Sliding Surface Dimple Layout for Sealing and Low Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding components with dimples fail to maintain favorable sealing performance and low sliding torque across a wide rotation speed range, as the fixed dimple angle and configuration are not adaptable to varying operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
The sliding component features a dimple group with dimples arranged in a radial and circumferential direction, where the dimple angle changes at a constant or discontinuous rate, and is larger on the leakage side for suction and smaller on the sealed fluid side to optimize suction and dynamic pressure effects, allowing for adaptable sealing performance and reduced sliding torque across different conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed dimple angle is used in the sliding surface, then sealing performance and sliding torque can be optimized under specific operating conditions, but favorable sealing performance and low sliding torque cannot be achieved in a wide rotation speed range
Solution Approach 1:
The dimple angle is made variable rather than fixed, allowing it to change according to operating conditions. The sliding surface includes multiple dimple groups with different dimple angles, enabling the system to adapt to varying rotation speeds while maintaining reliable sealing performance across a wide operating range.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sliding surface are equipped with dimples having different local characteristics (different angles). This allows each region to be optimized for specific operating conditions, with the collective effect providing adaptability across the entire rotation speed range while maintaining sealing reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed dimple angle is used in the sliding surface, then sealing performance and sliding torque can be optimized under specific operating conditions, but low sliding torque cannot be maintained across different operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The dimple angle configuration is made dynamic to respond to changing operating conditions. By providing multiple dimple groups with different angles, the system can maintain low sliding torque across various operating conditions rather than being optimized for only one specific condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric parameter of the dimple angle is varied across different dimple groups to optimize performance. This parameter change allows the sliding surface to adapt to different operating conditions while maintaining low sliding torque, as each dimple angle configuration responds favorably to specific operating ranges.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dimples are arranged with a fixed configuration, then sealing performance can be achieved under specific conditions, but favorable sealing performance cannot be achieved in a wide rotation speed range
Solution Approach 1:
The dimple arrangement is made dynamic through the inclusion of multiple dimple groups with different dimple angles. This dynamic configuration allows the sealing surface to adapt to a wide rotation speed range, preventing fluid leakage across various operating conditions rather than only at specific speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
Different local regions of the sliding surface have dimples with different angles optimized for specific conditions. This local differentiation ensures that across the entire sliding surface, there are always dimples operating at optimal angles for the current rotation speed, thereby preventing leakage across a wide range of operating conditions.
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 effectively reduces leakage and sliding torque by optimizing the suction and dynamic pressure effects, ensuring favorable sealing performance and low sliding torque across a wide range of operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a suction effect and a dynamic pressure effect of the dimples constituting the dimple group may be changed
Implementation Method 2
a suction effect and a dynamic pressure effect of the dimples constituting the dimple group may be changed
Implementation Method 3
it is necessary to maintain favorable sealing performance while reducing sliding torque by forming a fluid lubrication film by the sealed fluid between the sliding surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding component includes a pair of sliding members being slidable relative to each other on sliding surfaces of the sliding members. One of the sliding surfaces includes a dimple group in which dimples are arranged in a radial direction and a circumferential direction, each of the dimples having an opening portion whose shape has a long axis and a short axis orthogonal to the long axis. A dimple angle formed by a radial axis passing through an intersection of the long axis and the short axis of the dimple and a rotational center of the sliding surface and the long axis changes in at least one of the radial direction and the circumferential direction of the one of the sliding surfaces.