Automatic Lubrication Feeder Units Using Working Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lubrication systems for hydraulic and pneumatic devices require manual maintenance, are costly, and disrupt the availability of equipment, as they lack an efficient automatic solution that can be retrofitted and notify users of low lubricant levels.
Innovation Solution
An automatic lubrication system comprising a lubricant container and modular feeder units with a piston mechanism powered by the device's working pressure, featuring a check valve for one-way lubricant flow, adjustable piston stroke, and a notification system for low lubricant levels, which can be easily scaled and integrated with hydraulic or pneumatic drive systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual lubrication is used at service centers, then lubrication maintenance can be performed, but equipment availability decreases and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system performs self-lubrication by utilizing the work device's own hydraulic system to power the piston mechanism. The system automatically draws lubricant from the container and delivers it to lubrication points without external intervention, enabling the equipment to maintain itself during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-fills a lubricant container before operation begins. The piston mechanism is pre-configured with adjustment screws to control stroke length and lubricant delivery timing. This preliminary preparation ensures lubrication is available immediately when needed without requiring service center intervention.
2Ease of operation
If a dedicated hydraulic system with electric pump and solenoid valves is used, then lubricant distribution can be controlled, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the work device's existing hydraulic system for dual purposes: both for operating the work device itself and for powering the lubrication piston. The hydraulic fluid serves both as the operational medium for the work device and as the actuating medium for lubricant delivery, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated hydraulic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and utilizes the existing hydraulic power from the work device's operational system and applies it specifically to the lubrication function. By taking out the hydraulic actuation capability already present in the work device and redirecting it to drive the piston mechanism, the system avoids adding complex electric pumps and solenoid valves while maintaining controlled lubricant distribution.
3Ease of operation
If high pressure is applied to return piston to initial position, then lubricant flow control is achieved, but lubricant supply requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts piston stroke length using adjustment screws that allow variable control of the piston's travel distance. This dynamic adjustment capability enables precise control of lubricant delivery quantity and timing without requiring high pressures. The piston can be positioned at optimal points during its cycle to deliver lubricant efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter from pressure-based to geometry-based control. By using adjustment screws to modify the piston stroke length and position, the system controls lubricant flow through geometric parameters rather than pressure variations. This approach achieves reliable lubricant delivery while avoiding the need for high lubricant supply pressures.
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
The system provides continuous, efficient lubrication without manual intervention, reduces maintenance costs, and ensures timely refills by notifying users of low lubricant levels, enhancing equipment availability and worker productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a piston to supply the lubricant to the work device and which piston separates a working pressure inlet and a lubricant inlet
Implementation Method 2
a valve member, preferably a check valve, allowing the lubricant to flow out from the piston chamber and blocking the flow back to the piston chamber
Implementation Method 3
a spring configured to return the piston to its starting position
Implementation Method 4
an adjustment screw for adjusting the stroke of the piston, the adjustment screw is arranged to face an end of the piston
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an automatic lubrication system (201, 401) comprising a lubricant container (230, 330, 430) supplying a lubricant, preferably grease, to a number of lubricant feeder units (100),a number of lubricant feeder units, which lubricant feeder units supply the lubricant to a work device, wherein each lubricant feeder unit comprises a piston chamber allowing a piston to reciprocate,a piston to supply the lubricant to the work device and which piston sepa-rates a working pressure inlet and a lubricant inlet,a working pressure inlet actuating the piston by supplying pressure to the piston from the work device when the work device is used,a lubricant inlet for supplying lubricant from the lubricant container to the piston chamber,returning means, preferably a spring, configured to return the piston to its starting position,a valve member, preferably a check valve, allowing the lubricant to flow out from the piston chamber and blocking the flow back to the piston chamber. The presented invention includes related methods thereof.