Sliding Face Dimple Groups for Lubrication and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding components face challenges in reducing friction and maintaining sealing properties, as conventional methods require time-consuming processing for dynamic pressure generation mechanisms and random dimple arrangements do not adequately enhance lubrication performance.
Innovation Solution
The use of dimple groups with opening portions on sliding faces, where dimples are arranged to function as pseudo flow passages, enhancing both lubrication and sealing by suctioning and discharging fluid, thereby improving performance without the need for complex groove processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dynamic pressure generation grooves are provided on sliding faces to reduce friction, then lubricating performance is improved, but processing time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding face is segmented into multiple dimple groups, each containing multiple dimples arranged in specific patterns. This segmentation allows the complex groove structure to be replaced by simpler dimple features that can be more efficiently manufactured while maintaining the dynamic pressure generation function
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of processing complex groove structures, the invention uses dimple patterns that replicate the fluid dynamic function of grooves through simpler geometric features. The dimples copy the essential function of pressure generation without requiring the same level of processing complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If random dimple arrangements are used to improve lubrication, then ease of manufacture is improved, but lubricating performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The dimple groups are arranged with specific local qualities including defined opening portions, specific dimple densities, and particular geometric configurations in key areas. This localized optimization ensures high lubricating performance where it is most needed while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The dimple groups are designed to dynamically interact with the sliding fluid, creating time-varying pressure distributions that enhance lubrication. The opening portions and dimple arrangements are optimized to exploit the dynamic motion between sliding surfaces to generate beneficial fluid pressure
3Reliability
If dimple groups with opening portions are used to suction fluid, then sealing performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dimple groups with opening portions serve multiple functions simultaneously: they generate dynamic pressure for lubrication, create suction for sealing, and maintain fluid film stability. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated feature design rather than separate components, avoiding increased device complexity
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 approach effectively reduces friction and maintains sealing efficiency, even at low speeds where fluid lubrication films are not easily formed, by creating a synergy of fluid lubrication and dynamic pressure generation, improving both lubrication and sealing performance.
Implementation Method 1
Each one of the dimples forming the dimple group holds the fluid
Implementation Method 2
a fluid introduced to the fluid introduction groove is pulled into the extremely shallow dynamic pressure generation groove by viscosity of the fluid
Implementation Method 3
the sealing effect and the fluid lubricating effect are exerted by suctioning a fluid from the opening portion
Implementation Method 4
a slight gap is formed between the sliding faces and a state can be brought into a fluid lubricating state, so that sliding friction during rotation is reduced
Data Source
AI summary
A pair of sliding components have sliding faces (S) that slide with respect to each other, wherein at least one of the sliding faces (S) includes at least one dimple group (11) constituted by plural dimples (12), and each dimple group (11) includes at least one opening portion (11a) that is arranged in the one of the sliding faces (S) and radially open to the outside the one of the sliding faces (S). In the sliding components, a dynamic pressure generation mechanism can easily be formed, and a lubricating performance and a sealing performance can improve.