Chain Lubrication Nozzle With Self-Aligning Tip Geometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

The application of H1 compliant fluid lubricants in the baking industry is difficult due to the large size and movement of chains, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, with graphite being the preferred but less effective alternative.

Innovation Solution

A nozzle with a nozzle tip and body, featuring a gasket and alignment face, designed to easily align with pin lubrication holes on chains, allowing for precise application of lubricant and minimizing leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If graphite lubricant is used, then ease of application is improved, but lubrication effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of applicationVSAvoidlubrication effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a nozzle as an intermediary device that delivers lubricant through a targeted stream. The nozzle body with its elongate axis and aperture creates a focused lubricant delivery system that bridges the gap between the lubricant source and the chain's pin lubrication holes, enabling precise application without direct contact with the moving chain

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical brushing system with a fluid dynamic system. Instead of mechanically brushing graphite onto the chain, the system uses fluid mechanics to project lubricant through a nozzle aperture, creating a controlled stream that can accurately reach pin lubrication holes on moving chains

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If H1 compliant fluid lubricant is applied, then lubrication effectiveness is improved, but ease of application deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication effectivenessVSAvoidease of application

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle design enables self-alignment through its geometry. The elongate axis and aperture are positioned such that the nozzle naturally orients itself toward the chain's pin lubrication holes during movement, reducing the need for precise manual positioning and making the application process easier while maintaining effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If oven is turned off for graphite application, then lubrication can be applied, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to apply lubricantVSAvoidbaking output

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle system is designed to be pre-positioned and pre-aligned with the chain's pin lubrication holes before the chain moves into position. This preliminary setup allows lubricant to be applied immediately when the chain is in the correct position, eliminating the need to stop the oven for lubrication application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If lubricant is applied to moving chain, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidalignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle concentrates the lubricant delivery to a specific local point - the pin lubrication hole. The elongate axis and aperture are designed to focus the lubricant stream precisely at the target location, ensuring accurate application even when the chain is moving, by maintaining a consistent spatial relationship between the nozzle and the lubrication point

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12540706B2Nozzle

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 PERFORMANCE FLUIDS

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of nozzles. More specifically the invention relates to nozzles for the application of lubricant. Yet more specifically the invention relates to nozzles for the application of lubricant to chains. And yet more specifically the invention of lubricant to chains for use in the baking industry, for example to the application of lubricant to pin lubrication holes in chains in the baking industry.