Description:FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001]Embodiments of the present invention relate to a hub motor assembly and more particularly relate to a device and a method for shielding one or more components of the hub motor assembly from environmental contaminants.

BACKGROUND

[0002]In the field of electric motor technology, particularly brushless direct current (BLDC) hub motors, maintaining reliability and efficiency of the BLDC hub motors is critically dependent on protecting one or more internal components from external environmental contaminants such as water, dust, sand, and debris. The one or more internal components including shaft, bearings, and seals in the BLDC hub motors are highly susceptible to degradation when exposed to the environmental contaminants, leading to reduced performance, premature wear, and even motor failure.

[0003]The BLDC hub motors incorporate the seals and enclosures to protect the one or more internal components. The seals act as barriers, preventing the ingress of the environmental contaminants and retaining lubricants necessary for smooth operation. However, existing solutions suffer from several significant drawbacks. Rubber seals, which are commonly used to protect the bearings and the shaft, are directly exposed to the environmental contaminants such as sand, stones, and water. This direct exposure may cause rapid wear, leading to seal failure and allowing the environmental contaminants to infiltrate the BLDC hub motors. In existing designs, fine particles such as dust and silt may bypass the seals due to gaps and insufficient sealing, eventually damaging the bearings and the shaft. The fine particles may lead to pitting, wear, and compromised functionality.

[0004]Many BLDC hub motors are configured to withstand light splashes and moderate exposure to water. However, when one of: submerged and exposed to heavy rain, the water may penetrate through small openings near the shaft and the seals, causing rust, corrosion, and damage to electronic components. The stones and the debris hitting the seals and the shafts cause physical damage, leading to one of: misalignment and reduced sealing efficiency, further exposing the one or more internal components to environmental threats.

[0005]Existing sealing mechanisms degrade over time due to a combination of mechanical wear, thermal stress, and exposure to the environmental contaminants. This results in frequent maintenance requirements and reduces the overall lifespan of the BLDC hub motors. Many current BLDC hub motors struggle to meet these standards consistently due to limitations in their sealing technology.

[0006]The key purposes of traditional seals in mechanical equipment include filling gaps between the one or more internal components, minimising damage from the extreme vibrations, preventing the leakage of the liquids and gases, hindering contamination from the environmental contaminants , and safeguarding the bearings. Nevertheless, the traditional seals wear over time. The traditional seals cause the formation of one or more grooves in soft seal faces causing the traditional seals to drip and leak. The water comes in touch with the BLDC hub motors through different sources including wet grass, puddle, rain, and the like. The fine particles easily get into the bearings and damage the bearings. The electronic components such as printed circuit boards (PCBs) and sensors are directly exposed to the water. The sensors in the BLDC hub motors are also vulnerable to the damage caused by the water, dust, grim, and the like.

[0007]In an existing technology, an oil sealing dustproof construction of wheel hub electric motor of an electric vehicle is disclosed. The oil sealing dustproof construction includes a motor shaft, an outer shaft sleeve with an axle sleeve, and a side lid covering the axle sleeve. Between the side lid and the axle sleeve, a bearing and oil seal are installed. The oil sealing dustproof construction features a dust cover fixedly connected to the axle sleeve through which the motor shaft passes. The dust cover includes a recessed dustproof groove forming an inward-bending dustproof part that is embedded into outer edges of hollows. However, prolonged exposure to harsh environmental conditions causes material fatigue in the oil sealing dustproof construction, leading to potential failures and reduced effectiveness of dustproof and oil-sealing capabilities.

[0008]There are various technical problems with the traditional seals in the prior art. In the existing technology, over time the traditional seals degrade due to continuous exposure to the environmental contaminants, which leads to the formation of the one or more grooves, causing the leaks. The fine particles penetrate the traditional seals that are not configured to handle the environmental contaminants, leading to bearing damage and reduced motor efficiency. The water from the rain, puddles, and wet environments bypasses the traditional seals, causing corrosion and short circuits in the electronic components. The prolonged exposure to the harsh environments causes material fatigue, leading to cracks, deformation, and eventual failure of the traditional seals and the one or more internal components.

[0009]Therefore, there is a need for a sand guard to address the aforementioned issues by providing the comprehensive protection for the BLDC hub motors against the environmental contaminants. There is also the need for a sand guard to enhance sealing effectiveness, improve durability, and ensure easy maintenance and compatibility with various BLDC hub motor configurations.

