Dual-Line Pump Unit Alternating Strokes to Reduce Wear
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic lubrication systems, such as Quicklub®, Centro-Matic®, and Helios®, require an improved pump unit that can be used with a wide variety of lubricant distribution systems and have a simplified design to enhance reliability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A dual-line pump unit with two pumps, each with a cylinder bore, piston, and vent passage, operated by a linear position drive mechanism and controlled by a controller to alternate pumping strokes between two main lines, allowing for efficient lubricant distribution without the need for a reversing valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pump with reversing valve is used to pump lubricant through dual lines, then device complexity is reduced, but pump wear increases and overheating occurs due to continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The single pump unit is segmented into two separate pumps (first pump and second pump), each dedicated to one main line. This segmentation allows each pump to operate intermittently rather than continuously, reducing wear and overheating while maintaining dual-line functionality without requiring a reversing valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of two separate pumping circuits into a single integrated pump unit housing, combining two pumps, two cylinder bores, and associated components into one unified device that operates as a cohesive system.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single pump with reversing valve is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but productivity decreases due to continuous pump operation and heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pumping function into two separate pumps within the same unit, each pump operates only during alternate cycles, reducing continuous operation time and heat generation while maintaining efficient lubricant distribution through parallel capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action by alternating between the first pump and second pump in successive cycles. Each pump operates intermittently rather than continuously, with the controller switching between them, which reduces thermal buildup while maintaining productive lubricant delivery.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single pump operates continuously through reversing valve, then adaptability to different distribution systems is achieved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The pumping function is segmented into two separate pumps that share the workload, with each pump operating only during alternate cycles. This segmentation halves the continuous operation time for each pump, directly reducing energy consumption while maintaining the ability to serve dual-line distribution systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements periodic action by alternating operation between the first and second pumps in successive cycles. This periodic operation reduces the cumulative energy consumption compared to continuous operation of a single pump, while maintaining adaptability to various distribution system configurations.
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 solution reduces wear on each pump, prevents overheating, and offers greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness by eliminating the need for a reversing valve, while maintaining efficient lubricant delivery to multiple lubrication points.
Implementation Method 1
a piston movable in the cylinder bore. Each pump also includes a vent passage communicating with the interior of the reservoir. Each pump further includes a linear position drive mechanism for moving the piston in a forward direction in the cylinder bore through a pumping stroke for pumping lubricant through the cylinder outlet to a respective main line
Implementation Method 2
in a rearward direction through a venting return stroke in which the vent passage communicates with the interior of the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-line pump unit for supplying lubricant includes a reservoir having an interior for holding lubricant. A first pump is provided for pumping lubricant from the reservoir through a first main line to a lubricant distribution system. A second pump is provided for pumping lubricant from the reservoir through a second main line to the lubricant distribution system. During a first stage of operation, the first pump operates to pump lubricant from the reservoir through the first main line to the lubricant distribution system and the second pump is idle, the second main line venting back to the reservoir via the second pump. During a second stage of operation, the second pump operates to pump lubricant from the reservoir through the second main line to the lubricant distribution system and the first pump is idle, the first main line venting back to the reservoir via the first pump.