This mechanism is a rotary fluid connector designed to maintain a sealed passage between a fixed supply and a rotating component. The green inner cylinder can spin continuously, while the yellow housing is free to shift axially under load. A set of springs keeps the sealing faces pressed together, and the transparent cover shows how the rotating and sliding parts cooperate to preserve a constant internal passage for fluid transfer.

Components — Green rotating chamber, yellow sliding housing, pink sealing rings, transparent front cover, compression springs, and central fluid passage.

How it works — As the green chamber rotates, the sealing rings maintain contact with the pink faces that are pressed axially by the springs. This preload ensures that the sealed surfaces follow the yellow housing as it slides in and out, keeping the axial motion from breaking the fluid-tight interface. Because the sealing rings are designed for both rotation and limited linear movement, the connector can accept continuous spinning while preserving the internal flow path without leakage.

Applications — Rotary unions, coolant feeds to spinning tools, fluid transfer in rotating tables, chemical process equipment, and machinery where a rotating element requires a steady fluid supply.

Why it matters — The design allows fluid to cross a moving interface that combines rotation and axial displacement, a condition that would typically cause leaks or wear. By using compliant seals and spring-loaded faces, the connector achieves reliability and longevity without complex valving or electronic control.