Grease Gun Connector Assembly for Refill Venting and Leak Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grease guns have a complex structure due to the need for separate air release and grease injection devices, leading to increased manufacturing costs and potential environmental contamination during grease replacement.
Innovation Solution
A compact connector for a grease gun that integrates gas release and grease injection functions, featuring a tubular part with a movable ball and stop piece to seal the passage, allowing for clean grease refilling without opening the mount.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate air release device and grease injection device are used, then gas release and grease injection functions are achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air release device and grease injection device into a single integrated connector assembly. The connector includes a passage that can selectively connect to either the barrel for grease injection or the air release valve for gas release, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a multi-functional component that can perform both grease injection and air release operations. By incorporating a movable ball valve mechanism within the connector, the single device can selectively direct flow to different destinations (barrel or air release valve) based on operational needs, achieving universal functionality.
2Productivity
If conventional grease gun structure is used, then grease injection is achieved, but grease splashing occurs during refilling contaminating the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The connector serves as an intermediary device between the grease source and the nozzle. It includes a sealed passage system with a movable ball valve that controls grease flow internally, preventing grease from splashing outward during refilling operations. The connector's design ensures that grease is contained within the sealed passage until intentionally directed to the nozzle.
3Reliability
If multiple separate devices are used for air release and grease injection, then functional completeness is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate devices (air release valve, grease injection device, connector) into a single integrated connector assembly. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining all necessary functions through the multi-functional connector design.
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 connector simplifies the grease gun structure, reduces manufacturing costs, and maintains a clean environment by preventing grease splashing during lubrication and refilling.
Implementation Method 1
A ball is movably located in the passage... A protrusion protrudes radially and inward from the inner periphery of the passage... The ball is movable between the protrusion and the stop piece
Data Source
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AI summary
A greases gun includes a body having a barrel in which grease is stored. The barrel has a mount mounted to the top thereof, and a hose is connected to the mount and has a nozzle connected thereto. A lever is pivotably connected to the barrel to pump the degrease out from the nozzle. A connector is connected to the mount and includes a tubular part. A passage is defined through the tubular part. A ball is movably located in the passage and movable between a stop piece located in the passage and a protrusion protruding inward from the passage. A connection portion is formed to the top of the tubular part of the connector. The nozzle is removably connected to the connection portion. The connector provides functions of grease refill and gas release, and also prevents from grease leakage.