and the shaft 1704 may be coupled such that the sleeve 1702 is rotatable relative to the shaft 1704. The sleeve 1702 of the liquid metal bearing assembly 1700 may be formed from a first body 1702a and a second body (not shown, e.g., 302b in Figure 3). The body 1704a of the shaft 1704 is configured to include a flange 1704b extending radially from the body 1704a of the shaft 1704. The first body 1702a of the sleeve 1702 is configured to include a complementary section 1722 on which the flange 1704b may be located. 【0086】 Each of the sleeve 1702 and shaft 1704 is configured to have a structure that forms a liquid metal flow path when the liquid metal bearing assembly 1700 is assembled. The liquid metal flow path may include a filling port 1710, a first reservoir 1712 (e.g., a liquid metal reservoir, a gallium reservoir), a flow path 1714, and a gap 1716. Liquid metal may be introduced into the first reservoir 1712 through the filling port 1710 during assembly. The flow path 1714 may include an angle to facilitate flow from the first reservoir 1712 to the gap 1716. The filling port 1710, the first reservoir 1712, and the flow path 1714 are located at the first end 1706 of the liquid metal bearing assembly 1700. 【0087】 The sleeve 1702 includes a pinning feature comprising a sleeve element 1752 and a shaft element 1750. The sleeve element 1752 and shaft element 1750 reduce the inflow of gallium into undesirable areas of the liquid metal bearing assembly 1700 by pinning the gallium within the gap 1716. The sleeve element 1752 and shaft element 1750 are located at the second end of the liquid metal bearing assembly 1700. 【0088】 During the assembly of the liquid metal bearing assembly 1700, the shaft 1704 is inserted into the first body 1702a of the sleeve 1702 from the first end 1706. When the flange 1704b is positioned in the complementary section 1722 (for example, as shown in Figure 17), the second body of the sleeve 1702 is coupled to the first body 1702a at the first end 1706, so that the shaft 1704 can be enclosed within the sleeve 1702. The first body 1702a and the second body may be joined by bolts, welds, other fasteners, etc. As an example, the second body may be a sleeve cap. In this way, the filling port 1710 and the first reservoir 1712 are located on the sealing side of the bearing, and the pinning feature is located at the opposing ends of the bearing between the shaft 1704 and the sleeve 1702. 【0089】 Figure 18 shows an example of a liquid metal bearing assembly 1800. The liquid metal bearing assembly 1800 is a disclosed liquid metal bearing configuration showing additional or alternative pinning features. In other embodiments, the liquid metal bearing assembly 1800 may be the same as or similar to the examples of liquid metal bearing assemblies described with respect to Figures 2 to 17. 【0090】 The liquid metal bearing assembly 1800 includes a sleeve 1802 and a shaft 1804. In one example, the sleeve 1802 may be a rotating part and the shaft 1804 may be a stationary part. The sleeve 1802 and the shaft 1804 may be coupled such that the sleeve 1802 is rotatable relative to the shaft 1804. The sleeve 1802 of the liquid metal bearing assembly 1800 may be formed from a first body 1802a and a second body (not shown, e.g., 302b in Figure 3). The body 1804a of the shaft 1804 is configured to include a flange 1804b extending radially from the body 1804a of the shaft 1804. The first body 1802a of the sleeve 1802 is configured to include a complementary section 1814 on which the flange 1804b can be positioned. 【0091】 A gap 1816 is formed between the sleeve 1802 and the shaft 1804. Liquid metal introduced during assembly may fill the gap 1816. The liquid metal may be prevented from flowing beyond the gap 1816 by a pinning feature that separates the gap 1816 from the gas reservoir indicated by arrow 1806. The arrangement and shape of the pinning feature may contribute to reducing the amount of liquid metal that could flow undesirably into the lower rotating seal and reservoir in the bearing outside the journal surface. In this embodiment, a first pinning feature 1824 and a second pinning feature 1834 are shown in the same bearing assembly. However, it may be understood that a manufactured bearing assembly may include only the first pinning feature 1824, the second pinning feature 1834, the pinning feature 338, or one of other similar configurations. 【0092】 The first pinning feature 1824 includes a first sleeve element 1820 and a first shaft element 1822. The first pinning feature 1824 may use two asymmetric cuts to pin the liquid metal into the gap 1816. For example, the first shaft element 1822 may be created by an asymmetric cutaway on the first surface 1826, while the first sleeve element 1820 may not have such a cutaway. In one embodiment, the asymmetric cutaway on the first surface 1826 may form an acute angle (e.g., a 45° angle). 