Drive Chain Spray Lubrication Through Protected Winch Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lubrication methods for drive chains in forestry winches, such as those requiring removal of protective panels or disengagement from tractors, are time-consuming and often neglected due to complexity, leading to reduced chain lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A spray-based lubrication system with a dedicated attachment and supply tube system that allows lubrication without removing protective elements, enabling lubrication when the machine is attached to a tractor, using a lubrication spray with a brush that slides along the chain, ensuring efficient and reliable lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual lubrication with a brush is used, then lubrication can be applied directly to the chain, but protective elements must be removed and the winch must be disengaged from the tractor, significantly increasing preparation time
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication brush is integrated inside a protective housing that fits within the existing chain protection structure. The brush can be inserted and removed through an opening in the protection, allowing lubrication without removing the protective elements. This nesting approach enables the lubrication tool to coexist with the safety protection while providing direct access to the chain.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated opening is provided in the chain protection structure that allows the lubrication brush to access the chain through this extracted access point. This opening enables the lubrication function to be performed without removing the entire protective housing, thus maintaining safety protection while providing lubrication capability.
2Extent of automation
If lubrication nozzles and inlet channels are used, then automated lubrication is enabled, but the system construction becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication brush is designed to be manually inserted and operated by the user without requiring complex automated mechanisms. The brush automatically contacts the chain when inserted, and the user simply moves the brush along the chain to apply lubricant. This self-service approach provides automated-like effectiveness while maintaining simplicity in construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex inlet channel system is replaced by providing a direct opening in the protection structure through which the lubrication brush is inserted. This extracted access point eliminates the need for elaborate internal channels and nozzles, simplifying the overall system construction while enabling effective lubrication.
3Ease of operation
If protective elements are removed for lubrication, then direct access to the chain is achieved, but safety protection against human interference is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication brush is nested within the protective housing structure, allowing it to operate inside the protected space without removing the protection. The brush can be inserted through a designated opening and moved along the chain while the protective housing remains in place, thus maintaining safety protection while enabling lubrication access.
Solution Approach 2:
A specific opening is extracted from the protective structure to allow lubrication access. This opening is strategically positioned to permit brush insertion and movement along the chain while the rest of the protective housing remains intact, maintaining safety protection against human interference while providing necessary access for lubrication.
4Ease of operation
If the winch is disengaged from the tractor for lubrication, then complete access is possible, but the lubrication process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication brush is designed to fit within the protective housing that remains attached to the winch while connected to the tractor. The brush can be inserted and operated through the protection opening without requiring disengagement of the winch from the tractor, thus eliminating disengagement time while maintaining lubrication effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
An opening is provided in the protective structure that allows the lubrication brush to access the chain while the winch remains engaged with the tractor. This extracted access point enables lubrication to be performed without the time-consuming process of disengaging and reengaging the winch, significantly reducing total lubrication time.
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
Facilitates fast, simple, and effective lubrication of drive chains without disengaging the winch from the tractor, extending the lifespan of drive chains and reducing maintenance time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
A spray-based lubrication system with a dedicated attachment and supply tube system that allows lubrication without removing protective elements
Implementation Method 2
The present invention belongs to the field of machinery, more precisely to the field of lubrication of drive chains in machines
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention belongs to the field of machinery, more precisely to the field of lubrication of drive chains in machinery such as forestry winches. The invention relates to a spray-based lubrication system for lubricating drive chains of machinery and a forestry winch with the said system. The lubrication system comprises: - at least one attachment arranged to receive a lubrication spray or container of the lubrication spray, wherein the said attachment comprises: o a base body having: ▪ an opening arranged to receive a part of the lubrication spray, ▪ a central bore for connection with the lubrication spray, o an outlet tube with preferred protrusions arranged to reliably hold the supply tube of the lubrication system, - preferably at least one lubrication spray, which may be provided separately from the system according to the invention, and - at least one supply tube, which is on one of its ends connected to the said attachment and is on the other end preferably provided with a lubrication brush for leading the lubrication agent from the spray inserted in the said attachment to the drive chain(s).