Lubrication system for a pump drive

Abstract

A pump drive system includes: a housing; an electric motor disposed within the housing, the electric motor configured to drive a piston of the pump; a lubricant reservoir configured to store a lubricant; a conduit configured to direct lubricant from the lubricant reservoir into the housing to submerge the electric motor in the lubricant; and a sensor configured to monitor a level of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to pumps, and more particularly to lubrication systems for pump drives. Background Art

[0002] A booster pump can be used to increase the pressure of a fluid (such as a gas). A booster pump typically includes one or more stages driven by a piston housed within a cylinder. The booster includes a pump drive configured to move the piston to compress the fluid in the cylinder, thereby increasing the pressure of the fluid. The pump drive can include various components configured to move relative to each other to drive the corresponding movement of the piston. For example, the pump drive can include a motor (e.g., an electric motor) configured to move within a housing to drive the movement of the piston. However, direct contact between the motor and the housing can sometimes have an adverse effect on the motor, reducing the operating efficiency of the pump and / or increasing wear of the pump drive, thereby shortening the service life of the pump drive. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one embodiment, the present application relates to a pump drive system including: a housing; an electric motor disposed within the housing and configured to drive a piston of a pump; a lubricant reservoir configured to store lubricant; a conduit; and a sensor. The conduit is configured to direct lubricant from the lubricant reservoir into the housing to immerse the electric motor in the lubricant, and the sensor is configured to monitor the level of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir.

[0004] In another embodiment, the present application relates to a booster pump system including: a cylinder having a chamber; a piston disposed within the chamber of the cylinder; and an electric motor configured to drive the movement of the piston relative to the chamber of the cylinder to pressurize a fluid within the chamber and discharge the pressurized fluid from the chamber. The electric motor is disposed within a housing, and the booster pump system further includes: a lubricant reservoir; a conduit fluidly coupled to the lubricant reservoir and configured to direct lubricant from the lubricant reservoir into the housing; and a sensor configured to monitor the level of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir.

[0005] In another embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to monitor a level of lubricant contained within a lubricant reservoir. The lubricant reservoir is configured to store lubricant and direct the lubricant into a housing of a motor that houses a boost pump, the motor being configured to drive movement of a piston of the boost pump to pressurize fluid within a cylinder of the boost pump. The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, are further configured to cause the one or more processors to determine that the level of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir is below a threshold level and, in response to determining that the level of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir is below the threshold level, reduce operation of the motor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] To complete the specification and provide a better understanding of the present disclosure, a set of drawings is provided. These drawings form a part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure, but merely as examples of how the invention may be implemented.

[0007] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a pump system having a pump drive system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the pump drive system of the pump system of

[0009] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a cross-sectional side view of the pump drive system of

[0010] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the lubrication system of the pump system of

[0011] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the lubrication system of a pump system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 6 is a perspective view of another pump system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a method for operating a pump drive system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] The same reference numerals are used in all the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The present disclosure relates to lubricating a pump driver of a pump, such as a supercharger. During operation, the supercharger increases the pressure of a fluid. For example, the supercharger includes a cylinder defining a chamber and a piston disposed within the chamber and movable within the chamber. The fluid is directed into the chamber, and the piston is configured to move within the chamber to reduce the volume of the chamber that houses the fluid, thereby pressurizing the fluid. The pressurized fluid is then discharged from the chamber.

[0016] In some embodiments, the pump includes a motor configured to drive the piston to move. For example, the piston may be connected to a drive shaft, and the motor may be configured to move to cause a corresponding movement of the drive shaft, thereby causing a corresponding movement of the piston within the chamber. The motor may be housed within a housing configured to isolate the motor from the external environment. However, the motor may be prone to directly contacting the housing. The direct contact between the motor and the housing may have a negative impact on the operation of the motor, such as reducing the movement of the motor relative to the housing and / or reducing the service life of the motor. Therefore, the operation of the pump to pressurize the fluid may also be negatively affected.

[0017] Accordingly, avoiding direct contact between the motor and the housing can improve the operation of the pump, such as moving the piston and pressurizing the fluid. Thus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pump includes a lubrication system configured to direct a lubricant into the housing in which the motor is disposed to provide lubrication between the motor and the housing. For example, the lubricant may fill the housing and may flow at the interface between the motor and the housing. Accordingly, the lubricant can prevent or at least deter the motor and the housing from directly contacting each other. That is, the motor may be disposed within the lubricant rather than the motor moving or impacting the housing (e.g., rubbing against the housing). Thus, the motor can move more easily and / or readily to drive the corresponding movement of the piston and pressurize the fluid.

[0018] In addition, the pump includes a sensor configured to monitor a parameter indicative of the level of lubricant in a lubricant reservoir. In at least some of these cases, the pump may further include a control system communicatively coupled to the sensor and configured to receive sensor data indicative of the monitored parameter. The control system is configured to determine the level of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir based on the sensor data and operate accordingly. For example, the control system may compare the level of lubricant with a threshold level and reduce the operation of the pump (e.g., the operation of the motor) in response to the level of lubricant being below the threshold level. In fact, a lubricant level below the threshold level may indicate that the lubricant cannot be easily directed into the housing to provide a barrier between the motor and the housing. Accordingly, the likelihood of direct contact between the motor and the housing may increase, and the control system may reduce the operation of the pump to prevent or deter the motor from directly contacting the housing.

[0019] In some embodiments, the sensor data received from the sensor includes an image or image data of the lubricant seen within the lubricant reservoir. For example, the lubricant reservoir may include at least partially transparent or translucent walls, and the captured image may include the walls and the lubricant seen through the walls. Thus, the image can directly indicate the amount of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir (e.g., the height of the lubricant relative to the walls). In additional or alternative embodiments, the sensor data is based on the refractive properties of the lubricant reservoir (e.g., detected as passing through at least partially transparent or translucent walls and into the lubricant reservoir) and / or the capacitance of the lubricant reservoir. Additionally, in some embodiments, the sensor data indicates the flow rate of the lubricant (e.g., the lubricant flowing through a conduit that is fluidly coupled to the lubricant reservoir and configured to direct the lubricant into the housing). In any of these embodiments, the sensor can be positioned external to the lubricant reservoir. Thus, the sensor does not come into direct contact with the lubricant stored in the lubricant reservoir, and the structural integrity of the sensor is not affected by interaction with the lubricant. Further, the externally positioned sensor does not negatively impact (e.g., reduce) the storage capacity of the lubricant within the lubricant reservoir and / or otherwise negatively impact the flow of the lubricant into the housing. Thus, the pump and / or sensor can continue to operate effectively.

