Automatic Grease Dispensing System with One-Way Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual lubrication of non-rigid connections in industrial machinery and robots is time-consuming and prone to operator error, leading to potential damage and inefficiency due to lack of controlled flow and volume application.
Innovation Solution
A lubrication system with attached flow lines and actuators, incorporating one-way valves and programmable controls to deliver a controlled and accurate amount of lubricant, eliminating operator time and error by ensuring precise displacement of existing lubricant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual lubrication process is used, then operator can apply lubricant, but time consumption increases and operator error occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic lubrication dispensing where the machine serves itself by incorporating sensors, actuators, and control logic that automatically monitor lubricant levels and dispense lubricant to joints without operator intervention, eliminating both time consumption and human error
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical lubrication operations with an automated electromechanical system that uses sensors to detect lubricant conditions and actuators to control dispensing, substituting human operators with automated control mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If uncontrolled lubricant application is used, then application is simple, but over-pressurization damages seals and components
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that monitor lubricant pressure, flow rate, and joint conditions in real-time, providing feedback to the control system that automatically adjusts dispensing parameters to prevent over-pressurization while maintaining simple operation
Solution Approach 2:
The lubrication system dynamically adjusts dispensing rate and pressure based on real-time conditions detected by sensors, allowing the system to adapt its operation to prevent damage while maintaining ease of use
3Loss of time
If fast lubricant dispensing is used, then time is reduced, but old grease cannot be properly purged and new grease channels form
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic dispensing cycles with varying rates - initially slower to purge old grease uniformly, then faster to complete filling - creating a structured sequence that achieves both time efficiency and proper grease cavity uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary slow dispensing to establish uniform grease distribution and purge old lubricant before accelerating the dispensing rate, ensuring proper cavity filling is achieved before time-critical fast filling
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
The system enables efficient, accurate, and controlled lubrication, preventing over-pressurization and ensuring even distribution, thus reducing the risk of damage and extending operational periods while minimizing operator intervention.
Implementation Method 1
one-way flow or check valves to disperse the lubricant with accuracy and control
Implementation Method 2
supply a controlled velocity and flow of lubricant so as to displace the existing and used lubricant
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic grease dispensing system for supplying grease to at least one destination includes a grease container, at least one drive cylinder configured for reciprocating motion, a pump cylinder coupled to and driven by each drive cylinder, wherein the pump cylinder includes an inlet in fluid communication with grease in the grease container and an outlet in fluid communication with one destination to be supplied with grease, a first one way check valve coupled to each inlet configured to allow grease to flow from the grease container to the pump cylinder and configured to prevent grease to flow from the pump cylinder to the grease container, and a second one way check valve coupled to each outlet configured to allow grease to flow from the pump cylinder to the one destination and configured to prevent grease to flow from the destination to the pump cylinder.