yet2 is seeking candidate companies interested in licensing and commercializing a surface texture technology that reduces friction between lubricated, sliding surfaces–such as those in industrial machinery and automotive applications. This technology comprises a broad set of patented patterns of surface features, applied to lubricated sliding surfaces through any of a number of common fabrication techniques/equipment. These surface textures have been proven to encourage and maintain a stable fluid film during sliding contact, providing demonstrable and significant performance benefits over other surface texturing approaches. The technology owner, a major sealing components company, is available to cooperatively aid the technology transfer process to promote successful commercialization.
Benefits
This surface texture technology provides as much as 75% reduction in dynamic and breakout (static) friction over other surface texturing approaches, which makes lubrication more effective, more consistent over a long period of time, and last longer by reducing heat buildup. It does not eliminate the need for a fluid lubricant, but may reduce the amount needed over a given period of time. In certain use cases, it may also allow cheaper or less viscous lubrications to be used without affecting performance.
Processing/Implementation
These surface textures are not tied to any singular processing/fabrication method. Depending on the application and scale, both flexible, the textures could be fabricated and applied to contact surfaces through any one of a variety of processing techniques and equipment, including but not limited to micromilling, stamping, laser and wire EDM processes. This provides flexibility for a commercialization partner to fit the technology into current processing flow with minimal disruption, and to generate proprietary IP and expertise around a particular method of implementation.
Applications
This technology is specifically designed for movement control systems where fluid lubricants are used in conjunction with sliding contact surfaces.
Application areas include:
- Automotive engine components
- Machine tooling
- Power generation systems
- Precision movement systems
- Robotics
- Hydraulics
- General plain/journal bearings
To learn more about this technology, the technology developer/owner, and the opportunity to incorporate this technology into your business, please email Daniel Soltan.