Cylindrical Member With Lubricant Storage Tube
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing plunger mechanisms in cylindrical members, such as those described in PTL 1, suffer from malfunctions and imperfect shape due to oil shortages, leading to reduced slidability.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical member design featuring a first tube for the plunger to slide within and a second tube with a larger inner diameter for lubricant storage, along with a tapered surface and a ring portion on the plunger to manage lubricant distribution, ensuring stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plunger slides within a cylindrical member without adequate lubrication, then the structure remains simple, but the plunger experiences wear, malfunction, and reduced slidability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where a second cylindrical tube (lubricant storage chamber) is positioned within or alongside the first cylindrical tube (plunger chamber). The second tube has a larger inner diameter than the first tube's outer diameter, allowing it to accommodate lubricant while the plunger operates in the first tube. This nesting approach enables lubrication functionality without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-stores lubricant in the second cylindrical tube before the plunger begins operation. The lubricant is positioned in advance within easy reach of the plunger's sliding path, so that as the plunger moves, it automatically picks up lubricant from the second tube without requiring external lubrication systems or user intervention. This preliminary positioning of lubricant ensures continuous protection against wear.
2Reliability
If lubricant is stored in a separate chamber, then the plunger can be continuously lubricated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lubricant storage function and the plunger operation chamber into a single integrated cylindrical member structure. The first and second cylindrical tubes are positioned concentrically or adjacently within the same housing, sharing common structural support and sealing arrangements. This merging reduces the need for separate external lubrication systems and minimizes overall device complexity while ensuring continuous lubrication.
3Ease of operation
If the plunger operates without sufficient lubricant, then the device structure remains simple, but friction increases and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the plunger and second cylindrical tube interaction such that the plunger automatically picks up lubricant from the second tube during its normal sliding motion. The plunger's own movement through the lubricant reservoir serves to replenish its surface lubrication without requiring external pumping or injection systems. This self-service mechanism ensures adequate lubricant volume is transferred to the plunger during each operational cycle.
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
This design enhances the stability and slidability of the plunger by effectively replenishing lubricant and reducing friction, allowing for reliable fluid suction and discharge operations.
Implementation Method 1
a second cylindrical tube being continuous with the first cylindrical tube and having an inner diameter larger than an inner diameter of the first cylindrical tube, the second cylindrical tube being configured to store a lubricant
Data Source
AI summary
A cylindrical member is used for sucking a fluid into an inside of the cylindrical member and/or discharging a fluid to an outside of the cylindrical member by allowing a plunger to move inside the cylindrical member, the cylindrical member including: a first cylindrical tube inside which the plunger is to slide; and a second cylindrical tube being continuous with the first cylindrical tube and having an inner diameter larger than an inner diameter of the first cylindrical tube, the second cylindrical tube being configured to store a lubricant.