SUMMARY

[0010]This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simple manner, which is further described in the detailed description of the disclosure. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the subject matter nor to determine the scope of the disclosure.

[0011]In order to overcome the above deficiencies of the prior art, the present disclosure is to solve the technical problem by providing a device for shielding one or more components of a hub motor assembly from environmental contaminants.

[0012]In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the device for shielding the one or more components of the hub motor assembly from the environmental contaminants is disclosed. The device comprises a first annular flange, a stepped recess, and a second angular flange. The one or more components comprise at least one of: a shaft, a rotary seal, ball bearings, and electronic components of the hub motor assembly. The environmental contaminants comprise at least one of: water, dirt, debris, sand, dust, and natural intrusions.

[0013]Yet in another embodiment, the first annular flange comprises a first surface and a second surface. The first annular flange is configured to be positioned external to the rotary seal, circumferential to the shaft, and housed on a connection-end cover of the hub motor assembly. The first annular flange is configured with a plurality of apertures. The plurality of apertures is formed circumferentially and adapted to receive a fastener in each aperture of the plurality of apertures for firmly attaching the device to the connection-end cover of the hub motor assembly.

[0014]Yet in another embodiment, the stepped recess is formed on the first surface of the first annular flange. The stepped recess is configured to provide a firm attachment between the first annular flange and the connection-end cover of the hub motor assembly. Yet in another embodiment, the second annular flange is formed by protruding from the second surface of the first annular flange. The second annular flange is configured with one or more grooves on an inner circumference of the second annular flange. The one or more grooves are adapted to retain a lubricating sealant. The lubricating sealant and the one or more grooves with defined dimensions are configured to create a surface tension between the shaft and the second annular flange for shielding the one or more components of the hub motor assembly from the environmental contaminants. The one or more grooves with the defined dimensions are configured to maintain the surface tension for averting the water ingress afar a depth of at least 1 meter for at least 30 minutes. The lubricating sealant is a viscous material with a viscosity index of at least 95, and a temperature stability range between -20 degree Celsius to 135 degree Celsius.

[0015]In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method for shielding the one or more components of the hub motor assembly from the environmental contaminants is disclosed. In the first step, the method includes housing, by the first annular flange positioned external to the rotary seal, circumferential to the shaft, the connection-end cover of the hub motor assembly. In the next step, the method includes providing, by the stepped recess, the firm attachment between the first annular flange and the connection-end cover of the hub motor assembly. In the next step, the method includes retaining, by the one or more grooves on the inner circumference of the second annular flange, the lubricating sealant. In the next step, the method includes creating, by the lubricating sealant and the one or more grooves with the defined dimensions, the surface tension between the shaft and the second annular flange to shield the one or more components of the hub motor assembly from the environmental contaminants.

[0016]To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

[0017]Figure 1A illustrates an exemplary schematic view of the device for shielding the one or more components of the hub motor assembly from the environmental contaminants, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018]Figures 1B to 1E illustrate exemplary side views of the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019]Figures 1F and 1G illustrate exemplary rear views of the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020]Figure 1H illustrates an exemplary front view of the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021]Figure 1I illustrates an exemplary visual representation depicting the device connected to the hub motor assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0022]Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram representation depicting a method for shielding the one or more components of the hub motor assembly from the environmental contaminants through the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023]Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the method steps, chemical compounds, equipment, and parameters used herein may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0024]For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0025]The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more components, compounds, and ingredients preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other components or compounds or ingredients or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0026]Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

[0027]In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0028]Embodiments of the present invention relate to a device for shielding one or more components of a hub motor assembly from environmental contaminants.

[0029]Figure 1A illustrates an exemplary schematic view of the device 100 for shielding the one or more components of the hub motor assembly from the environmental contaminants, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030]Figures 1B to 1E illustrate exemplary side views of the device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031]Figures 1F and 1G illustrate exemplary rear views of the device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032]Figure 1H illustrates an exemplary front view of the device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0033]Figure 1I illustrates an exemplary visual representation depicting the device 100 connected to the hub motor assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034]According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the device 100 for shielding the one or more components of the hub motor assembly from the environmental contaminants is disclosed. The device 100 is constructed from a group of metals that comprises, but not limited to, one of: an aluminium, a stainless steel, non-corrosive alloys, and the like.

