Infrared Lubricant Level Sensor for Oil and Grease Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lubrication devices require separate and costly sensors for oil and fluid grease, making them inconvenient and expensive to maintain, as float-type sensors cannot detect fluid grease and capacitive sensors are costly for oil detection.

Innovation Solution

A lubrication device equipped with an infrared optical sensor that can reliably sense both oil and fluid grease levels using an infrared emitter and photodiode configuration, allowing for accurate lubricant level monitoring regardless of the lubricant type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If float-type sensor is used for oil detection, then the sensor is simple and low-cost, but it cannot detect fluid grease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor costVSAvoidlubricant type detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using a single infrared optical sensor that can detect both oil and fluid grease levels, eliminating the need for separate float-type and capacitive sensors. The infrared sensor provides universal detection capability across different lubricant types through optical absorption measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical float-type sensor with an infrared optical sensor that uses electromagnetic radiation instead of mechanical buoyancy. This substitution enables detection of fluid grease while maintaining simplicity and low cost, as the infrared sensor measures optical properties rather than relying on mechanical flotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If capacitive sensor is used for fluid grease detection, then the sensor can detect both oil and fluid grease, but the cost is significantly higher

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubricant type detectionVSAvoidsensor cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the expensive capacitive sensor with a more economical infrared optical sensor. Both sensors detect lubricant presence, but the infrared version uses optical absorption principles rather than electrical capacitance, achieving the same versatility at lower cost and simplifying the electrical circuitry required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from electrical capacitance to optical absorption. By measuring the attenuation of infrared light as it passes through the lubricant, the system achieves versatile detection of both oil and fluid grease while avoiding the high cost and complexity of capacitive sensing electronics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate sensors for oil and fluid grease are maintained in store, then each lubricant type can be detected, but storage and ordering becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubricant type detectionVSAvoidsensor inventory management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by implementing a single infrared optical sensor that serves multiple detection functions for both oil and fluid grease. This eliminates the need to maintain separate float-type and capacitive sensors in inventory, simplifying storage, ordering, and installation procedures while maintaining the ability to detect any lubricant type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 infrared sensor provides reliable and cost-effective detection of both oil and fluid grease levels, eliminating the need for multiple sensor types and reducing storage and ordering complexities, while maintaining accuracy across different lubricant characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor comprises an infrared emitter and a photodiode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

The sensor comprises an infrared emitter and a photodiode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8844681B2Device for oil or fluid grease lubrication

Publication Date: 2014.09.30 DROPSA

AI summary

A device for oil or fluid grease lubrication, including a reservoir able to house a determined quantity of lubricant, a pump arranged to draw the lubricant from the reservoir and to feed it under pressure to a delivery port to which a lubricant distribution pipe can be connected, a control unit arranged to regulate the pump operation, and a sensor for sensing the lubricant level within the reservoir. The level sensor is an infrared sensor.