Articulated Joint Conical Sleeve Layout for Protected Lubrication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rotating joints in work machines, especially those using conical sleeve fastenings, face issues with lubrication pipe damage due to external impacts and protrusion, leading to maintenance challenges and reduced reliability.

Innovation Solution

An intermediate plate is integrated into the conical sleeve fastening to protect the lubrication pipe and channel, allowing it to be routed along the machine part surface without lifting, reducing exposure to external damage and enabling a continuous passage for lubricant supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the lubrication pipe is routed to the intermediate plate from the top in conical sleeve fastening, then the lubrication can be supplied to the pin, but the pipe is exposed to external dents and impacts causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubrication system reliabilityVSAvoidexternal impacts on lubrication pipe
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate plate serves as an intermediary structure that the lubrication pipe is connected to at its lower surface. This mediator protects the pipe connection point from external impacts and dents, allowing the pipe to be routed along the outer surface of the machine part without exposure to harmful forces, while still enabling lubrication supply to the pin.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The lubrication pipe is routed along the outer surface of the machine part in a different spatial path rather than from the top. The pipe connects to the intermediate plate at its lower surface, changing the dimensional approach to avoid exposure to external impacts while maintaining lubrication functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the lubrication pipe is routed along the outer surface of the machine part to the intermediate plate, then the pipe is protected from damage, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from external impactsVSAvoidlubrication pipe routing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate plate performs multiple functions: it serves as the fastening element for the conical sleeve, provides a mounting surface for the lubrication pipe connection, and acts as a protective structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving pipe protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Duration of action of moving object

If conical sleeve fastening with intermediate plate and bolts is used, then the joint can be retightened multiple times, but the fastening protrudes from outer surfaces requiring complex pipe routing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint retightening capabilityVSAvoidpipe routing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate plate acts as a mediator that accommodates both the conical sleeve fastening system and the lubrication pipe connection. By providing a dedicated connection surface at its lower surface, it simplifies the pipe routing arrangement while maintaining the retightening capability of the conical sleeve fastening system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enhances the reliability of the lubrication system, reduces maintenance needs, and prevents pipe damage, while allowing for retightening of joints without compromising lubrication, thus extending maintenance intervals and maintaining joint integrity.

Implementation Method 1

The conical end portion of the pin wedges the conical sleeve radially outwards, pressing it against the inner edges of the mounting cheek holes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWedge: Wedge

Implementation Method 2

Lubricating is needed because the surfaces moving against each other would otherwise be subjected to excessive loading friction and thus to wearing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP3371381B1Arrangement in articulated joint of work machine
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 PONSSE OY
  • EP3371381B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3371381B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3371381B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to an arrangement in an artic- ulated joint of a work machine. It comprises fastening at least two machine parts (7, 8) rotatably to each other with fastening means. This is achieved with a conical sleeve shaft joint in which a conical sleeve (4) is pressed against a conical sleeve shaft (1) by an intermediate plate (5). This intermedi- ate plate comprises members (14, 16, 18) for receiving a channel means (3) and for connecting the channel means to a lubrication channel (2). The members are formed on the intermediate plate's outer casing (16) which connects a counter-surface (12) to a pressing surface (19) on the side of the conical sleeve (4) to provide a continuous passage for the conical sleeve shaft of the articulated joint.