Computerized Lubrication Control for Dynamic Dosage Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lubrication systems require mechanical adjustments to change dosages, making it cumbersome to adjust lubrication at individual points, as dosers can only provide pre-defined dosages and need to be reset or reconfigured manually.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a computerized control system that allows for centralized control of lubrication, enabling dosing means to adjust lubricant amounts at specific lubrication points based on control signals, allowing for individualized and dynamic lubrication adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical dosing components are used with pre-defined dosages, then the system structure remains simple and reliable, but the ability to adjust lubrication dosage at individual points is limited and requires manual mechanical adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of lubrication dosageVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical dosing components with fixed pre-defined dosages with electronically controlled dosing components that receive control signals. The dosing amount is adjusted by changing control parameters (electrical signals) rather than mechanical adjustments, enabling flexible dosage adjustment at individual lubrication points without manual mechanical intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the dosing parameter from fixed mechanical settings to variable control signals. The control means can send different control signals to adjust the dosing amount dynamically, allowing the same dosing component to provide different dosages by changing the control parameter (signal intensity, pulse width, etc.) rather than requiring mechanical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple doser types with different dosages are used to meet different lubrication needs, then individual lubrication points can receive appropriate dosages, but the number of components and system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of dosages availableVSAvoidnumber of doser types

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the dosing component universal by enabling it to perform multiple dosing functions through electronic control. A single dosing component can provide different dosages by receiving different control signals, eliminating the need for multiple specialized dosers with fixed dosages. The same hardware serves multiple dosing requirements through software/control signal variation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If manual mechanical adjustment of dosers is required to change lubrication parameters, then the system remains simple to manufacture, but the ease of operation and response time for adjustments is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of adjusting lubrication dosageVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with electronic control signal operations. The control means sends electronic signals to adjust dosing parameters, which is much easier and faster than manual mechanical adjustment. This substitution increases ease of operation while the added electronic components are standard off-the-shelf items that do not significantly increase manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If centralized control of lubrication is implemented with computerized control means, then precise and flexible lubrication management is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of lubrication dosage controlVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control where the control means monitors and adjusts dosing based on actual lubrication needs. The system can detect lubrication conditions and automatically adjust control signals to maintain optimal dosing, achieving precise control through closed-loop feedback rather than open-loop mechanical settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses computerized control means with electronic components to replace mechanical control systems. The computerized control provides precise dosage management through software algorithms and electronic signal processing, achieving high measurement precision and control accuracy while using standard electronic components rather than complex custom-mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9353908B2Advanced lubrication system

Publication Date: 2016.05.31 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

AI summary

The present application relates to a lubrication system (S) comprising dosing means (1-1) for feeding lubricant to a lubrication point. The invention is based on the idea that computerized control means (1-5, 1-6) are arranged to control the operation of the lubrication system (S). The dosing means (1-1) are configured to operate responsive to a control signal provided by the control means (1-5, 1-6) to adjust the amount of lubricant to be fed by the dosing means (1-1, 1-2) to a lubrication point as required by the control means, wherein the amount of lubricant can be adjusted lubrication-point-specifically.