摘要 |
<p>A shaft load balancing system (10) includes a housing (22) divided into a first chamber (26) at a first operating pressure and a second chamber (28) at a second, lower operating pressure. A shaft (38) passes from the first chamber (26) into the second chamber (28). The shaft (38) includes a first end (46) in the first chamber, a second end (48) in the second chamber, and a substantially axial channel (50) connecting the first end and the second end. The first end (46) is in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir (30) in the housing (22). A reaction member (52) engages the second end (48). The reaction member 52) includes a compression volume (54) in fluid communication with the channel (50). A pressure differential between the chambers (26, 28) forces fluid from the fluid reservoir (30) through the channel (50) and into the compression volume (54). The reaction member (52) transmits the fluid force to the housing (22), allowing the fluid to create a force on the second end (48) of the shaft (38).</p> |