Chain Saw Lubrication Sensor System for Low Oil Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cutting tools, such as chainsaws, face malfunctioning and overheating due to insufficient lubrication when the oil level in the lubricating fluid tank falls below a minimum level, especially when the pump is motor-activated, leading to a lack of user alerts for timely refilling.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a sensor system within the lubricating circuit that detects the fluid level and triggers an alarm when it falls below a minimum threshold, using an electronic control unit to verify the detection and generate a perceptible signal to the user, such as an optical, extensometer, flow rate, or thermal sensor to ensure timely notification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sensor system is added to detect lubricant levels, then the reliability of lubrication monitoring is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication monitoring reliabilityVSAvoidlubrication circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a sensor detects the lubricant level in the tank and sends signals to an electronic control unit. When the lubricant level falls below a threshold, the system activates an alarm (visual or audible) to notify the operator, creating a closed-loop monitoring system that ensures reliable detection and response to low lubricant conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic control unit serves as an intermediary between the sensor and the alarm system. It processes sensor signals, determines when lubricant levels are insufficient, and triggers the appropriate alarm output, thereby mediating the information flow and decision-making process in the monitoring system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of moving object

If the pump is motor-activated for continuous lubrication, then the duration of action is improved, but the reliability of lubrication delivery worsens when oil level is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous lubrication durationVSAvoidlubrication delivery reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of lubricant levels before the pump can fail due to empty tank conditions. By continuously monitoring the oil level and providing advance warning through alarms, the system allows operators to refill the tank before lubrication failure occurs, ensuring continuous and reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor and alarm system creates a feedback loop that monitors lubricant levels and notifies operators in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures that the motor-activated pump continues to operate reliably by alerting users to refill the tank before the lubricant is depleted, preventing pump damage and ensuring continuous lubrication delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If manual monitoring of oil level is required, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of time for user awareness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring system complexityVSAvoiduser response time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automated sensor and alarm system provides immediate feedback when lubricant levels are low, eliminating the need for manual monitoring. The electronic control unit continuously tracks oil levels and triggers alarms instantly when thresholds are breached, ensuring users are notified without delay and can respond immediately to refill the tank.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system performs self-service by automatically detecting and reporting low lubricant conditions without requiring user intervention or attention. The sensor and control unit work autonomously to monitor the tank level and alert operators, freeing users from the need to manually check oil levels while ensuring timely response to lubrication needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 sensor system allows for automatic and accurate detection of low lubricant levels, reducing false alarms and ensuring the user is promptly informed to refill the lubricant, preventing tool malfunction and overheating.

Implementation Method 1

such as an optical, extensometer, flow rate, or thermal sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection:

Implementation Method 2

such as an optical, extensometer, flow rate, or thermal sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal detection:

Implementation Method 3

a pump drawn by the motor and having an aspirating conduit of the fluid provided with an aspirating mouth located internally of the tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pump: Pump

Data Source

PatentUS10800066B2Cutting tool

Publication Date: 2020.10.13 EMAK

AI summary

A cutting tool includes: a loop-wound chain wound about at least a drive crown activated in rotation by a motor, a lubricating circuit of the chain provided with a tank of lubricating fluid, a pump drawn by the motor and having an aspirating conduit of the fluid provided with an aspirating mouth located internally of the tank, and a delivery conduit provided with an outlet mouth located in proximity of the chain, a sensor able to detect the lubricating fluid in the lubricating circuit.