Box Lubrication Pump With Segmented Fluid Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prior art box lubrication pumps experience reduced performance and shortened life due to self-lubrication with less-than-ideal fluids that do not meet the lubrication needs of the pumps, leading to fluid leakage and contamination between different reservoirs.

Innovation Solution

A box lubricator design that includes a piston housing with a bore and recess, elastomeric seals, and a camshaft-driven rocker arm assembly, allowing the pump to operate with a different fluid from the lubrication fluid, preventing mixing and contamination through check valves and a ball and socket joint to maintain tight tolerances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the pump uses the same fluid for both lubrication and pumping, then the system is simpler, but the pump performance and life are reduced due to inadequate lubrication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidpump life
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two separate fluid systems: a lubrication fluid system for the reservoir box and a pumped fluid system for the process application. This segmentation allows each fluid to be independently selected and optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and pump reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lubrication function is extracted from the pumped fluid system. The pump is designed to pump only the process fluid while a separate lubrication fluid in the reservoir box provides lubrication. This extraction allows the pump to use ideal lubrication fluid without being constrained by the requirements of the pumped fluid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the pump uses a different fluid for pumping than for lubrication, then the lubrication performance improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepump performanceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump serves itself with lubrication from the reservoir box while simultaneously pumping the process fluid. The self-lubricating design eliminates the need for external lubrication systems, reducing overall system complexity despite using different fluids for lubrication and pumping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If the same fluid is used in both reservoirs, then fluid mixing is prevented, but the lubrication needs of the pump are not met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid separationVSAvoidlubrication adequacy
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The piston acts as an intermediary that separates the lubrication fluid in the reservoir box from the pumped fluid in the pump chamber. The piston receives lubrication from one fluid while pumping the other fluid, preventing mixing while allowing each fluid to perform its optimal function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If the pump is self-lubricating with the pumped fluid, then the system is simpler, but wear increases and life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubrication system complexityVSAvoidpump life
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lubrication function is extracted from the pumped fluid and provided by a separate lubrication fluid in the reservoir box. This extraction allows the use of optimized lubrication fluid that extends pump life without adding significant system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables efficient pumping of a different fluid while maintaining the lubrication needs of the pump, reducing wear and extending the life of the lubricator by preventing fluid leakage and contamination, and allowing for optimized lubrication of the rocker arm assembly.

Implementation Method 1

At least one elastomeric seal is disposed inside the recess of the piston housing and around the piston

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a check valve is disposed inside the first end of the piston and the check valve permits the fluid to exit the first end of the piston

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

a ball and socket joint to maintain tight tolerances

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint:

Data Source

PatentEP2783150B1Box lubrication pump
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 GRACO MINNESTOA INC
  • EP2783150B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2783150B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2783150B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A box lubricator that includes a pump with a piston housing and piston. The piston housing extends from a first end to a second end, and includes a bore extending through the piston housing from the first end of the piston housing to the second end of the piston housing. The piston housing also includes a recess disposed at the second end of the piston housing, the recess being concentric with the bore and comprising a diameter larger than a diameter of the bore. The piston is disposed inside the bore of the piston housing. At least one elastomeric seal is disposed inside the recess of the piston housing and around the piston. In some embodiments, a ball and socket joint connects the piston to the rocker arm assembly. In some embodiments, a fluid passage and a check valve are disposed inside the piston.