Cam Push Rod Grease Cup Structure to Prevent Lubricant Leakage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical operating devices face issues with grease leakage from sliding portions, leading to reduced durability due to the flow of grease to unintended areas during repeated use.

Innovation Solution

An electrical operating device with a grease cup integrally molded with the base, forming a storage space above the guide hole to retain grease and reduce wear at sliding interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If grease is applied to the sliding portion, then durability is improved, but grease flows out to other portions during repeated use

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidgrease leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The base is segmented into multiple regions: a guide hole region for the push rod, and a grease storage region surrounded by a raised portion. This segmentation isolates the grease to specific areas, preventing it from flowing to unintended portions while maintaining lubrication at the sliding interface between the boss and plunger.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The raised portion creates a localized grease storage region with different functional properties than the surrounding areas. This local quality change allows grease to be retained in specific zones where it is needed for lubrication, preventing both leakage and dry friction at critical sliding surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If grease is retained at sliding portions, then wear is reduced, but grease storage structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear resistanceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grease storage function is merged with the base structure itself. The raised portion is formed as an integral part of the base, combining the support function with the grease containment function in a single component, thereby avoiding additional separate grease storage devices or complex assembly structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base serves multiple functions: it supports the cam mechanism, provides guidance for the push rod through the guide hole, and stores grease through the raised portion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated grease storage components, simplifying the overall device structure while ensuring reliable lubrication.

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

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 solution effectively retains grease at sliding portions, enhancing durability by minimizing grease leakage and wear between components.

Implementation Method 1

a grease cup that forms, above the guide hole and together with an upper end portion of the push rod, a storage space to store grease therein

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical Containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP4692981A1Electric operation device
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KK
  • EP4692981A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4692981A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4692981A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electrical operating device for outputting an electrical signal corresponding to an operation performed with an operating tool, the electrical operating device including: a cam shaft extending in a horizontal direction; a cam that includes a pusher and to which the operating tool is mounted, the cam being swingable about the cam shaft; a push rod that is positioned below the pusher and that is displaced downward as a result of an upper end portion of the push rod being pushed downward by the pusher; a base including a guide hole that extends in an upward-downward direction below the pusher and that guides the push rod in the upward-downward direction; and a grease cup that forms, above the guide hole and together with the upper end portion of the push rod, a storage space to store grease therein. The grease cup is integrally molded with the base.