[0020] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of pump system 100. Pump system 100 is a supercharger configured to increase the pressure of a fluid, such as a gas. Pump system 100 includes a first cylinder 102 that defines a first chamber 104 within which at least one working fluid can be pumped / pressurized. More specifically, a first piston 106 is disposed within the first chamber 104 and is configured to move within the first chamber 104 to pressurize one or more fluids. Pump system 100 also includes a second cylinder 112 that defines a second chamber 114 within which at least one working fluid (e.g., the same or a different fluid than in the first chamber 104) can be pumped / pressurized. A second piston 116 is disposed within the second chamber 114 and is configured to move within the second chamber 114 to pressurize the fluid.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first chamber 104 defined by the first cylinder 102 is divided into two pumping chambers, with one pumping chamber on each side of the first piston 106, and / or the second chamber 114 defined by the second cylinder 112 is divided into two pumping chambers, with one pumping chamber on each side of the second piston 116. For example, the working fluid can enter the first cylinder 102 at the first pumping chamber 104A between the first piston 106 and the first end wall 108 of the first end cap 103 and / or at the second pumping chamber 104B between the first piston 106 and the outer wall 105 of the first inner cap 107. Additionally or alternatively, the working fluid can enter the second cylinder 112 at the third pumping chamber 114A between the second piston 116 and the second end wall 113 of the second end cap 115 and / or at the fourth pumping chamber 114B between the second piston 116 and the outer wall 119 of the second inner cap 117.

[0022] Accordingly, with the depicted embodiments, a working fluid can be pumped / pressurized in each of the pumping chambers 104, 114. To this end, although not shown, the first end cap 103 and the second end cap 115 can include channels and valves (e.g., check valves) to allow the working fluid to flow into and out of the first pumping chamber 104A and the third pumping chamber 114A, respectively. Additionally, the first inner cap 107 and the second inner cap 117 can include channels and valves to allow the working fluid to flow into and out of the second pumping chamber 104B and the fourth pumping chamber 114B, respectively. For example, the movement of the first piston 106 in the first direction 110 towards the first end wall 108 reduces the volume of the first pumping chamber 104A to increase the pressure of the working fluid in the first pumping chamber 104A and discharge the working fluid from the first pumping chamber 104A, while increasing the volume of the second pumping chamber 104B to suck the working fluid into the second pumping chamber 104B. The movement of the first piston 106 in the second direction 118 away from the first end wall 108 increases the volume of the first pumping chamber 104A to suck the working fluid into the first pumping chamber 104A, while reducing the volume of the second pumping chamber 104B to increase the pressure of the working fluid in the second pumping chamber 104B and discharge the working fluid from the second pumping chamber 104B. Similarly, the movement of the second piston 116 in the second direction 118 towards the second end wall 113 reduces the volume of the third pumping chamber 114A to increase the pressure of the working fluid in the third pumping chamber 114A and discharge the working fluid from the third pumping chamber 114A, while increasing the volume of the fourth pumping chamber 114B to suck the working fluid into the fourth pumping chamber 114B. The movement of the second piston 116 in the first direction 110 away from the second end wall 113 increases the volume of the third pumping chamber 114A to suck the working fluid into the third pumping chamber 114A, while reducing the volume of the fourth pumping chamber 114B to increase the pressure of the working fluid in the fourth pumping chamber 114B and discharge the working fluid from the fourth pumping chamber 114B.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, each of the first chamber 104 and / or the second chamber 114 may have a single pumping chamber for pressurizing the working fluid. That is, the working fluid may be drawn into and pressurized on one side of the first piston 106 (e.g., the first pumping chamber 104A) and / or on one side of the second piston 116 (e.g., the third pumping chamber 114A), while a different fluid may be drawn into the other side of the first piston 106 (e.g., the second pumping chamber 104B) and / or the other side of the second piston 116 (e.g., the fourth pumping chamber 114B) to facilitate the movement of the pistons 106, 116. For example, the first piston 106 moves in the first direction 110 toward the first end cap 103 to reduce the volume of the first pumping chamber 104A and increase the volume of the second pumping chamber 104B, which pressurizes the working fluid in the first pumping chamber 104A, while ambient air, lubricant, or any other such fluid may fill the second pumping chamber 104B to provide "breathing" or exhaust for the first piston 106 (e.g., between the strokes of the first piston 106). Similarly, the second piston 116 moves in the second direction 118 toward the second end cap 115 to reduce the volume of the third pumping chamber 114A and increase the volume of the fourth pumping chamber 114B, which pressurizes the working fluid in the third pumping chamber 114A, while ambient air, lubricant, or any other such fluid may fill the fourth pumping chamber 114B to provide "breathing" or exhaust for the second piston 116 (e.g., between the strokes of the second piston 116).

[0024] In some embodiments, the fluid flow directed by the pump system 100 is pressurized by each of the first piston 106 and the second piston 116. For example, the fluid flow is initially pressurized by the first piston 106 (e.g., the low-pressure piston) within the first chamber 104 (e.g., the low-pressure chamber), and the fluid flow is directed from the first chamber 104 to the second chamber 114 (e.g., the high-pressure chamber) for further pressurization by the second piston 116 (e.g., the high-pressure piston). In such embodiments, the pump system 100 is a two-stage supercharger that pressurizes the same fluid flow via each of the pistons 106, 116. In additional or alternative embodiments, the pistons 106, 116 pressurize different fluid flows. That is, separate fluid flows are directed into the first chamber 104 and the second chamber 114 for pressurization. In such embodiments, the pump system 100 is a single-stage supercharger. The pump system may also operate in any other stage arrangement now known or later developed.