【0093】 Alternatively, the pinning feature may be achieved by forming an undercut on the surface. For example, the second pinning feature 1834 consists of a second sleeve element 1830 and a second shaft element 1832. The second sleeve element 1830 may be created by an undercut on a second surface 1836, and the second shaft element 1832 may be created by a matching symmetrical undercut on a third surface 1838. In one embodiment, the undercut on the second surface 1836 may form an acute angle (e.g., a 45° angle), and the undercut on the third surface 1838 may form a similar acute angle in a symmetrical orientation. 【0094】 Some embodiments of the disclosed liquid metal bearing assemblies may include a plurality of filling ports, a plurality of liquid metal reservoirs, and / or a plurality of pinning features. For example, there may be a plurality of filling ports located at different axial and radial positions. Similarly, in some embodiments, the assembly may include one or more pinning features. In some examples, the disclosed liquid metal bearing assembly may include one or more of each of the filling ports, pinning features, and liquid metal reservoirs. For example, there may be a first liquid metal reservoir, associated first filling port, and associated first pinning feature located at a first end of the bearing. At a second end of the bearing, located at a different axial position, there may be a second liquid metal reservoir, associated second filling port, and associated second pinning feature. In some examples, the first pinning feature may have a different shape from the second pinning feature, while in other examples, they may have a similar shape. For example, the first pinning feature may be the same as the pinning feature described with reference to Figure 8, and the second pinning feature may be the same as the first or second pinning feature described with reference to Figure 18. 【0095】 Thus, the disclosed liquid metal bearing assembly addresses current challenges in the manufacture of liquid metal bearings by promoting good capillary wetting and liquid metal retention. The geometry of the disclosed liquid metal bearing assembly reduces the difficulty of alignment, enables self-alignment during the assembly process, thereby improving yield and reducing capacity constraints during manufacturing. By reducing the difficulty of alignment, the disclosed liquid metal bearing assembly can reduce reliance on lubricants used during assembly, which in some cases can contaminate the liquid metal and interfere with the lubricating ability of the liquid metal. Furthermore, the disclosed liquid metal bearing assembly promotes complete wetting with the liquid metal, and capillary wetting is reduced. Thin Strategic application of pipe forces reduces the amount of liquid metal that could undesirably flow into the bearing outside the journal surface. The technical benefit of using a liquid metal reservoir in a liquid metal bearing is that it allows for the precise supply of liquid metal to the bearing interface while reducing the amount of gas in the bearing interface. 【0096】 The disclosure also provides a support for a liquid metal bearing, comprising a flow channel for fluidly coupling a liquid metal reservoir into a gap between a sleeve and a shaft, the flow channel having a first portion inclined at a first angle and a second portion inclined at a second angle, wherein the first angle is different from the second angle. In a first embodiment of the system, the first portion has a first length and the second portion has a second length different from the first length. In a second embodiment of the system, optionally including the first embodiment, the liquid metal reservoir has a first volume and the gap has a second volume greater than or equal to the first volume. In a third embodiment of the system, optionally including one or both of the first and second embodiments, the system further comprises a filling port having a first end opening into the liquid metal reservoir and a second end including a plug. In a fourth embodiment of the system, optionally comprising one or more of the first to third embodiments, the first region of the sleeve radially surrounded by the inner surface of the shaft has a first surface finish, and the second region of the sleeve not radially surrounded by the inner surface of the shaft has a second surface finish different from the first surface finish. In a fifth embodiment of the system, optionally comprising one or more of the first to fourth embodiments, the system further comprises a clamping feature provided at the interface between the flange of the shaft and a complementary portion of the sleeve, the clamping feature separating the gap from an expansion chamber formed between the sleeve and the shaft. In a sixth embodiment of the system, optionally comprising one or more of the first to fifth embodiments, the system further comprises a curved transition portion positioned between the first and second portions. In a seventh embodiment of the system, optionally comprising one or more of the first to sixth embodiments, the gap has a third angle different from the first and second angles. In an eighth embodiment of the system, optionally comprising one or more or each of the first to seventh embodiments, the system further comprises a wet reservoir fluidically coupled to a liquid metal reservoir by a gap, the wet reservoir being fluidically separated from the expansion chamber by a pinned feature. 