Fluid bearing with asymmetrical groove pattern
US5427456A · kind A · utility
70Cited by
4References
10Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 12, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jun 27, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 12, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C2370/12
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electric motor construction includes a rotor housing and sleeve which surrounds a shaft/thrust plate. The thrust plate is enclosed in a dead end cavity and is surrounded by a fluid which forms a fluid bearing. The shaft has asymmetrical grooves which create a net pressure gradient from a capillary seal formed near the bottom of the shaft toward the dead end cavity. This helps maintain the capillary seal and reduce the risk of cavitation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.