Random Dimple Sliding Surface for Lubrication and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding components with aligned dimples face issues of inadequate fluid lubrication and sealing due to low suction and flow effects, leading to non-uniform lubrication and complex configurations to address these limitations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of sliding components with randomly arranged dimple groups, partitioned by land portions, and inclined radial portions to enhance fluid lubrication and sealing effects, allowing for improved sealing and lubrication performance by blocking fluid movement and generating positive pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If dimples are arranged and aligned in order on the sliding surface, then the configuration is structured and manufacturable, but the suction effect and flow effect are low, resulting in insufficient lubricating and sealing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by arranging dimples in a random pattern rather than a symmetric or regular aligned pattern. This random arrangement creates varied flow paths that enhance both the suction effect (drawing fluid toward the sliding surface) and the flow effect (directing fluid across the surface), thereby improving lubricating and sealing performance without compromising manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the arrangement parameter of dimples from ordered/aligned to random distribution. This parameter change transforms the fluid dynamics on the sliding surface, creating more effective pressure gradients that improve fluid suction and distribution, directly addressing the insufficient performance issue
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 configuration synergistically enhances both lubricating and sealing properties, adapting to various sliding speeds and temperatures by adjusting the inclination and shape of dimple groups, ensuring uniform fluid distribution and improved performance.
Implementation Method 1
circumferential movement of a fluid flowing into the sliding surface is blocked by the land portion and positive pressure is generated
Implementation Method 2
an effect of suctioning from the leakage side to the sliding surface
Implementation Method 3
an effect of flowing from the sealed fluid side to the sliding surface
Implementation Method 4
reduction of friction by interposing a fluid between sliding surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
In an exemplary embodiment, a pair of sliding components has 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 at least one land portion 15 that partitions radial portions 11a, 11b of the random dimple group 11. According to the configurations, a lubricating effect and a sealing effect can be improved.