[0025] In some embodiments, the fluid flow directed by the pump system 100 is pressurized by each of the first piston 106 and the second piston 116. For example, the fluid flow is initially pressurized by the first piston 106 (e.g., low-pressure piston) within the first chamber 104 (e.g., low-pressure chamber), and the fluid flow is directed from the first chamber 104 to the second chamber 114 (e.g., high-pressure chamber) for further pressurization by the second piston 116 (e.g., high-pressure piston). In such an embodiment, the pump system 100 is a two-stage supercharger that pressurizes the same fluid flow via each of the pistons 106, 116. In additional or alternative embodiments, the pistons 106, 116 pressurize different fluid flows. That is, separate fluid flows are directed into the first chamber 104 and the second chamber 114 for pressurization. In such an embodiment, the pump system 100 is a single-stage supercharger. The pump system may also operate in any other stage arrangement now known or later developed.

[0026] The pump system 100 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pump drive system 122 that is configured to actuate the pistons 106, 116. The pump drive system 122 includes a drive shaft or rod 124 that is coupled to each of the first piston 106 and the second piston 116. For example, the drive shaft 124 includes: a first end 126 that extends toward the first cylinder 102 for coupling to the first piston 106; and a second end 128 that is opposite the first end 126 and extends toward the second cylinder 112 for coupling to the second piston 116. Thus, at least in the depicted embodiment, the movement of the drive shaft 124 drives the movement of each of the pistons 106, 116. However, in other embodiments, the pump drive system 122 may be connected to a single cylinder and may thus drive a single piston.

[0027] In Figure 1In the depicted embodiment, the movement (e.g., translation) of the drive shaft 124 in the first direction 110 drives the first piston 106 towards the first end wall 108 and the second piston 116 away from the second end wall 113. Thus, the movement of the drive shaft 124 in the first direction 110 reduces the volume of the first pumping chamber 104A to pressurize the fluid in the first pumping chamber 104A and increases the volume of the third pumping chamber 114A to draw fluid into the third pumping chamber 114A. The movement (e.g., translation) of the drive shaft 124 in the second direction 118 drives the first piston 106 away from the first end wall 108 and the second piston 116 towards the second end wall 113. Thus, the movement of the drive shaft 124 in the second direction 118 increases the volume in the first pumping chamber 104A to draw fluid into the first pumping chamber 104A and reduces the volume in the third pumping chamber 114A to pressurize the fluid in the third pumping chamber 114A. The drive shaft 124 can alternate between moving in the first direction 110 and moving in the second direction 118 to alternately pressurize the fluids in the first pumping chamber 104A and the third pumping chamber 114A.

[0028] The illustrated pump drive system 122 includes a motor 130 configured to move the drive shaft 124. In the depicted embodiment, the motor 130 is an electric motor configured to convert electrical energy into linear motion to move the drive shaft 124 in the first direction 110 and the second direction 118. For example, the motor 130 can include a ball screw, magnets, windings (e.g., rotor, stator), etc., which can convert electrical energy into rotational motion and then into linear motion. For visualization purposes, the motor 130 is shown schematically. However, it should be noted that the motor 130 can include any suitable components to drive the movement of the drive shaft 124; the motor 130 is not necessarily electric.

[0029] The pump drive system 122 also includes a housing 132 that defines an interior 134. A drive shaft 124 extends through the interior 134, and a motor 130 is disposed within the interior 134. Thus, the housing 132 isolates the motor 130 from the external environment, protecting the motor 130 from dust, debris, or other contaminants in the external environment. The housing 132 of the illustrated embodiment is coupled to each of the first cylinder 102 and the second cylinder 112 via adapters 121, 123, respectively, to align the drive shaft 124 (e.g., first end 126, second end 128) with the first chamber 104 and the second chamber 114. For example, a first adapter 121 is coupled to the housing 132 and a first inner cover 107, and the first inner cover 107 (e.g., outer wall 105) is coupled to the first cylinder 102 to couple and align the housing 132 with the first cylinder 102. A second adapter 123 is also coupled to the housing 132 and a second inner cover 117, and the second inner cover 117 (e.g., outer wall 119) is coupled to the second cylinder 112 to couple and align the housing 132 with the second cylinder 112. Additionally, a first end cap 103 (e.g., first end wall 108) is coupled to the first cylinder 102, and a first tie rod 125 is coupled to the first adapter 121 and the first end cap 103, thereby providing further fixation between the housing 132 coupled to the first adapter 121 and the first cylinder 102 coupled to the first end cap 103. A second end cap 115 (e.g., second end wall 113) is coupled to the second cylinder 112, and a second tie rod 127 is coupled to the second adapter 123 and the second end cap 115, thereby providing further fixation between the housing 132 coupled to the second adapter 123 and the second cylinder 112 coupled to the second end cap 115. However, in other embodiments, the housing 132 may be coupled to one or more cylinders in any currently known or later developed manner. In any case, the motor 130 is configured to operate and move within the interior 134 (i.e., convert power into motion) to drive the movement of the drive shaft 124 relative to the housing 132, thereby moving the pistons 106, 116.

[0030] Accordingly, it is desirable to ensure that the motor 130 moves freely relative to the housing 132. For example, it may be desirable to prevent or inhibit direct contact of a portion of the motor 130 with the housing 132. Direct contact between the motor 130 and the housing 132 may cause the motor 130 to impact (e.g., wear, scrape) the housing 132, thereby reducing the efficiency of the motor 130 (e.g., driving the movement of the drive shaft 124), increasing wear of the motor 130 and / or the housing 132, or otherwise reducing the desired operation of the pump drive system 122.

[0031] Accordingly, the pump drive system 122 includes a lubrication system 136 that is configured to direct a lubricant (e.g., oil, fluid) into the interior 134 of the housing 132. The lubricant can flow between the motor 130 and the housing 132 to block or at least prevent direct contact between the motor 130 and the housing 132 and to facilitate movement of the motor 130 within the housing 132. That is, the lubricant can form a cushion or mitigation between the motor 130 and the housing 132. Accordingly, the lubricant allows the motor 130 to drive the movement of the pistons 106, 116 via the drive shaft 124 to pressurize the fluid. The lubricant can also reduce the temperature of the motor 130. For example, the lubricant can absorb heat from the motor 130 when contacting the motor 130. By reducing the temperature of the motor 130, the lubricant can reduce wear of the motor 130 to increase the service life of the motor 130.

