Bushing Lubrication Apparatus with Rotating Rollers

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of inserting a bushing into a carrier or housing often requires significant insertion force due to the lack of lubrication, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A lubrication apparatus that applies a uniform layer of lubricant material to the bushing's outer surface using a tray with rotating roller assemblies, driven by a motor, to reduce the insertion force by facilitating a friction fit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a bushing is pressed into a carrier or housing with an interference fit, then the bushing provides a secure bearing surface, but the insertion force required is considerable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure bearing surfaceVSAvoidinsertion force

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies lubricant material to the outer surface of the bushing before insertion into the carrier or housing. This preliminary lubrication action reduces friction and insertion force during the pressing operation, making the installation process easier while still achieving the required interference fit strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If manual lubrication methods are used on bushing surfaces, then some lubrication is achieved, but the lubricant layer is non-uniform and application is inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubricant applicationVSAvoidlubricant layer uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces roller assemblies as intermediary elements between the lubricant material and the bushing surface. These rollers rotate against the bushing outer surface, evenly distributing the lubricant material and creating a uniform lubricant layer that manual methods cannot achieve

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual lubrication methods with an automated mechanical system consisting of a motor-driven roller assembly. This substitution ensures consistent, uniform lubricant application without the variability inherent in manual processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 lubrication apparatus effectively reduces the insertion force required for the bushing into the carrier by ensuring a uniform lubricant layer, making the process more efficient and manageable.

Implementation Method 1

Rotation of the plurality of roller assemblies urges rotation of the bushing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10221890B1Lubrication apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.03.05 ARIES ENG

AI summary

A lubrication apparatus is provided. The lubrication apparatus includes a tray having opposing sides, opposing ends, a bottom member and a cavity formed therewithin. A plurality of roller assemblies is positioned within the cavity. The roller assemblies are configured for rotation and further configured to receive the bushing therebetween. A motor is mounted to the tray and configured to rotate the plurality of roller assemblies. Rotation of the plurality of roller assemblies urges rotation of the bushing. A lubricant material is positioned in the tray and configured to contact the roller assemblies. Rotation of the roller assemblies brings the lubricant material into contact with the outer surface of the bushing. The motor and the roller assemblies are further configured such that a single revolution of the bushing results in a substantially uniform layer of a lubricant material on the outer surface of a bushing.