【0097】 The disclosure also includes an anode assembly which includes a collector assembly, a cathode assembly, and a rotating member having a stationary member disposed therein, and an anode assembly which is supported to rotate by a bearing assembly, wherein the bearing assembly has a liquid metal reservoir between the rotating member and the stationary member gap A fluid channel that is fluidly coupled to it, gap A support for an X-ray imaging system is provided, further comprising a feature portion extending annularly from a stationary member that separates the gas reservoir. In a first embodiment of the system, the stationary member is a shaft. In a second embodiment of the system, optionally including the first embodiment, the flow path includes a first portion inclined at a first angle, a second portion inclined at a second angle, wherein the first angle is different from the second angle, and a curved transition portion between the first and second portions. 【0098】 This disclosure also relates to a method of assembling a bearing, in which a shaft is inserted into a sleeve to provide support, a first reservoir is formed at the first end of the bearing between the shaft and the sleeve, a second reservoir is formed at the second end of the bearing between the shaft and the sleeve, and between the first reservoir and the second reservoir gap Formed, gap The steps include: separating the first reservoir from the second reservoir by the pinning feature, and inserting lubricant into the first reservoir through the filling port, and hair Thin Using the power of the pipes from the first reservoir gap The method includes the step of flowing a lubricant into the gap. In a first embodiment of this method, the method includes heating the shaft and sleeve to flow the lubricant from a first reservoir into the gap. In a second embodiment of this method, the method optionally includes the first embodiment, wherein the lubricant is a first volume of gallium, and the first volume of gallium is hair ThinThe shaft is drawn from the first reservoir into the gap by pipe force. In a third embodiment of the method, optionally comprising one or both of the first and second embodiments, the first volume of gallium is less than or equal to the volume of the first reservoir. In a fourth embodiment of the method, optionally comprising one or more of the first to third embodiments, the method further comprises grinding the surface of the shaft and the inner surface of the sleeve such that the first reservoir and gap have a first surface finish and the second reservoir has a second surface finish different from the first surface finish. In a fifth embodiment of the method, optionally comprising one or more of the first to fourth embodiments, the method further comprises wetting or preventing wetting of the inner surfaces of the shaft and sleeve. In a sixth embodiment of the method, optionally comprising one or more of the first to fifth embodiments, inserting the shaft into the sleeve comprises sliding the shaft into the sleeve from an opening at the first end of the sleeve, the shaft and sleeve forming an angle that aligns to facilitate assembly. A seventh embodiment of the method optionally includes one or more of the first to sixth embodiments, wherein the filling port and the first reservoir are located on the sealing side of the bearing, and the pinning feature is located at the opposing end of the bearing between the shaft and the sleeve. 【0099】 When describing elements of various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to indicate that there is one or more elements. Terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., do not indicate order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from others. Terms such as “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be comprehensive and mean that there may be additional elements other than those listed. As terms such as “connected,” and “joined” are used herein, one object (e.g., material, element, structure, member, etc.) may be connected to or joined to another object, whether one object is directly connected to or joined to another object, or whether there is one or more intervening objects between one object and another object. In addition, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “a certain embodiment” in this disclosure are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the mentioned features. In this specification, "approximately" and "substantially" refer to values ​​within plus or minus 5%, unless otherwise specified. 