[0032] In some embodiments, the lubricant can flow continuously into and out of the interior 134 of the housing 132. As an example, one or more lubricant conduits 138 can direct the lubricant from a lubricant source 146 into the interior 134 of the housing 132. One or more lubricant conduits 138 can direct the lubricant from the lubricant source 146 into the interior 134. Additionally or alternatively, the (s) lubricant conduit(s) 138 can direct the lubricant out of the interior 134. For example, using the lubricant within the interior 134 may increase the temperature of the lubricant, contaminate the lubricant (e.g., by absorbing particles released by the motor 130 or particles of the motor 130 and / or the housing 132), change the viscosity of the lubricant, or otherwise affect the lubricant, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the lubricant (such as the ability of the lubricant to facilitate movement and / or reduce the temperature of the motor 130). To this end, the lubricant can be directed out of the interior 134 via one or more lubricant outlet conduits 138 for treatment, such as filtering and / or cleaning, and additional lubricant can be introduced into the interior 134 through the lubrication system 136. Accordingly, the lubricant within the interior 134 can continue to enable the motor 130 to operate effectively. As another example, the lubricant can leak out of the interior 134 via the opening 140 or be otherwise directed out (e.g., toward the cylinders 102, 112), through which the drive shaft 124 extends to be positioned within the cylinders 102, 112. In any case, the lubrication system 136 operates to replenish the lubricant within the interior 134 to ensure that a sufficient amount of lubricant flows between the motor 130 and the housing 132.

[0033] To this end, the lubrication system 136 includes a lubricant reservoir or container 144 configured to store lubricant and discharge lubricant into the housing 132. In some embodiments, the lubricant reservoir 144 is fluidly coupled to a lubricant source 146 and is configured to receive lubricant from the lubricant source 146. For example, oil is directed or pumped through the lubricant reservoir 144 and into the housing 132. Additionally or alternatively, the lubricant system 136 may be a closed-loop system, and the lubricant may circulate between the lubrication system 136 and the housing 132, such as due to the movement of the pump drive system 122 (e.g., the movement of the drive shaft 124 within the housing 132). In any embodiment, the presence of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir 144 may indicate that the housing 132 is sufficiently filled or overfilled with lubricant, causing the lubricant to flow from the housing 132 into the lubricant reservoir 144.

[0034] In the depicted embodiment, the lubricant reservoir 144 is also fluidly coupled to a conduit system 148 and is configured to direct lubricant into the conduit system 148. The conduit system 148 is fluidly coupled to the interior 134 of the housing 132 and is configured to direct the lubricant received from the lubricant reservoir 144 into the interior 134. Thus, the lubrication system 136 is configured to direct lubricant from the lubricant source 146 into the housing 132 via the lubricant reservoir 144 and the conduit system 148. However, in other embodiments, the lubricant reservoir 144 may be directly connected to the housing 132.

[0035] Still referring to Figure 1, the pump drive system 122 of the depicted embodiment includes a control system 150 that is configured to operate the various components of the pump drive system 122. For example, the control system 150 is configured to operate the motor 130. Additionally, the control system 150 is configured to monitor the lubricant level within the lubricant reservoir 144. In fact, it is desirable to ensure that there is a sufficient amount of lubricant stored in the lubricant reservoir 144 to indicate that the housing 132 is fully filled or overfilled with lubricant for the motor 130 to operate as desired. However, the lubricant level in the lubricant reservoir 144 may drop below the desired level or a threshold level. In some cases, the lubricant level within the lubricant reservoir 144 may be insufficient due to air entrapment within the housing 132. The air entrapment may initially push some lubricant out of the housing 132 and into the lubricant reservoir 144, and then subsequent movement of the lubricant (e.g., driven by the operation of the pump drive system 122) to fill the air entrapment may cause lubricant to flow from the lubricant reservoir 144 into the housing 132, thereby reducing the lubricant level within the lubricant reservoir 144. Similarly, such as via an improper filling procedure (e.g., during maintenance), an insufficient amount of lubricant may initially be provided to the pump drive system 122, resulting in an underfilled or overfilled housing 132 and limiting the lubricant level within the lubricant reservoir 144. Additionally or alternatively, lubricant may undesirably leak out of the pump drive system 122 during operation (such as through seals), thereby reducing the total amount of lubricant available to fill the housing 132 and the lubricant reservoir 144. The control system 150 is configured to monitor the lubricant level within the lubricant reservoir 144 so that the motor 130 can operate as desired. However, other embodiments may not include the control system 150 but may instead be configured to connect to a separate or external control system via a wired or wireless connection, for example.

[0036] The control system 150 includes a memory 152 and a processor 154 (e.g., processing circuitry). The memory 152 includes read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media devices, optical storage media devices, flash memory devices, electrical, optical, or other physical / tangible (e.g., non-transitory) memory storage devices. Thus, generally, the memory 152 includes one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory devices) encoded with software having computer-executable instructions that, when executed, implement the operations described herein. For example, the memory 152 stores or encodes instructions for monitoring the lubricant level in the lubricant reservoir 144. The processor 154 includes a collection of one or more microcontrollers and / or microprocessors, e.g., each microcontroller and / or microprocessor is configured to execute corresponding software instructions stored in the memory 152. The processor 154 is configured to, for example, execute instructions stored in the memory 152 to monitor the lubricant level within the lubricant reservoir 144.

[0037] For example, the control system 150 is communicatively coupled to a sensor 156 that is configured to provide a parameter indicative of the level of lubricant within the lubricant reservoir 144. Thus, the control system 150 is configured to receive data related to the parameter from the sensor 156 and determine the level of lubricant within the lubricant reservoir 144 based on the data. Then, the control system 150 can perform an operation based on the determined level of lubricant within the lubricant reservoir 144. For example, the control system 150 can be configured to reduce or suspend the operation of the motor 130 in response to determining that the level of lubricant within the lubricant reservoir 144 is below a threshold level to avoid a potential operation of the pump system 100 in which the motor 130 comes into direct contact with the housing 132. The control system 150 is additionally or alternatively configured to perform different operations in response to determining that the level of lubricant within the lubricant reservoir 144 is below a threshold level, such as directing lubricant from a lubricant source 146 to the lubricant reservoir 144 (e.g., by operating a lubricant pump) and / or providing a notification to a user (e.g., an operator, a technician) to prompt the user to take action to address the low amount of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir 144.

