Lubrication Arrangement for Hydraulic Work Tools
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Lubrication systems for hydraulic or pneumatic work tools, such as demolition hammers, face challenges due to vibrations and repetitive operations that reduce hose life and loosen connections, leading to potential lubricant loss and damage, especially when maneuvered in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A lubrication system mounted on the drive fluid or return fluid lines of the work tool, utilizing a housing with a lubricant reservoir and a spool mechanism that moves in response to fluid pressure to dispense lubricant, eliminating the need for direct mounting on the tool and reducing exposure to vibrations and shocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lubrication system is mounted on the work tool itself, then the lubricant can be supplied closer to the points requiring lubrication, but the vibrations and repetitive operations reduce the life of hoses and loosen connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary lubrication system mounted on the hydraulic hose rather than directly on the work tool. This intermediary position allows the system to supply lubricant to the tool through the existing hydraulic fluid line, reducing direct exposure to vibrations and shocks while maintaining lubrication effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubrication system is extracted from direct mounting on the work tool and relocated to the hydraulic hose. This separation removes the lubrication system from the high-vibration environment of the tool while preserving its ability to deliver lubricant through the hydraulic fluid pathway.
2Ease of operation
If the lubrication system is mounted on the work tool, then lubrication can be provided directly to the tool, but the system may be damaged when the tool is maneuvered in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
By using the hydraulic hose as an intermediary mounting location, the lubrication system is positioned away from the tool's direct interaction with confined spaces and physical obstacles, reducing damage risk while maintaining operational capability.
3Ease of operation
If the lubrication system uses hoses to provide lubricant, then lubricant can be delivered to the work tool, but vibrations can loosen connections and result in loss of lubrication
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic hose serves as an intermediary medium that already experiences the vibrations and is designed to handle them. By mounting the lubrication system on this intermediary, the connections are protected from vibration-induced loosening while maintaining lubricant delivery capability.
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 ensures consistent lubrication delivery to the work tool, extends hose life, and allows for easy disconnection and replacement without affecting the tool's operation, even in harsh environments, while maintaining a compact and lightweight design.
Implementation Method 1
the spool adapted to move between a first position and a second position within the space in response to fluid pressure of a drive fluid
Implementation Method 2
a lubricant pumping mechanism operable by movement of the spool between the first position and the second position within the space to displace the lubricant from the lubricant reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A lubrication system for a work tool, such as a demolition hammer, on a machine, such as an excavator or a loader. The lubrication system is mounted on drive line fluid connectors of the machine, such as hydraulic or pneumatic hoses. The lubrication system is fully supported by the connectors only and does not require mounting to the machine itself. The lubrication system includes a movable spool powered by the drive fluid of the machine, the spool reciprocating within a sleeve to force lubricant through passages to the work tool.