Elongated Dimpled Workpiece Surface for Stable Oil Film Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The generation of vortex-like turbulence in dimples on workpieces leads to a reduction in oil film pressure when oil is filled between the workpiece and a counterpart material, causing inefficiencies in frictional resistance reduction.
Innovation Solution
The formation of elongated dimples with an aspect ratio of 5.0 or more and 50.0 or less, arranged in a spindle shape, and intersecting longitudinal directions to minimize turbulence and enhance oil film pressure by reducing oil flow disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If circular dimples are formed on the workpiece surface, then the dimples can effectively capture wear debris and generate squeeze effect, but vortex-like turbulence occurs in the oil flow within the dimples, reducing oil film pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the dimple shape from circular to elliptical, where the aspect ratio (major axis to minor axis) is controlled within 2.0 to 10.0. This asymmetric geometry suppresses vortex-like turbulence in the oil flow while maintaining the dimple's ability to capture wear debris and generate squeeze effect, thereby resolving the contradiction between frictional resistance reduction and oil film pressure maintenance
2Stress or pressure
If the aspect ratio of dimples is increased to suppress turbulence, then oil film pressure is maintained, but the dimple geometry becomes more complex to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the aspect ratio of elliptical dimples within a specific range (2.0 to 10.0). This controlled parameter adjustment achieves turbulence suppression and adequate oil film pressure while maintaining manufacturability, as the elliptical shape can be formed using conventional scraping tools with appropriate geometric configuration
3Ease of manufacture
If scraping is used to form dimples on the workpiece surface, then the process is simple and cost-effective, but controlling the precise geometry and aspect ratio of dimples is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the scraping tool geometry such that the tool's own configuration (scraping element angle, depth, and arrangement) automatically produces the desired elliptical dimple geometry with controlled aspect ratio during the scraping process. The tool structure itself ensures consistent dimple formation without requiring complex external control systems, achieving both ease of manufacture and adequate geometric precision
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
The solution effectively suppresses vortex-like turbulence, maintaining higher oil film pressure and reducing frictional resistance by ensuring less turbulent oil flow along the dimples' longitudinal direction, thereby improving the frictional coefficient stability across varying loads.
Implementation Method 1
The oil flow causes vortex-like turbulence (for example, cavitation) in the dimples, for example, when the dimples are circular
Implementation Method 2
The oil flow causes vortex-like turbulence (for example, cavitation) in the dimples
Implementation Method 3
When the counterpart material passes near the dimples, the oil may be squeezed out from the dimples and into the space between the counterpart material and the workpiece (squeeze effect) at high pressure
Implementation Method 4
a cutting edge of a rotary cutting tool may be slightly abutted to the surface of the workpiece while the rotary cutting tool rotates
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A plurality of dimples (3) are formed on a processing surface (2) of a workpiece. An aspect ratio of the dimples (3) is 5.0 or more and 50.0 or less, the aspect ratio being a ratio of a vertical length (3b) of the dimple in a longitudinal direction to a lateral length (3c) of the dimple in a lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.