[0038] Figure 2is a perspective view of a pump drive system 122 having a lubrication system 136. The lubrication system 136 includes a first lubricant inlet conduit 200 (e.g., a tube or pipe within the structure labeled 200) that is fluidly coupled to a lubricant reservoir 144 and a housing 132. The first lubricant inlet conduit 200 is directly coupled to (e.g., mounted to) the lubricant reservoir 144 and can thus receive lubricant stored within the lubricant reservoir 144. The first lubricant inlet conduit 200 is configured to direct the lubricant received from the lubricant reservoir 144 into the housing 132.

[0039] The lubrication system 136 also includes an intermediate conduit 202 (e.g., a tube) that is fluidly coupled to the first lubricant inlet conduit 200, and a second lubricant inlet conduit 204 that is fluidly coupled to the intermediate conduit 202 and the housing 132. The intermediate conduit 202 is configured to direct lubricant from the first lubricant inlet conduit 200 to the second lubricant inlet conduit 204, and the second lubricant inlet conduit 204 is then configured to direct the lubricant received from the intermediate conduit 202 into the housing 132. Thus, the lubrication system 136 is configured to direct lubricant from the lubricant reservoir 144 into the housing 132 via both the first lubricant inlet conduit 200 and the second lubricant inlet conduit 204. Accordingly, the lubrication system 136 may be able to deliver lubricant to the housing 132 at a higher flow rate compared to using a single lubricant inlet conduit. For example, movement of the pump drive system 122 (e.g., movement of a drive shaft 124 within the housing 132) may force lubricant to move back and forth between an interior 134 of the housing 132 (e.g., near a motor 130) and the lubricant reservoir 144, and one of the first lubricant inlet conduit 200 or the second lubricant inlet conduit 204 may direct lubricant into the lubricant reservoir 144 while the other of the first lubricant inlet conduit 200 or the second lubricant inlet conduit 204 may direct lubricant into the housing 132 to maintain a constant amount of lubricant within the housing 132. However, in alternative embodiments, the lubrication system 136 may have any suitable number of lubricant inlet conduits, such as a single lubricant inlet conduit (e.g., the first lubricant inlet conduit 200) or more than two lubricant inlet conduits configured to direct lubricant into the housing 132.

[0040] The lubricant reservoir 144 further includes a pressure relief valve or an overflow valve 206 configured to discharge lubricant from the lubricant reservoir 144. For example, such as when the pressure within the lubricant reservoir 144 exceeds a threshold pressure, the pressure relief valve 206 can be actuated to avoid (e.g., due to an apparent overfill of the housing 132 resulting in an excessive amount of lubricant flowing into the lubricant reservoir 144) storing an excessive amount of lubricant within the lubricant reservoir 144. Thus, the pressure relief valve 206 can help maintain the structural integrity of the lubricant reservoir 144 by preventing the accumulation of lubricant within the lubricant reservoir 144. Another valve (such as a pressure relief / discharge valve) can be used additionally or alternatively to reduce the excessive lubricant within the lubricant reservoir 144 to maintain the structural integrity of the lubricant reservoir 144.

[0041] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the pump drive system 122. The lubricant reservoir 144 of the lubrication system 136 of the pump drive system 122 defines a reservoir interior 250 that houses lubricant. The lubricant reservoir 144 includes a reservoir outlet 252 that is fluidly coupled to the reservoir interior 250 and is configured to discharge lubricant from the reservoir interior 250 out of the lubricant reservoir 144. The first lubricant inlet conduit 200 defines a first conduit interior 254 that has a first conduit inlet 256, a first conduit outlet 258, and a second conduit outlet 260. The first lubricant inlet conduit 200 is mounted on the lubricant reservoir 144 to align the first conduit inlet 256 of the first lubricant inlet conduit 200 with the reservoir outlet 252 of the lubricant reservoir 144, thereby fluidly coupling the first lubricant inlet conduit 200 and the lubricant reservoir 144 to each other. Additionally, the first lubricant inlet conduit 200 is mounted on the housing 132 such that the first conduit outlet 258 is aligned with the first housing inlet 262 of the housing 132. In this way, lubricant can be directed from the reservoir interior 250, through the reservoir outlet 252, through the first conduit inlet 256, through the first conduit outlet 258, and through the first housing inlet 262, from the lubrication system 136 into the housing 132.

[0042] The intermediate conduit 202 defines a second conduit interior 264 and is mounted to the first lubricant inlet conduit 200 such that the second conduit interior 264 of the intermediate conduit 202 is aligned with the second conduit outlet 260 of the first lubricant inlet conduit 200. Additionally, the second lubricant inlet conduit 204 defines a second conduit interior 266 that has a second conduit inlet 268 and a third conduit outlet 270. The intermediate conduit 202 is mounted to the second lubricant inlet conduit 204 such that the second conduit interior 264 of the intermediate conduit 202 is aligned with the second conduit inlet 268 of the second lubricant inlet conduit 204, thereby fluidly coupling the intermediate conduit 202 and the second lubricant inlet conduit 204 to each other. The second lubricant inlet conduit 204 is mounted to the housing 132 such that the third conduit outlet 270 of the second lubricant inlet conduit 204 is aligned with the second housing inlet 272 of the housing 132. Thus, lubricant can also be directed through the second conduit outlet 260, through the second conduit interior 264, through the second conduit inlet 268 via the second lubricant inlet conduit 204, through the third conduit outlet 270, and into the housing 132 through the second housing inlet 272. Whether the lubricant is directed to the housing 132 via the first lubricant inlet conduit 200 or via the second lubricant inlet conduit 204, the lubricant fills the interior 134 of the housing 132 to provide cushioning or relief (e.g., by submerging the motor 130) between the motor 130 and the housing 132.