[0035]The device 100 may comprise, but not constrained to, at least one of: a first annular flange 102, a stepped recess 118, and a second angular flange 120. The one or more components may comprise, but not limited to, at least one of: a shaft 114, a rotary seal 112, ball bearings 116, and electronic components (not shown) of the hub motor assembly. The shaft 114 is configured to serve as a central axis around which rotating elements of the hub motor assembly rotate. The rotary seal 112 is operatively positioned around the shaft 114. The rotary seal 112 maintains a tight seal under varying temperatures and pressures, making the rotary seal 112 essential for ensuring the longevity and reliability of the hub motor assembly. The ball bearings 116 are configured to facilitate smooth and efficient movement by a supporting load on the rotating elements, thereby ensuring stability and reducing wear and tear. The electronic components of the hub motor assembly may include, but not restricted to, at least one of: controllers, sensors, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and the like. The electronic components are configured to manage the operations of the hub motor assembly, such as speed, torque, and braking. The electronic components are highly sensitive to the environmental contaminants which may cause short circuits and degrade the performance of the hub motor assembly.

[0036]The environmental contaminants may comprise, but not constrained to, at least one of: water, dirt, debris, sand, dust, natural intrusions, and the like. By mitigating exposure to the environmental contaminants, the device 100 significantly enhances durability, operational efficiency, and lifespan of the hub motor assembly. The device 100 ensures that the hub motor assembly operates seamlessly in challenging environments.

[0037]In an exemplary embodiment, the first annular flange 102 comprises a first surface 108 and a second surface 122. The first surface 108 is an inner surface of the device 100. The first surface 108 is proximal to the rotary seal 112. The second surface 122 is an outer surface and serves as an external facing side of the device 100. The first annular flange 102 is positioned externally to the rotary seal 112 and circumferentially around the shaft 114, thereby forming an outer barrier to the environmental contaminants. A gap between the device 100 and the shaft 114 is minimal. The positioning of the first angular flange 102 provides an added layer of protection to a connection-end cover (not shown) of the hub motor assembly, ensuring that the one or more components remain unaffected by the environmental contaminants. The connection-end cover of the hub motor assembly is a protective enclosure that seals and safeguards the one or more components. Despite the presence of the connection-end cover, the device 100 is employed to provide additional protection, specifically enhancing the durability of the one or more components, while ensuring superior waterproofing for extending a life of the hub motor assembly.

[0038]The first annular flange 102 is configured with a plurality of apertures 104. The plurality of apertures 104 is formed circumferentially on the first surface 108. Each aperture 104 of the plurality of apertures 104 is precisely positioned and dimensioned to receive a fastener 110, enabling a secure and firm attachment of the device 100 to the connection-end cover of the hub motor assembly. This arrangement ensures that the device 100 remains tightly affixed under varying operational conditions, including vibration, thermal expansion, and mechanical stress. The fastener 110 when inserted through each aperture 104, provides mechanical stability to the hub motor assembly, thereby preventing misalignment and ensuring a robust seal against the environmental contaminants.

[0039]In an exemplary embodiment, the stepped recess 118 is formed on the first surface 108 of the first annular flange 102. The stepped recess 118 is configured to provide a secure and reliable attachment between the first annular flange 102 and the connection-end cover of the hub motor assembly. The stepped recess 118 ensures a firm fit, preventing any misalignment and gaps that may compromise the protection of the one or more components.

[0040]Additionally, the second annular flange 120 is formed by protruding from the second surface 122 of the first annular flange 102. The second annular flange 120 is configured with one or more grooves 106 on an inner circumference of the second annular flange 120. The one or more grooves 106 are adapted to retain a lubricating sealant. The one or more grooves 106 with the defined dimensions are configured to optimise the retention of the lubricating sealant. The lubricating sealant is configured to create a protective barrier. The interaction between the lubricating sealant and the one or more grooves 106 generates a surface tension that serves as a shield between the shaft 114 and the second annular flange 120. The surface tension prevents the environmental contaminants from breaching the hub motor assembly and protects the one or more components of the hub motor assembly. The defined dimensions and a defined interstitial spacing between the one or more grooves 106 are optimised to ensure that under normal operating conditions, water may not ingress inside the hub motor assembly. The defined dimensions and the defined interstitial spacing ensure that the surface tension is maintained consistently, providing an additional layer of ingress protection. In the illustrative embodiment, the defined dimensions include a groove 106 of the one or more grooves 106 having a width of 1.5 millimetres. A diameter of the first annular flange 102 is 84 millimetres, the diameter of the second annular flange 120 is 50 millimetres, and the diameter of each aperture 104 is 5.3 millimetres. The defined interstitial spacing between each groove 106 of the one or more grooves 106 is 0.75 millimetres. The defined dimensions, the diameter, and the defined interstitial spacing may be adjusted based on configuration needs, intended applications, and may vary to optimise the performance and compatibility with different motor assemblies and the environmental conditions.

