Rotating Shaft Lubrication Guide Ribs Centrifugal Oil Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubricating apparatuses for rotating shafts face oil supply shortages due to low water-head differential pressure and centrifugal forces, which can reduce the amount of oil supplied to the oil passage, especially in gear-type transmissions.
Innovation Solution
A rotating-shaft lubricating apparatus with guide ribs formed on the supporting wall to create multiple oil flow paths that utilize centrifugal forces to efficiently direct oil from the radially-outer portion to the center, ensuring sufficient oil supply to the oil passage regardless of differential pressure or rotating speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a natural supply system utilizing water-head differential pressure is used, then the structure is simpler, but the amount of oil supplied to the oil passage may be reduced when water-head differential pressure is low
Solution Approach 1:
The single oil flow path is segmented into multiple oil flow paths by providing a plurality of guide ribs in the supporting wall. Each guide rib creates a separate flow channel from the radially-outer portion of the oil chamber to the center portion, allowing oil to be supplied through multiple parallel paths, thereby increasing the total amount of oil supplied to the oil passage.
2Speed
If the rotating speed of the rotating shaft is high, then centrifugal forces increase, but oil supply to the oil passage may be reduced due to larger centrifugal forces pressing oil against the peripheral wall
Solution Approach 1:
The guide ribs create flow paths that utilize the radial dimension of the oil chamber, directing oil from the radially-outer portion toward the center portion. This dimensional approach allows centrifugal force to be harnessed to drive oil flow along the guide ribs, converting the harmful radial outward force into a useful flow direction toward the oil passage opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide ribs are positioned and shaped to utilize centrifugal force generated by rotation. Instead of resisting the centrifugal force that presses oil against the peripheral wall, the guide ribs are designed to channel this force-driven flow from the radially-outer portion toward the center, converting the harmful effect into beneficial oil supply to the oil passage.
3Device complexity
If a single oil flow path is provided, then the structure is simpler, but the amount of oil supplied may be insufficient when centrifugal forces are large
Solution Approach 1:
The single oil flow path is segmented into multiple oil flow paths by providing a plurality of guide ribs in the supporting wall. Each guide rib creates a separate flow channel from the radially-outer portion of the oil chamber to the center portion, allowing oil to be supplied through multiple parallel paths, thereby increasing the total amount of oil supplied to the oil passage.
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 apparatus ensures consistent and efficient lubrication by increasing oil pressure through multiple flow paths, preventing shortages and ensuring thorough lubrication of lubricating portions, regardless of the rotating direction or speed.
Implementation Method 1
it is possible to direct oil toward the center portion from radially-outer sides, through at least two oil flow paths, due to centrifugal forces
Implementation Method 2
oil is moved outwardly in the radial direction and is pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the oil chamber, due to centrifugal forces based on the rotations of the end surface of the rotating shaft and an inner ring in a bearing
Implementation Method 3
a natural supply system utilizing water-head differential pressure (head differential pressure) in oil
Data Source
AI summary
A lubricating apparatus includes a rotating shaft disposed horizontally; a supporting wall supporting the rotating shaft with a bearing; an oil chamber surrounded by the supporting wall and the rotating shaft; an oil passage extending within the rotating shaft and communicating with lubricating portions; an oil intake portion for receiving and supplying the oil to the oil chamber; and a plurality of guide ribs formed in the supporting wall. The guide ribs are adapted to form at least two oil flow paths from a radially-outer portion of the oil chamber toward a center portion of the chamber.