Segmented DLC Sliding Member with Intermediary Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diamond-like carbon (DLC) sliding members experience high planar pressure and wear when segmented, leading to potential removal from the substrate, and existing solutions fail to maintain low friction without using oils or greases.
Innovation Solution
A sliding member design featuring a first sliding surface made of DLC and a second surface with a higher frictional coefficient material, such as MoS2 or WS2, arranged between DLC segments to reduce planar pressure and prevent DLC removal, while maintaining low friction properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DLC is segmented to increase wear-resistance, then wear-resistance is improved, but planar pressure increases and DLC is easily removed from substrate
Solution Approach 1:
A second sliding surface material with higher friction coefficient is introduced as an intermediary between the DLC segments. This intermediary material fills the spaces between segmented DLC, reducing planar pressure on DLC while maintaining low overall friction through the inherent low-friction properties of DLC in contact regions
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding surface is designed with non-uniform material distribution: DLC provides low friction in contact zones while the second sliding surface material with higher friction coefficient is placed in non-contact or low-load zones between segments. This local differentiation allows DLC to maintain its low-friction advantage where needed while reducing planar pressure through the structural support of additional material
2Reliability
If DLC segments are arranged with spaces therebetween, then wear-resistance is improved, but DLC is easily worn out or removed from substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The second sliding surface material acts as a mediator that fills spaces between DLC segments. This intermediary material provides structural support and reduces the mechanical stress and planar pressure acting on DLC segments, thereby preventing DLC from being easily worn out or removed while preserving the segmented structure's wear-resistance benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The second sliding surface material is pre-positioned between DLC segments to provide cushioning support before operational stresses occur. This beforehand cushioning prevents excessive planar pressure from directly acting on DLC-substrate interfaces, reducing the risk of DLC removal during operation
3Loss of energy
If DLC is used as sliding surface, then low friction is achieved, but planar pressure on DLC increases when segmented
Solution Approach 1:
The second sliding surface material with higher friction coefficient serves as an intermediary structural element that distributes and reduces planar pressure on DLC segments. While this material has higher friction, it is positioned in zones that do not bear the primary sliding load, allowing DLC to maintain its low-friction function in contact zones while the intermediary material provides structural support to reduce overall planar pressure
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 design achieves a frictional coefficient of 0.12 or less, reducing DLC wear and ensuring low friction without oils or greases, even when DLC segments are separated, thus enhancing the durability and performance of the sliding member.
Implementation Method 1
DLC is a material having characteristics of highly hard diamond and characteristics of low-shearing graphite
Implementation Method 2
segmenting DLC film and forming the segmented DLC film on a substrate to increase wear-resistance of a frictional contact surface
Implementation Method 3
Adhesiveness between DLC and the substrate is low
Data Source
AI summary
To provide, between separated first sliding surfaces (DLC), a material of which frictional coefficient is higher than that of DLC at a temperature of 25° C. and a humidity of 45% as a second sliding surface.