Variable Dimple Angle Sliding Components for Sealing and Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding components fail to achieve favorable sealing performance and low sliding torque across a wide rotation speed range due to fixed dimple angles and configurations.
Innovation Solution
The sliding components feature dimples with adjustable dimple angles that change at a constant or discontinuous rate in both radial and circumferential directions, optimizing suction and dynamic pressure effects for various operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed dimple angles are used in sliding components, then sealing performance and sliding torque can be optimized under specific operating conditions, but favorable performance cannot be achieved across a wide rotation speed range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the dimple angle variable rather than fixed. The dimple angle changes according to the radial position from the rotation center, allowing the sliding component to adapt to different rotation speeds dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the structure to adjust its characteristics based on operating conditions, achieving favorable sealing performance and sliding torque across a wide rotation speed range without requiring multiple different configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different dimple angle characteristics at different radial positions. Dimples closer to the rotation center have different angles than those farther away, with each region optimized for its specific operating conditions. This local differentiation allows the overall component to perform well across various rotation speeds, as each local region contributes optimally to the performance at different operating points.
2Reliability
If dimple angle is fixed for sealing performance, then leakage reduction is achieved under specific conditions, but sliding torque increases at other operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
By making the dimple angle dynamic and position-dependent, the system can optimize the balance between sealing performance and sliding torque at different radial positions. The varying dimple angles create different fluid dynamic effects (suction effect near rotation center, dynamic pressure effect farther out) that work together to maintain both low leakage and low sliding torque across different rotation speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the dimple angle as a function of radial position. This parameter change allows the system to optimize fluid flow characteristics at different locations, creating a gradient of effects that simultaneously reduces leakage through suction effects near the center while maintaining low sliding torque through dynamic pressure effects at outer regions.
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 design ensures favorable sealing performance and low sliding torque across a wide range of operating conditions by dynamically adjusting the dimple angles to suit specific use conditions.
Implementation Method 1
by changing the dimple angle in at least one of the radial direction and the circumferential direction, a suction effect and a dynamic pressure effect of the dimples constituting the dimple group may be changed
Implementation Method 2
by changing the dimple angle in at least one of the radial direction and the circumferential direction, a suction effect and a dynamic pressure effect of the dimples constituting the dimple group may be changed
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] To provide a pair of sliding components that slide relative to each other on a sliding surface and can achieve high sealing performance and low sliding torque in a wide rotation speed range. [Solution] In a pair of sliding members 3 and 5 that slide relative to each other on a sliding surface S, at least one sliding surface S is provided with a dimple group 60 formed by arranging dimples 11 each having an opening 11a having a shape with a major axis L and a short axis K perpendicular to each other in a radial direction and a circumferential direction, and a dimple angle θ formed between the major axis L and a radial axis r passing through an intersection G between the major axis L and the short axis K of the dimple 11 and a center C of the sliding surface S changes in at least one among the radial direction and the circumferential direction of the sliding surface S.