[0041]The combination of the one or more grooves 106 and the lubricating sealant also ensures a compliance of the hub motor assembly with Ingress Protection 68 (IP68) ingress protection standards. An IP rating system is an international standard for rating the ingress protection. The IP ratings provide a standardised way to rank the protective characteristics of the device 100. The IP standard is based on an International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60529 coded that dictates the criteria used in the IP ratings. IP68 ratings represent an optimum level on an IP rating scale. In the IP68 ratings, 6 represents complete protection against a solid ingress and completely dust-tight, and 8 represents complete protection against a liquid ingress. The hub motor assembly with the device 100 attached is completely dustproof. The dust may not enter the hub motor assembly.

[0042]Specifically, the one or more grooves 106 and the lubricating sealant are configured to avert the water ingress even when the hub motor assembly is submerged at depths of at least 1 meter for a duration of 30 minutes and beyond. The lubricating sealant is a viscous material with a viscosity index of at least 95, allowing the lubricating sealant to maintain protective properties under various conditions. Furthermore, the lubricating sealant operates effectively across a wide temperature stability range, from -20 degree Celsius to 135 degree Celsius, ensuring reliable performance in extreme environments. The viscosity index and the temperature stability range may vary depending on operational conditions and specific application requirements.

[0043]In another exemplary embodiment, the device 100 may be incorporated into other motor assemblies including, but not limited to, at least one of: brushless Direct Current (DC) motor assemblies, synchronous motor assemblies, different variants of hub motor assemblies, and the like. The device 100 is employed in a wide array of applications, from electric vehicles to industrial machinery, where water ingress prevention and efficient component interaction are crucial.

[0044]Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram representation depicting a method 200 for shielding the one or more components of the hub motor assembly from the environmental contaminants through the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045]According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the method 200 for shielding the one or more components of the hub motor assembly from the environmental contaminants through the device is disclosed. At step 202, the method 200 begins with housing the connection-end cover of the hub motor assembly by employing the first annular flange. The first annular flange is positioned externally to the rotary seal and circumferentially around the shaft. This placement ensures that the connection-end cover is properly enclosed, providing a structural barrier against the environmental contaminants. The first annular flange acts as a primary housing component, aligning with the rotary seal and the shaft to create a protective boundary.

[0046]At step 204, the method 200 provides the firm attachment between the first annular flange and the connection-end cover of the hub motor assembly established through the stepped recess. The stepped recess ensures structural integrity and prevents misalignment.

[0047]At step 206, the method 200 focuses on retaining the lubricating sealant within the one or more grooves located on the inner circumference of the second annular flange. The one or more grooves enable the lubricating sealant to form a protective layer.

[0048]At step 208, the method 200 includes the lubricating sealant and the one or more grooves with the defined dimensions that generate the surface tension between the shaft and the second annular flange. The surface tension acts as a critical shield, effectively protecting the one or more components from the environmental contaminants. The method 200 ensures the durability and the performance of the hub motor assembly, even under harsh operating conditions.

[0049]In an exemplary embodiment, the device 100 is not constrained to a single type of motor assembly. A modular design of the device 100 and configurable dimensions make it adaptable to different types of motors, including brushless DC (BLDC) motors, synchronous motors, and other hub motor variants. This adaptability allows the device 100 to cater to diverse industries such as automotive, industrial automation, and renewable energy.

[0050]In an alternate embodiment, the device may also be adapted as a retrofitted component for use with existing hub motor assembly as an auxiliary protective component . The device allows additional protection to be provided to the rotary seal arrangement and internal motor components, beyond the conventional protection offered by standard cover assemblies and seals, thereby enhancing the overall operational lifespan of the hub motor assembly.