[0043] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the lubrication system 136 and the control system 150, which is configured to monitor the level of lubricant within the lubricant reservoir 144. In the depicted embodiment, the sensor 156 is an optical sensor (such as a camera) that is configured to determine a visual parameter indicative of the level of lubricant within the lubricant reservoir 144. To this end, the lubricant reservoir 144 includes a wall or panel 350 (e.g., a sight glass) that is at least partially transparent or at least partially translucent to enable viewing therethrough. Thus, the lubricant contained within the lubricant reservoir 144 and thus the level of lubricant within the lubricant reservoir 144 can be seen through the wall 350. However, the sensor 156 need not be an optical sensor and can also include any other type of sensor capable of providing data related to the amount of lubricant in the lubrication system 136.

[0044] In an embodiment where the sensor 156 is an optical sensor, the sensor 156 can be positioned to face the panel 350 to be able to determine visual parameters indicative of the level of lubricant within the lubricant reservoir 144. As shown, in some cases, this can be achieved by mounting the sensor 156 to the intermediate conduit 202 and / or the wall 350. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor 156 can be mounted to the second lubricant inlet conduit 204 and / or the housing 132. The parameters determined by the sensor 156 can include one or more images (e.g., videos) of the wall 350 and the lubricant visible through the wall 350, the refraction or deflection of light through the wall 350 (e.g., and through the lubricant), or any other suitable visual parameter indicative of the lubricant level relative to the wall 350.

[0045] The control system 150 is configured to receive data captured by the sensor 156 (e.g., an image showing the meniscus of the lubricant visible through the wall 350 or image data representative of the image) and determine the level of lubricant within the lubricant reservoir 144 based on the data. For example, the control system 150 is configured to determine whether the lubricant level is above a threshold level 352 of the wall 350 to indicate a sufficient amount of lubricant within the lubricant reservoir 144, and the control system 150 is configured to perform an operation to address a low amount of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir 144 in response to determining that the lubricant level is below the threshold level 352.

[0046] In an additional or alternative embodiment, the sensor 156 is configured to determine non-visual parameters indicative of the amount of lubricant within the lubricant reservoir 144. For example, the parameter can include the capacitance through the wall 350. In such an embodiment, the sensor 156 can be mounted on the wall 350, and the wall 350 can have a specific thickness and / or material to enable the sensor 156 to determine the capacitance, which varies based on whether the lubricant in the lubricant reservoir 144 is at least flush with the sensor 156. That is, when the lubricant does not overlap with the sensor 156 across the wall 350, the sensor 156 can detect a first capacitance (e.g., the first capacitance is provided by the wall 350 and is not affected by the presence of the lubricant). Thus, the first capacitance indicates that the lubricant has not reached the sensor 156, and thus the lubricant level is insufficient.

[0047] Then, when the lubricant overlaps the sensor 156 across the wall 350, the sensor 156 can detect a second capacitance that is different from (e.g., less than) the first capacitance (e.g., the presence of the lubricant adjusts the detected capacitance to be different from the first capacitance provided by the wall 350 such that the second capacitance is provided by both the wall 350 and the lubricant). Thus, the second capacitance indicates that the lubricant has reached the location (e.g., height) of the sensor 156 at the wall 350 and is at a sufficient level in the lubricant reservoir 144. Accordingly, the sensor 156 can be mounted on the wall 350 near the threshold level 352 of the wall 350 such that the capacitance detected by the sensor 156 indicates whether the lubricant level is at the threshold level 352 (e.g., whether the lubricant overlaps the sensor 156 relative to the threshold level 352). The control system 150 is configured to receive the capacitance detected by the sensor 156 and operate based on the received capacitance, such as performing an operation to address a low amount of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir 144 in response to determining that the capacitance is above the threshold.

[0048] In any embodiment, the sensor 156 is located outside the lubricant reservoir 144. Thus, the sensor 156 does not contact the lubricant in the lubricant reservoir 144. Accordingly, the sensor 156 may not reduce the storage capacity of the lubricant reservoir 144, affect (e.g., impede) the flow of lubricant into or out of the housing 132, and / or contaminate the lubricant. This can ensure the effective operation of the lubrication system 136 and continuously direct the lubricant into the housing 132. Additionally, the separation of the lubricant and the sensor 156 can maintain the structural integrity of the sensor 156, enabling the sensor 156 to operate effectively and / or extend the service life of the sensor 156.

[0049] Figure 5A cross-sectional side view of a part of the lubrication system 136, showing an embodiment in which the sensor 156 is configured to monitor the lubricant within the intermediate conduit 202. That is, the sensor 156 is configured to monitor the lubricant flow between the first lubricant inlet conduit 200 and the second lubricant inlet conduit 204. In some embodiments, the parameters detected by the sensor 156 include the flow rate of the lubricant. The control system 150 can receive data indicating the flow rate and compare the flow rate with a threshold flow rate. A flow rate equal to or higher than the threshold flow rate can indicate that a sufficient amount of lubricant (e.g., via the second lubricant inlet conduit 204 configured to receive lubricant from the intermediate conduit 202) is flowing into the housing 132. In turn, this can indicate that the lubricant level within the lubricant reservoir 144 is also sufficient (e.g., the lubricant level may cause the lubricant to flow through the intermediate conduit 202 at a rate equal to or higher than the threshold flow rate). However, a flow rate lower than the threshold flow rate can indicate an insufficient lubricant level within the lubricant reservoir 144. Accordingly, in response to determining that the flow rate is lower than the threshold flow rate, the control system 150 can perform operations to address the low lubricant level within the lubricant reservoir 144.

[0050] In additional or alternative embodiments, the sensor 156 can detect different parameters. For example, the sensor 156 can be configured to determine the presence of lubricant within the intermediate conduit 202. In certain embodiments, the sensor 156 can be disposed outside of the intermediate conduit 202 to avoid contact with the lubricant within the interior 264 of the second conduit flowing through the intermediate conduit 202. For example, the lubrication system 136 can include a sensor housing 400 mounted on the intermediate conduit 202 (e.g., outside of the intermediate conduit 202), and the sensor 156 is at least partially disposed within the sensor housing 400. Thus, the sensor housing 400 can isolate at least a portion of the sensor housing 400 from external elements such as dust and debris and secure the sensor 156 to the intermediate conduit 202.

