Sliding Surface Lubrication Path for Grease Depletion Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices with grease storage on sliding surfaces face issues of grease depletion leading to increased surface pressure, reduced sliding area, and decreased strength due to enlarged grease storage requirements.

Innovation Solution

A device with a flow path on one member that supplies lubricant to the sliding surface without enlarging the opening, using an accommodating portion to store lubricant and prevent depletion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the volume of grease storage is increased to prevent depletion during repeated sliding, then the lubricant supply duration is improved, but the area of the sliding surface is reduced and surface pressure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubricant supply durationVSAvoidsliding surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The grease storage is transitioned from a surface-level structure to a subsurface structure by forming the storage volume inside the member body. This dimensional shift allows the sliding surface to remain intact and fully functional while the grease reservoir occupies internal space, thereby preventing the trade-off between storage volume and sliding surface area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The grease storage volume is nested within the member body, creating a hierarchical structure where the storage cavity is contained inside the solid material. This nesting approach allows the grease reservoir to be integrated into the member without compromising the external sliding surface geometry or reducing contact area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Duration of action of moving object

If the volume of grease storage is increased to prevent depletion during repeated sliding, then the lubricant supply duration is improved, but the strength of the sliding surface is decreased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubricant supply durationVSAvoidsliding surface strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The grease storage volume is nested within the member body, creating a hierarchical structure where the storage cavity is contained inside the solid material. This nesting approach allows the grease reservoir to be integrated into the member without compromising the external sliding surface geometry or reducing contact area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The grease storage is transitioned from a surface-level structure to a subsurface structure by forming the storage volume inside the member body. This dimensional shift allows the sliding surface to remain intact and fully functional while the grease reservoir occupies internal space, thereby preventing the trade-off between storage volume and sliding surface area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If a recess or through hole is provided on the sliding surface to store grease, then the lubricant supply is improved, but the opening area must be enlarged which reduces the sliding surface area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubricant supply reliabilityVSAvoidsliding surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The grease storage function is extracted from the sliding surface and relocated to the interior of the member body. This separation of functions allows the sliding surface to remain dedicated to contact and motion while the grease reservoir is positioned internally, eliminating the need for large surface openings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The grease storage is transitioned from a surface-level structure to a subsurface structure by forming the storage volume inside the member body. This dimensional shift allows the sliding surface to remain intact and fully functional while the grease reservoir occupies internal space, thereby preventing the trade-off between storage volume and sliding surface area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Suppresses grease depletion while maintaining the sliding surface area and strength by efficiently supplying lubricant through a flow path and accommodating portion.

Implementation Method 1

lubricant such as grease may be applied to a sliding surface in order to improve the slidability and durability of the sliding surface (contact surface) of two members

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS12459098B2Device

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 MAX CO LTD

AI summary

A device includes a first member having a first surface, and a second member having a second surface that is partially or wholly in contact with the first surface. The first member and the second member are configured to operate relatively. The first member has a flow path of a lubricant that has an opening provided in the first surface.