[0051]Numerous advantages of the present disclosure may be apparent from the discussion above. In accordance with the present disclosure, the device for shielding the one or more components of the hub motor assembly from the environmental contaminants is disclosed. The device not only strengthens the protective capabilities but also simplifies installation and maintenance, making the device an integral part of the overall hub motor assembly. Together, the stepped recess, the one or more grooves, and the lubricating sealant contribute to a robust and innovative shielding mechanism that enhances the durability, reliability, and functionality of the hub motor assembly, even in challenging operating conditions. The device generally provides an unmitigated protection of the entire hub motor assembly from the environmental contaminants as well as perfect water proofing to enhance overall life of the hub motor assembly. Any material which is low cost, light weight, and non-corrosive is employed for constructing the device.

[0052]The device reduces the frequency of maintenance required for the hub motor assembly by minimizing the ingress of the environmental contaminants and protecting the seals, bearings, and electronic components. This advantage is particularly beneficial in remote or hard-to-access installations, such as wind turbine hubs or off-road electric vehicles, where regular maintenance is challenging. The configuration of the device allows for easy scalability, making it suitable for both small-scale and mass production. This cost-effectiveness ensures that the device is accessible to a wide range of industries without compromising on quality or performance. The device enhances the overall operational efficiency of the hub motor assembly by maintaining the integrity of internal components. The prevention of environmental contamination reduces friction and energy losses, ensuring that the hub motor assembly operates smoothly and efficiently over its lifecycle. This improvement is particularly relevant for electric vehicles, where efficiency directly impacts battery life and performance.

[0053]While specific language has been used to describe the invention, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0054]The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.
, Claims:I/We Claim:
1. A device (100) for shielding one or more components of a hub motor assembly from environmental contaminants, comprising:
a first annular flange (102) comprises a first surface (108) and a second surface (122), configured to be positioned external to a rotary seal (112), circumferential to a shaft (114), and housed on a connection-end cover of the hub motor assembly;
a stepped recess (118) formed on the first surface (108) of the first annular flange (102), configured to provide a firm attachment between the first annular flange (102) and the connection-end cover of the hub motor assembly; and
a second annular flange (120) formed by protruding from the second surface (122) of the first annular flange (102), configured with one or more grooves (106) on an inner circumference of the second annular flange (120),
the one or more grooves (106) adapted to retain a lubricating sealant; and
the lubricating sealant and the one or more grooves (106) with defined dimensions configured to create a surface tension between the shaft (114) and the second annular flange (120) for shielding the one or more components of the hub motor assembly from the environmental contaminants.
2. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more components comprise at least one of: the shaft (114), the rotary seal (112), ball bearings (116), and electronic components of the hub motor assembly.
3. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the environmental contaminants comprise at least one of: water, dirt, debris, sand, dust, and natural intrusions.
4. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first annular flange (102) configured with a plurality of apertures (104),
the plurality of apertures (104) formed circumferentially and adapted to receive a fastener (110) in each aperture (104) of the plurality of apertures (104) for firmly attaching the device (100) to the connection-end cover of the hub motor assembly.
5. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more grooves (106) with the defined dimensions configured to maintain the surface tension for averting the water ingress afar a depth of at least 1 meter for at least 30 minutes.
6. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lubricating sealant is a viscous material with a viscosity index of at least 95, and a temperature stability range between -20 degree Celsius to 135 degree Celsius.
7. The method (200) for shielding one or more components of a hub motor assembly from environmental contaminants through a device (100), comprising:
housing, (202), by a first annular flange (102) positioned external to a rotary seal (112) and circumferential to a shaft (114), a connection-end cover of the hub motor assembly;
providing (204), by a stepped recess (118), a firm attachment between the first annular flange (102) and the connection-end cover of the hub motor assembly;
retaining (206), by one or more grooves (106) on an inner circumference of a second annular flange (120), a lubricating sealant; and
creating (208), by the lubricating sealant and the one or more grooves (106) with defined dimensions, a surface tension between the shaft (114) and the second annular flange (120) to shield the one or more components of the hub motor assembly from the environmental contaminants.
8. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, comprising:
attaching, by a plurality of apertures (104) formed circumferentially and adapted to receive a fastener (110) in each aperture (104) of the plurality of apertures (104), the device (100) to the connection-end cover of the hub motor assembly.
9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, comprising:
maintain, by the one or more grooves (106), the surface tension to avert water ingress afar a depth of at least 1 meter for at least 30 minutes.
10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the lubricating sealant is a viscous material with a viscosity index of at least 95, and a temperature stability range between -20 degree Celsius to 135 degree Celsius.

Dated this 16th day of June, 2025

Vidya Bhaskar Singh Nandiyal
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2912)
Agent for applicant