[0051] In addition, the intermediate conduit 202 can be composed of a specific material to enable the sensor 156 to monitor parameters related to the lubricant. For example, the intermediate conduit 202 can be composed of glass or other materials that are at least partially translucent or transparent to enable the sensor 156 to visually monitor the lubricant within the intermediate conduit 202 and / or determine the capacitance through the intermediate conduit 202. Alternatively, the sensor 156 can be disposed within the interior 264 of the second conduit of the intermediate conduit 202 to monitor parameters related to the lubricant within the interior 264 of the second conduit. For example, the sensor 156 can include a flow meter through which the lubricant flows for delivery into the housing 132, and the sensor 156 is configured to determine the flow rate of the lubricant flowing through the flow meter.

[0052] Although the illustrated sensor 156 is configured to detect lubricant within the intermediate conduit 202, in additional or alternative embodiments, the sensor 156 may be configured to detect lubricant within different portions of the conduit system 148 of the lubrication system 136, such as within the first lubricant inlet conduit 200 and / or within the second lubricant inlet conduit 204. In fact, the flow of lubricant within any suitable portion of the conduit system 148 may indicate the level of lubricant within the lubricant reservoir 144 and can be easily conveyed into the housing 132.

[0053] Figure 6 is a perspective view of another pump system 420 that includes a plurality of housings 132 and corresponding lubrication systems 136 configured to direct lubricant into the housings 132. The illustrated lubricant reservoir 144 of the lubrication system 136 is directly coupled to (e.g., mounted to) the corresponding first lubricant inlet conduit 200 and the corresponding second lubricant inlet conduit 204. For example, each lubricant reservoir 144 may extend or elongate so as to be capable of being directly coupled to the first lubricant inlet conduit 200 and the second lubricant inlet conduit 204. Thus, the lubricant reservoir 144 is configured to direct lubricant into the housing 132 without an intermediate conduit 202. For example, the movement of the pump drive system 122 may force lubricant to move back and forth between the housing 132 and the lubricant reservoir 144, and one of the corresponding first lubricant inlet conduit 200 or the corresponding second lubricant inlet conduit 204 may direct lubricant into the corresponding lubricant reservoir 144 while the other of the corresponding first lubricant inlet conduit 200 or the corresponding second lubricant inlet conduit 204 may direct lubricant into the corresponding housing 132. Thus, a constant amount of lubricant within the housing 132 can be maintained.

[0054] The sensor 156 is configured to monitor the amount of lubricant within the lubricant reservoir 144. In some embodiments, the sensor 156 is configured to determine the amount of lubricant through the wall 350 (e.g., the sensor 156 is mounted to the wall 350 and / or mounted to the housing 132 to face the wall 350). In additional or alternative embodiments, the sensor 156 is configured to determine the flow rate of lubricant through the lubricant system 136 (such as through the first lubricant inlet conduit 200 and / or through the second lubricant inlet conduit 204).

[0055] Figure 7is a flowchart of a method 450 for operating a pump drive system 122. In some embodiments, a single entity (e.g., the control system 150) may perform the operations of method 450. In additional or alternative embodiments, the operations of method 450 may be performed by separate entities. It should also be noted that method 450 may be performed in a manner different from that depicted. For example, additional operations may be performed, and / or any of the depicted operations may be performed in a different manner, in a different order, and / or not performed.

[0056] At block 452, the amount of lubricant contained within the lubricant reservoir 144 is monitored. For example, the sensor 156 may determine a parameter indicative of the lubricant level. In certain embodiments, the parameter includes the height of the lubricant contained within and visible through the wall 350 of the lubricant reservoir 144 (e.g., via image capture, indicated by the refractive properties through the lubricant reservoir 144). In additional or alternative embodiments, the parameter includes the capacitance detected through the wall 350. In further embodiments, the parameter includes the flow rate of the lubricant (e.g., within the first lubricant inlet conduit 200, the intermediate conduit 202, the second lubricant inlet conduit 204).

[0057] At block 454, it is determined that the lubricant level is below a threshold level. For example, the lubricant level being below the threshold level may be indicated by the height of the lubricant being below a threshold height, the capacitance through the wall 350 being below a threshold capacitance, and / or the flow rate of the lubricant through the intermediate conduit 202 being below a threshold flow rate. A low lubricant level in the lubricant reservoir 144 may indicate that the lubricant is not easily delivered into the housing 132.

[0058] At block 456, in response to determining that the lubricant level is below the threshold level, the operation of the motor 130 may be reduced. This is because the likelihood of direct contact between the motor 130 and the housing 132 may increase when the lubricant is not easily delivered into the housing 132. During operation of the motor 130, direct contact between the motor 130 and the housing 132 (e.g., generating movement of the motor 130 relative to the housing 132) may be detrimental to the operation of the pump system 100. Therefore, reducing the operation of the motor 130 may avoid affecting the operation of the pump system 100. In some embodiments, the operation of the motor 130 is paused by interrupting the power supply to the motor 130. In additional or alternative embodiments, some operations of the motor 130 may be enabled such that the pump system 100 can continue to pressurize the fluid (e.g., at a limited capacity).

[0059] In additional or alternative embodiments, operations may be performed in response to determining that the lubricant level in the lubricant reservoir 144 is above a higher threshold level, which may indicate an excess of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir 144. Such determination may be made using similar techniques as discussed for determining a low level of lubricant, such as by using image data, refractive characteristics, capacitance, and / or flow rate. In such a case, it may be desirable to avoid increasing the amount of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir 144. For example, the pressure relief valve 206 may be actuated to discharge lubricant from the lubricant reservoir 144. Additionally or alternatively, the operation of the lubrication system 136 and / or the lubricant source 146 may be paused or reduced to avoid further accumulation of lubricant within the lubricant reservoir 144. Thus, a desired amount of lubricant within the lubricant reservoir 144 may be maintained.