【0100】 In addition to the modifications described herein, numerous other variations and alternative arrangements can be conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this specification, and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, although the above has been described with specificity and detail in relation to what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment at present, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications, including but not limited to form, function, operation and use, can be made without departing from the principles and concepts described herein. Furthermore, as used herein, the examples and embodiments are intended to be illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting in any way. [Explanation of symbols] 【0101】 100: X-ray imaging system 102: Subject 104: X-ray source 106: X-ray beam 108: Detector array 110: X-ray controller 112: Computing device 114: Processor 116: Operator console 118: Memory device 120: Display 200: X-ray tube 202: Housing 204: Low-pressure enclosure 205: Liquid metal bearing assembly 206: Stationary parts 208: Rotating parts 210: Anode 212: Cathode 214: X-ray beam 216: X-ray window 218: Rotor 220: Stator 222: Liquid metal journal bearing 224: Liquid metal thrust bearing 226: Interface 250: Rotating axis 252: Radial axis 300: Liquid metal bearing assembly 302: Sleeve 302a: First body 302b: Second body 302c: Interface 304: Shaft 304a: Body 304b: Flange 306: First end 308: Second end 310: Filling port 312: Liquid metal reservoir 312a: First part 312b: Second part 314: Flow path 314a: First part 314b: Curve transition 314c: Second part 316: Gap 318: Length 319: First region 320: Second region 321: Third region 322: First radial distance 324: Second radial distance 326: Liquid metal journal bearing 328: Liquid metal thrust bearing 330: Wet reservoir 332: First side 334: Second side 336: Third side 38: Pinning feature 340: Liquid metal interface 342: Expansion Chamber 346: First Detail View 348: Second Detail View 350: Rotation Center Axis 352: Complementary Section 399: Axis 400, 450, 550, 800: Detail Views 402: Inner Section 404: Outer Section 406: Angle 408: First Radial Width 410: Second Radial Width 12: Third Radial Width 452: Upper Section 454: Step 456: First Section 456a: First Angle 456b: First Axial Length 456c: First Radial Change 458: Curved Transition Section 460: Second Section 460a: Second Angle 460b: Second Axial Length 460c: Second Radial Change 462: Third Section 462a: Third Angle 464: Gradual transition section500, 600, 700, 1400, 1500, 1600: Shaft 502: Gently sloping transition 504: Inclined first section 504a: First angle 506: Curved transition 508: Second section 508a: Second angle 510: Third section 510a: Third angle 511: First axial length 512: Second axial length 514: Third axial length 516: Fourth axial length 602: Rotation axis 604: Tool transition area 606: First section 606a: First angle 608: Curved transition 610: Second section 612: Third section 612a: Third angle 14: Length 620: Gently sloping transition 702: First section 702a: First angle 704: Curved transition section 706: Second section 706a: Second angle 708: First axial length 710: Combined axial length 712: Second axial length 714: Third section 716: Notch 802: Acute angle 804: Face 806: First angled notch 808: Second angled notch 810: First surface 812: Second surface 814: Notch 816: Third surface 818: Fourth surface 820: Fifth surface 822: Floor 824: Opposing surface 826: Opening 828: Bolt 830: Fourth surface 900: First perspective view 902: First side 904: Edge 906: First surface 908: Second surface 910: Step 950: Second perspective view 952: Second body 954: First surface 956: Second surface 958: Third surface 960: Second step 962: First step 964: Inner cylindrical surface 966: Through hole 968: Rounded edge 970: Opening 1000: Sleeve 1002: First surface 1004: First region 1006: First length 1008: Second region 1010: Second length 1012: Third region 1014: Third length 1016: Grinding interface 1018: Step or discontinuity 1022: Second angle 1024: First angle 1100, 1110, 1140, 1170, 1700, 1800: Liquid metal bearing assembly 1102: Shaft 1102a: First surface 1104: Sleeve 1104a: Second surface 1106: Filling reservoir 1108: Bearing clearance 1112: First modification 1142: Second modification 144, 1180: Angle 1172: Third modification1174: Fourth modification 1176: Fifth modification 1178: Sixth modification 1200: Assembly series 1202: First position 1204: Second position 1206: Third position 1208: First region 1208a: Sleeve angle 1210, 1212: Dashed lines 1402: First section 1404: Curved transition section 1406: Second axial length 1408: Second section 1410: First axial length 1412: First angle 1414: Second angle 1416: Third angle 1418: Third axial length 1420: Axial length of the transition section 1422: Third section 1502: First section 1504: Second section 1506: Curved transition section 1508: Third section 1510: First angle 1512: Second angle 1514: Third angle 1516: Second axial length 1520: Third axial length 1524: First axial length 1602: First part 1604: Second part 1608: Third part 1610: First angle 1612: Second angle 1702: Sleeve 1702a: First body 1704: Shaft 1704a: Body 1704b: Flange 1706: First end 1708: Second end 1710: Filling port 1712: First reservoir 1714: Flow path 1716: Gap 1722: Complementary section 1750: Shaft element 1752: Sleeve element 1802: Sleeve 1802a: First body 1804: Shaft 1804a: Body 1804b: Flange 1806: Arrow 1814: Complementary section 1816: Gap 1820: First sleeve element 1822: First shaft element 1824: First pinning feature 1826: First surface 1830: Second sleeve element 1832: Second shaft element 1834: Second pinning feature 1836: Second surface 1838: Third surface

