Sliding Component Dimple Bands for Lubrication and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding components with dimples arranged in a regular or random pattern face challenges in achieving optimal lubrication and sealing due to uneven fluid distribution and increased friction, leading to inefficient torque generation and potential leakage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sliding component design featuring a random dimple group with an angular-direction standard deviation less than 0.8, arranged in a band-shaped configuration on the sliding surface, combined with land portions to separate adjacent dimple groups, enhances fluid lubrication and sealing by promoting a thick fluid film and preventing surface roughness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dimples are arranged and aligned in order on the sliding surface, then the sealing ability is improved, but the friction coefficient cannot be sufficiently reduced and the configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the arrangement parameters of dimples from regular alignment to random arrangement with controlled statistical properties (standard deviation of angular coordinates). This parameter transformation simplifies the configuration while maintaining sealing ability through the statistical distribution of dimples that still create effective suction and fluid flow patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The random arrangement of dimples allows the system to self-organize fluid flow patterns without requiring precise geometric control. The natural statistical distribution of dimples creates sufficient variation in fluid suction and flow paths, eliminating the need for complex engineered patterns while maintaining sealing performance.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If dimples are randomly arranged on the sliding surface, then the lubricating property is improved, but the relationship between dimple arrangement and lubricating performance is unclear
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces feedback by establishing a quantitative relationship between dimple arrangement parameters (standard deviation of angular coordinates) and lubricating performance (torque). This allows optimization of random arrangements by measuring torque and adjusting the statistical parameters of dimple distribution to achieve desired lubrication effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the understanding of random dimple arrangement by introducing specific statistical parameters (standard deviation of angular coordinates σθ) that quantify the arrangement characteristics. This parameterization allows systematic optimization of random arrangements to achieve optimal lubrication performance.
3Reliability
If fluid concentrates on the radially center portion of the sliding surface, then the sealing is maintained, but the entire sliding surface cannot be uniformly lubricated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating regions of different dimple density and angular distribution across the sliding surface. The random arrangement with controlled standard deviation creates local variations in fluid suction and flow patterns, ensuring that different regions of the sliding surface receive appropriate lubrication while maintaining overall sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces asymmetry in the angular distribution of dimples around the radial direction. By controlling the standard deviation of angular coordinates, the arrangement creates asymmetric fluid flow patterns that distribute lubricant more uniformly across the sliding surface, preventing concentration only at the radially center portion.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design improves lubrication and sealing properties by ensuring uniform fluid distribution and reducing torque generation, while maintaining reliability across various rotation speeds and temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
an effect of suctioning from the leakage side to the sliding surface
Implementation Method 2
an effect of flowing from the sealed fluid side to the sliding surface
Implementation Method 3
reduction of friction by interposing a fluid between sliding surfaces
Data Source
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AI summary
[Technical Problem] The present invention is to provide sliding components with which a lubricating property and reliability of a sealing property can be improved. [Solution to Problem] A pair of sliding components having sliding surfaces that slide with respect to each other, wherein at least the sliding surface S on one side includes a random dimple group 11 in which plural dimples 10 are randomly arranged, and the random dimple group 11 is arranged to be biased in the circumferential direction of the sliding surface S on one side.