Sliding Seal Groove Structure for Lubrication Without Fluid Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shaft sealing devices face challenges in maintaining sealing properties while reducing friction, as the sealed fluid introduced for lubrication often leaks to the leakage side, compromising the sealing effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates annular sliding components with communication grooves, storage grooves, and dynamic pressure generation grooves, where the sealed fluid is introduced from the communication groove to the storage groove, and dynamic pressure generation grooves are positioned to generate a fluid film, preventing leakage by returning excessive fluid to the sealed side, ensuring smooth sliding and effective sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If fluid introduction grooves are formed to introduce sealed fluid for lubrication, then friction between sliding components is reduced, but sealed fluid leaks to the leakage side without being collected, compromising sealing property
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding surface is segmented into multiple functional zones: fluid introduction grooves for lubrication, dynamic pressure generation grooves for maintaining fluid film, and storage grooves for collecting excess sealed fluid. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function, preventing sealed fluid from leaking to the leakage side while maintaining effective lubrication.
Solution Approach 2:
Storage grooves act as intermediary structures that collect and hold excess sealed fluid before it can leak to the leakage side. These grooves serve as a buffer zone, mediating between the fluid introduction system and the sealing interface, thereby preventing sealing property deterioration.
2Loss of energy
If dynamic pressure generation grooves are formed to generate dynamic pressure at end points, then a fluid film is formed between sliding components, but sealed fluid is not collected and leaks to the leakage side
Solution Approach 1:
The groove system is segmented into dynamic pressure generation grooves that create fluid film for lubrication and storage grooves that collect excess sealed fluid. This segmentation ensures that the sealed fluid used for generating dynamic pressure is properly managed and collected, preventing it from leaking to the leakage side.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of allowing sealed fluid to leak uselessly to the leakage side, the storage grooves recover and collect the excess sealed fluid. This recovered fluid can then be utilized for maintaining the fluid film and lubrication, thereby reducing both energy loss and substance loss.
3Loss of energy
If multiple grooves are formed on the sliding surface for fluid introduction and dynamic pressure generation, then lubrication is improved, but the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple groove functions are merged into an integrated groove system on the sliding surface. The fluid introduction grooves, dynamic pressure generation grooves, and storage grooves are combined into a unified structure that performs multiple functions simultaneously, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining effective lubrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove system is designed with multi-functionality, where the same sliding surface structure serves multiple purposes: introducing sealed fluid, generating dynamic pressure, and collecting excess fluid. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.
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 allows for reduced friction and enhanced sealing by efficiently managing the sealed fluid, preventing leakage and maintaining sealing properties during both low-speed and high-speed rotations, effectively balancing lubrication and sealing requirements.
Implementation Method 1
generating a dynamic pressure at end points of the dynamic pressure generation grooves, and allowing the sliding surfaces to slide on each other with a fluid film interposed therebetween
Implementation Method 2
a communication groove having a start point communicating with the sealed fluid side space in a radial direction, a storage groove communicating with the communication groove
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding surface of the sliding component is provided with a communication groove having a start point communicating with a sealed fluid side in a radial direction, a storage groove communicating with the communication groove, and a plurality of dynamic pressure generation grooves generating a dynamic pressure at end points thereof upon a run of the rotating machine and the dynamic pressure generation grooves are located on a side of the sealed fluid side space with respect to the storage groove in the radial direction.