Sliding Component Groove Grouping for Stable Fluid Film Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sliding components require a large number of evenly arranged dynamic pressure generating grooves to maintain sealability and lubrication, but this arrangement leads to unstable fluid film formation and leakage due to insufficient land portions between grooves.

Innovation Solution

The sliding component features dynamic pressure generating groove groups with longer central grooves and shorter end grooves, unevenly distributed in the circumferential direction, allowing for a stable fluid film holding section and effective lubrication by generating dynamic pressure, while preventing leakage through flush land portions and auxiliary fluid circulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a large number of dynamic pressure generating grooves are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction, then the sealed fluid can be sufficiently drawn in to generate dynamic pressure, but the land portions between grooves become too small to hold a stable fluid film

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of dynamic pressure generating groovesVSAvoidstability of fluid film

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding surface is segmented into multiple dynamic pressure generating groove groups arranged in the circumferential direction. Each group contains multiple grooves that work together to draw in sealed fluid and generate dynamic pressure, while the groups are spaced apart to provide sufficient land portions for fluid film stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple dynamic pressure generating groove groups are arranged circumferentially around the sliding surface, creating replicated structures that collectively draw in sealed fluid from different positions. This distributed arrangement ensures sufficient fluid supply while maintaining stable land portions between the grouped grooves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If dynamic pressure generating grooves are arranged to maximize fluid drawing, then lubrication is improved, but leakage prevention becomes difficult due to insufficient land portions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication performanceVSAvoidfluid leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the grooves into groups with sufficient spacing, the invention creates adequate land portions that prevent fluid leakage while maintaining effective lubrication. The segmented structure allows each groove group to perform its lubrication function without compromising the leakage prevention capability of the land portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stress or pressure

If evenly distributed grooves are used, then uniform dynamic pressure generation is achieved, but the groove unprocessed section is insufficient to hold a stable fluid film

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic pressure distributionVSAvoidgroove unprocessed section length

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding surface is divided into multiple groove groups arranged circumferentially, creating sufficient unprocessed sections (land portions) between the groups. These segmented arrangements provide adequate space for stable fluid film formation while maintaining uniform dynamic pressure generation through the distributed groove groups.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 ensures stable fluid film formation and reduced friction, maintaining sealability and lubricity while preventing fluid leakage, even with reduced groove length, by effectively distributing dynamic pressure generating grooves and utilizing auxiliary fluid circulation.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid (here, a sealed fluid) is drawn into the dynamic pressure generating groove from one end corresponding to the start point of the dynamic pressure generating groove due to the relative rotation between two sliding components so that a dynamic pressure is generated at the front end portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDynamic pressure generation: Bernoulli Effect

Implementation Method 2

since a so-called fluid lubrication state is exhibited in which a sliding action is performed while a fluid film is interposed between the sliding surfaces, it is possible to lower the friction between the sliding components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid lubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS11821521B2Sliding component

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 EAGLE INDS

AI summary

A sliding surface of an annular sliding component disposed at a relatively rotating position of a rotating machine is provided with a plurality of dynamic pressure generating groove groups arranged in a circumferential direction, each including a plurality of dynamic pressure generating grooves having a start point opening to one radial edge of the sliding surface S and an end point closing within the sliding surface while extending circumferentially, in the circumferential direction.