[0060] As used herein, unless there is a clear indication to the contrary, the use of phrases such as “at least one of...”, “one or more of...”, “and / or” and their variants, etc., are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation for any and all possible combinations of the related listed items. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of X, Y, and Z”, “at least one of X, Y, or Z”, “one or more of X, Y, and Z”, “one or more of X, Y, or Z”, and “X, Y, and / or Z” may represent any one of the following: 1) X, but not Y and not Z; 2) Y, but not X and not Z; 3) Z, but not X and not Y; 4) X and Y, but not Z; 5) X and Z, but not Y; 6) Y and Z, but not X; or 7) X, Y, and Z.

[0061] Furthermore, unless there is a clear indication to the contrary, the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, etc. are intended to distinguish the particular nouns they modify (e.g., elements, conditions, nodes, modules, activities, operations, etc.). Unless there is a clear indication to the contrary, the use of these terms is not intended to imply any type of order, rank, importance, chronological order, or hierarchy of the nouns they modify. For example, “first X” and “second X” are intended to designate two “X” elements, which are not necessarily restricted by any order, rank, importance, chronological order, or hierarchy of these two elements. Additionally, as described herein, “at least one of...” and “one or more of...” may be represented using the “(s)” nomenclature (e.g., one (or more) elements).

[0062] Each example embodiment disclosed herein has been included to present one or more different features. However, all disclosed embodiments are designed to work together as part of a single larger system or method. The present disclosure expressly contemplates composite embodiments that combine multiple of the previously discussed features from different example embodiments into a single system or method.

[0063] One or more of the advantages described herein do not imply that any embodiment described herein necessarily provides all of the advantages, or that all embodiments of the disclosure necessarily provide any of the advantages. Those skilled in the art can identify many other changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and / or modifications, and the present disclosure is intended to cover all such changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and / or modifications that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pump drive system, comprising: case; an electric motor disposed within the housing, the electric motor being configured to drive a piston of a pump; a lubricant reservoir configured to store lubricant; a conduit configured to direct lubricant from the lubricant reservoir into the housing to immerse the electric motor in the lubricant; as well as A sensor is configured to monitor a level of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir.

2. The pump drive system of claim 1, comprising a control system communicatively coupled to the sensor, wherein: The control system is configured to: determining that a level of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir is below a threshold level; and Operation of the electric motor is suspended in response to determining that the level of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir is below the threshold level.

3. The pump drive system according to claim 2, wherein: The control system is configured to interrupt power to the electric motor to suspend operation of the electric motor in response to determining that the level of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir is below the threshold level.

4. The pump drive system according to claim 1, wherein: The lubricant reservoir includes a wall, and the sensor is configured to determine a capacitance across the wall to monitor a level of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir.

5. The pump drive system according to claim 4, wherein: The sensor is mounted to the wall.

6. The pump drive system according to claim 1, wherein: The lubricant reservoir includes an at least partially transparent or translucent wall, and the sensor includes an optical sensor configured to monitor a level of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir relative to the wall.

7. The pump drive system according to claim 6, wherein: The optical sensor is configured to determine a refractive property associated with the wall to monitor a level of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir relative to the wall.

8. The pump drive system according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor is configured to determine a parameter of lubricant directed through the conduit, the parameter being indicative of a level of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir.

9. The pump drive system according to claim 8, wherein: The parameters include flow rate.

10. The pump drive system according to claim 8, wherein: The conduit is a first conduit, and the pump drive system comprises: a second conduit mounted to the lubricant reservoir and the housing, wherein the second conduit is configured to direct lubricant from the lubricant reservoir into the housing; and a third conduit mounted to the housing, wherein the first conduit is fluidly coupled to the second conduit and the third conduit and is configured to direct lubricant from the second conduit to the third conduit, and the third conduit is configured to direct lubricant from the first conduit into the housing.

11. A booster pump system, comprising: a cylinder, the cylinder comprising a chamber; a piston, the piston being disposed in a chamber of the cylinder; an electric motor configured to drive movement of the piston relative to a chamber of the cylinder to pressurize a fluid within the chamber and exhaust pressurized fluid from the chamber, wherein the electric motor is disposed in the housing; Lubricant reservoir; a conduit fluidly coupled to the lubricant reservoir and configured to direct lubricant from the lubricant reservoir into the housing; and A sensor is configured to monitor a level of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir.

12. The booster pump system according to claim 11, wherein: The sensor is disposed outside the lubricant reservoir.

13. The booster pump system according to claim 12, wherein: The sensor is coupled to the catheter.

14. The booster pump system according to claim 13, wherein: The conduit is at least partially transparent or translucent, and the sensor includes an optical sensor configured to monitor a parameter of the lubricant in the conduit, the parameter being indicative of a level of the lubricant in the lubricant reservoir.

15. The booster pump system according to claim 14, wherein: The parameters include flow rate.

16. The booster pump system according to claim 13, wherein: The lubricant reservoir includes an at least partially transparent or translucent wall, and the sensor is configured to capture an image of lubricant contained within the lubricant reservoir and visible through the wall to monitor the level of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir.

17. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, are configured to enable the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: The level of lubricant contained in the lubricant reservoir is monitored, wherein: The lubricant reservoir is configured to store lubricant and guide the lubricant to a housing accommodating a motor of a boost pump, the motor being configured to drive movement of a piston of the boost pump to pressurize a fluid within a cylinder of the boost pump; determining that a level of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir is below a threshold level; as well as Operation of the motor is reduced in response to determining that the level of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir is below the threshold level.

18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17, wherein: The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, are configured to enable the one or more processors to perform operations including: receiving sensor data from a sensor disposed external to the lubricant reservoir; as well as A fill level of lubricant contained in the lubricant reservoir is determined based on the sensor data.

19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein: The lubricant reservoir includes an at least partially transparent or translucent wall such that lubricant contained within the lubricant reservoir is visible through the wall, and the sensor data includes an image of the wall of the lubricant reservoir.

20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17, wherein: The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, are configured to enable the one or more processors to interrupt power to the motor to reduce operation of the motor in response to determining that the level of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir is below the threshold level.

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