Actuating-Fluid Lubrication Pump for Over-Greasing Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated lubrication systems often over-grease moving components due to time-based lubricant delivery, leading to unnecessary waste and potential damage from excessive lubrication.
Innovation Solution
A lubricant delivery apparatus that uses an actuating fluid to automatically dispense a predetermined amount of lubricant only when the moving component is in use, thereby synchronizing lubrication with component activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If time-based automated lubrication systems are used, then lubrication is delivered automatically at regular intervals, but over-greasing occurs and lubricant is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The pump receives and stores a pre-determined amount of lubricant in advance within its chamber, ready for immediate dispensing when the moving component is actuated. This preliminary preparation ensures that the exact required quantity is available without over-delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the actuating fluid from the moving component's operation as a feedback signal to trigger lubricant dispensing. When the component moves or is actuated, this motion activates the pump to deliver lubricant only at the appropriate moment, preventing over-greasing.
2Quantity of substance
If manual lubrication application is used, then equipment cost is reduced, but labour cost increases and downtime is required
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system serves itself by using the actuating fluid from the moving component's own operation to trigger the lubricant delivery. The system integrates seamlessly with the equipment's existing hydraulic or pneumatic system, eliminating the need for separate manual intervention or external power sources.
3Reliability
If lubricant is delivered based on operating intervals, then proper lubrication is maintained, but over-greasing occurs when component is not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system transitions from static time-based scheduling to dynamic demand-based delivery. The pump adapts its operation to the actual usage pattern of the moving component, delivering lubricant only when the component is actively being used, as indicated by the presence of actuating fluid.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces the likelihood of over-greasing and minimizes lubricant waste by ensuring that lubricant is delivered only when needed, thus extending equipment life and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a pump operably coupled to the lubricant supply reservoir for receiving a pre-determined amount of lubricant from the lubricant supply reservoir and discharging the pre-determined amount of lubricant from the lubricant delivery apparatus via a lubricant discharge port
Data Source
AI summary
A lubricant delivery apparatus for installation on a device that includes a moving component that is actuated by an actuating fluid from an actuating fluid source is disclosed. The apparatus includes a lubricant supply reservoir and a pump operably coupled to the reservoir for receiving a pre-determined amount of lubricant from the reservoir and for discharging the pre-determined amount of lubricant from the apparatus. The apparatus has a non-actuated state, wherein the predetermined amount of lubricant is disposed within the pump and an actuated state wherein the predetermined amount of lubricant is discharged from the pump. While the apparatus is installed on the device, the pump is operably coupled to the actuating fluid source such that actuation of the moving component is with effect that the apparatus transitions from the non-actuated state to the actuated state such that the predetermined amount of lubricant is delivered to the moving component.