Shaft Seal Fluid Replenishment for Sliding Surface Lubricity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shaft sealing devices with fluid introduction mechanisms struggle to maintain high lubricity between sliding surfaces due to fluid depletion in the drive space during relative rotational sliding.
Innovation Solution
A shaft sealing device with a fluid introduction mechanism on at least one of the sliding surfaces, where a communication path connects the drive space to an external space, allowing fluid replenishment and maintaining high lubricity between sliding surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fluid introduction mechanism is provided to introduce fluid between sliding surfaces, then leakage suppression is improved, but fluid depletion occurs in the closed drive space leading to reduced lubricity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the drive space from the sealed environment by providing a communication path that connects it to the external atmosphere. This allows the drive space to be differentiated from the sealed fluid side, enabling independent fluid management where fluid can be replenished from the external environment rather than being depleted from the sealed space.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication path acts as an intermediary between the drive space and the external environment, allowing fluid to be transferred from the external space into the drive space. This mediator enables continuous fluid replenishment to the sliding surfaces without compromising the sealing function against the sealed fluid side.
2Reliability
If fluid is continuously introduced between sliding surfaces to maintain lubricity, then lubrication performance is improved, but fluid loss from the closed drive space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous lubrication by establishing a continuous fluid supply path from the external environment through the communication path into the drive space. This continuous action replenishes fluid that is consumed or depleted during operation, maintaining constant lubrication performance without periodic interruption or fluid exhaustion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by using the external environment as a source of replenishment fluid. The communication path enables the drive space to automatically replenish its own fluid supply from the external space, eliminating the need for external fluid injection systems or periodic manual refilling.
3Reliability
If the drive space is kept closed to prevent contamination, then sealing reliability is improved, but fluid replenishment becomes difficult leading to fluid depletion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the overall system into distinct functional zones: the sealed fluid side space that maintains sealing reliability, and the drive space that connects to the external environment through the communication path. This segmentation allows each zone to fulfill its specific function - the sealed space prevents contamination while the connected drive space enables fluid replenishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the system architecture by introducing a communication path that provides a third spatial connection between the drive space and the external environment. This dimensional addition transforms the drive space from a closed two-dimensional sealed chamber into an open system with external connectivity, enabling fluid replenishment without compromising the sealing of the fluid side space.
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 prevents fluid depletion in the drive space, ensuring continuous high lubricity between sliding surfaces, thereby enhancing the sealing performance and reducing leakage.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid introduction mechanism formed on at least one of the pair of sliding surfaces so that a fluid in the drive space is introduced between the pair of sliding surfaces
Implementation Method 2
since the fluid is replenished from the external space into the drive space through the communication path when the fluid in the drive space is introduced between the pair of sliding surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A shaft sealing device capable of maintaining high lubricity between sliding surfaces is provided. Communication paths communicating with an external space are connected to a drive space and a fluid in the drive space introduced between a pair of sliding surfaces by a fluid introduction mechanism is replenished from an external space through the communication paths.