Drive Chain Lubricant Applicator with Absorbent Pad
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive chain lubricant applicators face challenges such as uneven lubrication, overspray, high manufacturing costs due to intricate parts, and inefficiencies in applying lubricant directly to chain links, leading to contamination and increased lubricant usage.
Innovation Solution
A lubricant applicator system comprising a peripheral housing with a wear-resistant absorbent pad and a conduit connecting to a lubricant dispensing container, allowing for controlled lubricant distribution directly onto the drive chain, preventing dripping and overspray, and featuring a design that reduces assembly complexity and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lubricant is dispensed directly onto the chain from a drip-container, then the lubrication process is simple, but the lubricant application is uneven and lubricant is wasted through dripping and overspray
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a chain guide as an intermediary component that directs the chain through the lubrication zone and positions it correctly relative to the lubricant source. This mediator ensures uniform lubricant distribution across all chain links while preventing overspray and dripping onto surrounding areas.
2Productivity
If lubricant is sprayed through a tube connected to an aerosol dispenser, then the lubrication process is faster and easier, but lubricant overspray contaminates the vehicle frame and wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating a confined lubrication zone where lubricant is applied only to the specific area where the chain passes through. The housing and chain guide structure ensure that lubricant is delivered precisely to the chain links and bushings that need it, preventing contamination of surrounding vehicle components while maintaining efficient lubrication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cleaning brushes and oil reservoirs are used to both clean and lubricate the chain, then both functions are performed, but manufacturing costs increase due to intricate parts and assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cleaning function from the lubrication system by using the existing chain movement and a simple chain guide structure to achieve cleaning through friction and alignment, while the lubrication function is provided by a separate but integrated lubricant delivery mechanism. This separation reduces the number of intricate parts needed compared to combined cleaning-lubrication systems.
4Reliability
If multiple brushes and housing parts are used in chain cleaners, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing costs increase due to more parts that must be assembled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the chain guide and lubrication housing into a single integrated structure that performs both chain alignment and lubricant delivery functions. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining effective chain cleaning through the guide structure and reliable lubrication.
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 ensures uniform lubrication of drive chain links without dripping or overspray, reduces lubricant usage, and simplifies the application process, while maintaining low manufacturing costs due to fewer parts and easier assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a wear-resistant absorbent pad and a conduit connecting to a lubricant dispensing container
Data Source
AI summary
Liquid dispensing applicators adapted to be mounted to a container of lubricating oil or degreaser and used to lubricate or apply degreaser to a drive chain of a bicycle or motorcycle are disclosed. The applicator housing has an open slot to receive the chain. A wear-resistant and absorbent pad is positioned within the housing to engage the chain. A conduit between the absorbent pad and the container transmits liquid to the absorbent pad such that the chain can be cleaned or lubricated.