Excavator Greasing Control After Long Engine Stoppages
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shovel automatic greasing devices do not grease pin linking members promptly after a long engine stoppage, potentially leading to insufficient or deteriorated grease when the shovel is restarted, causing lubrication defects.
Innovation Solution
A control device is integrated into the shovel to manage the timing of the automatic greasing system based on past operating conditions, including elapsed time since the last greasing and engine stoppage duration, ensuring timely lubrication of greasing points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the automatic greasing device operates only during work apparatus operation, then grease waste is eliminated, but pin linking members may receive insufficient grease after long engine stoppages
Solution Approach 1:
The greasing control device dynamically adjusts greasing timing based on real-time detection of engine operation status and accumulated stoppage time. When the engine stops for exceeding a predetermined time threshold, the system automatically initiates greasing operations, creating a dynamic response mechanism that adapts to varying operational conditions rather than following a fixed schedule.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring engine operation status through detection devices and using this information to control greasing timing. The control device receives feedback about engine stoppage duration and automatically adjusts greasing operations accordingly, ensuring lubrication is provided when most needed while avoiding unnecessary greasing during continuous operation.
2Reliability
If greasing is performed periodically regardless of operation status, then lubrication is ensured, but unnecessary grease consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary greasing action by detecting engine stoppage time accumulation and initiating greasing operations before the engine is restarted. This preliminary action ensures that pin linking members are properly lubricated in advance of resumption of work, preventing lubrication defects from occurring when the engine starts again after extended stoppages.
Solution Approach 2:
The greasing operation transitions from static periodic scheduling to dynamic condition-based control. The system continuously monitors engine status and automatically adjusts greasing timing based on actual operational needs, performing greasing only when detection indicates the engine has been stopped for exceeding a predetermined time, thereby optimizing grease consumption.
3Ease of operation
If the greasing device is controlled by fixed timing, then operation is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying engine stoppage durations
Solution Approach 1:
The greasing control system operates autonomously by automatically detecting engine stoppage time through integrated detection devices and independently controlling greasing operations without requiring manual intervention. The control device self-manages the entire process from monitoring engine status to initiating greasing when predetermined stoppage time thresholds are exceeded, maintaining simplicity while enabling adaptive response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces fixed mechanical timing mechanisms with electronic detection and control systems. Detection devices monitor engine operation status and transmit signals to the control device, which processes the information and automatically controls greasing operations. This substitution of mechanical timing with electronic sensing and control provides both simplicity of operation and adaptability to varying stoppage conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A shovel includes a lower traveling body, an upper turning body turnably attached to the lower traveling body, an automatic greasing device mounted on the upper turning body, and a control device configured to control the automatic greasing device. The control device is configured to control timing to start greasing by the automatic greasing device based on the past operating condition of the shovel.