Compact Mechanical Lubrication Pump With Integrated Leak Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubrication methods in mechanical systems are inefficient, leading to excess lubricant consumption and leakage, and require complex electrical connections or external conduits that compromise reliability.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically driven pump with a spring-operated piston and cam mechanism that provides focused lubrication within the lubricated area, reducing complexity and leakage risk, and operates independently of rotation direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If passive lubrication by splashing is used, then lubrication coverage is achieved, but lubricant consumption increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lubrication function from the bulk lubricant reservoir and delivers it through a dedicated pump system with controlled discharge passages, ensuring lubricant is delivered only where needed rather than relying on passive splashing that distributes lubricant throughout the entire gearbox.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system is self-priming and automatically delivers lubricant to targeted components without requiring external control systems, electrical connections, or complex actuation mechanisms, maintaining reliability while improving efficiency.
2Reliability
If electrically driven pumps are used, then focused lubrication is achieved, but reliability decreases due to electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrically driven pumps with a mechanically driven pump that utilizes the existing rotational motion of gearbox components to drive the pump mechanism, eliminating the need for electrical connections, wires, and controllers while maintaining the focused lubrication function.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanically driven pump is designed to be driven by any rotating component within the gearbox regardless of rotation direction, making it universally applicable to various gearbox configurations without requiring specific drive mechanisms or electrical systems.
3Reliability
If external conduits are used to supply lubricant, then focused lubrication is achieved, but leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is integrated directly within the gearbox housing with discharge passages formed as integral features of the pump body and housing, eliminating the need for separate external conduits and reducing potential leakage points while maintaining focused lubrication delivery.
4Reliability
If pump location is moved outside lubricated area, then electrical connection issues are avoided, but leakage risk from external conduits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is merged with the gearbox housing and lubrication system, with the pump body, discharge passages, and lubricant delivery channels forming an integrated assembly that eliminates external conduits and reduces leakage risk while maintaining focused lubrication to targeted components.
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 pump ensures reliable, low-cost lubrication with minimal leakage and operates self-priming, even in dry sump environments, without the need for controllers or actuators.
Implementation Method 1
a spring; a piston configured to receive the spring
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for a mechanically driven pump are provided. The mechanically driven pump may apply a piston simultaneously to operate as a guillotine blocking valve and a component to transfer motive force. A spring may apply a force to the piston to oppose a force that is applied to the piston via a cam lobe. The mechanically driven pump exhibits a differential pressure at a calibrated orifice during two working phases of the pump (expansion and compression), which provides for a non-zero volumetric efficiency of the mechanically driven pump.