Capillary seal with fill pool
US7056026B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 14, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jun 6, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 15, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16J15/40
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Improved capillary sealing is provided for withstanding shock events, vibration and evaporation, for use with fluid dynamic bearings. In an aspect, minimal axial space is occupied by a fluid reservoir and the sealing system and method withstands at least 1000 G shock events. A fluid reservoir having a capillary surface is formed between diverging walls. A fluid fill pool, separate from the fluid reservoir and having a steeper angle than the fluid reservoir, is positioned adjacent to a fluid fill hole. The fill pool, having a greater diverging angle than the fluid reservoir provides an unstable region for fluid to remain and any fluid is pulled by capillary force gradient to the fluid reservoir.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.