Claims

[Claim 1] A liquid metal bearing (300), The liquid metal reservoir (312) includes a flow channel (314) that allows fluid to be in communication with the gap (316) between the sleeve (302) and the shaft (304), The flow path has a first portion (314a) inclined at a first angle and a second portion (314b) inclined at a second angle, wherein the first angle is different from the second angle. The flow path (314) further has a third portion inclined at a third angle, the third angle being different from the first angle and the second angle, The liquid metal bearing comprises a sleeve (302) having a first region having a first surface finish and a second region having a second surface finish different from the first surface finish. [Claim 2] The liquid metal bearing according to claim 1, wherein the first portion (314a) has a first length and the second portion (314b) has a second length different from the first length. [Claim 3] The liquid metal bearing according to claim 1, wherein the liquid metal reservoir (312) has a first volume and the gap (316) has a second volume greater than or equal to the first volume. [Claim 4] The liquid metal bearing according to claim 1, further comprising a filling port (310) having a first end that opens into the liquid metal reservoir (312) and a second end provided with a plug. [Claim 5] A liquid metal bearing (300), The liquid metal reservoir (312) includes a flow channel (314) that allows fluid to be in communication with the gap (316) between the sleeve (302) and the shaft (304), The flow path has a first portion (314a) inclined at a first angle and a second portion (314b) inclined at a second angle, wherein the first angle is different from the second angle. A liquid metal bearing further comprising a pin-locking feature (338) provided at the interface between the flange (304b) of the shaft (304) and a complementary portion of the sleeve (302), wherein the pin-locking feature separates the gap from the expansion chamber (342) formed between the sleeve and the shaft. [Claim 6] The liquid metal bearing according to claim 1, further comprising a curved transition portion (458) disposed between the first portion and the second portion. [Claim 7] The liquid metal bearing according to claim 1, wherein the flow path is an annular flow path defined by the sleeve (302) and the shaft (304). [Claim 8] A liquid metal bearing (300), The liquid metal reservoir (312) includes a flow channel (314) that allows fluid to be in communication with the gap (316) between the sleeve (302) and the shaft (304), The flow path has a first portion (314a) inclined at a first angle and a second portion (314b) inclined at a second angle, wherein the first angle is different from the second angle. A liquid metal bearing further comprising a wet reservoir (330) fluidly coupled to the liquid metal reservoir (312) by the gap (316), wherein the wet reservoir is fluidly separated from the expansion chamber by a pinned feature. [Claim 9] A method for assembling bearings, Step (1304) of inserting the shaft into the sleeve such that a first reservoir is formed at the first end of the bearing between the shaft and the sleeve, a second reservoir is formed at the second end of the bearing between the shaft and the sleeve, and a gap is formed between the first reservoir and the second reservoir, wherein the gap is separated from the second reservoir by a pinning feature, Step (1306) of inserting lubricant into the first reservoir through the filling port, A method comprising the step (1308) of using capillary force to flow the lubricant from the first reservoir into the gap. [Claim 10] The method according to claim 9, wherein the flowing step (1308) includes a step of heating the shaft and the sleeve to flow the lubricant from the first reservoir into the gap. [Claim 11] The method according to claim 9, wherein the lubricant is a first volume of gallium, and the first volume of gallium is drawn from the first reservoir into the gap by capillary force (1306). [Claim 12] The method according to claim 11, wherein the first volume of the gallium is less than or equal to the volume of the first reservoir. [Claim 13] The method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of grinding the surface of the shaft and the inner surface of the sleeve such that the first reservoir and the gap have a first surface finish (1004) and the second reservoir has a second surface finish (1008) different from the first surface finish. [Claim 14] The method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of wetting or preventing moisture from the inner surfaces of the shaft and the sleeve.

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