Joining Module Lubrication Unit Using Position-Triggered Flow Paths

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lubrication units for joining modules are expensive to manufacture and occupy significant space due to the use of multiple non-return valves.

Innovation Solution

A lubrication unit design that eliminates the need for non-return valves by allowing direct mechanical contact between the nut and lubrication unit channels, enabling lubricant flow only when the nut is in a specific lubrication position, and sealing to prevent backflow when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple non-return valves are used in the lubrication unit, then lubricant flow control is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubricant flow controlVSAvoidnumber of non-return valves

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the non-return valves from the lubrication unit while maintaining lubricant flow control through the geometric design of the lubrication point and channel arrangement. The lubrication point is designed to allow lubricant to pass from the lubrication unit channel to the nut channel only when the nut is in the lubrication position, without requiring additional valve components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The lubrication system uses the nut's own movement into the lubrication position to automatically enable lubricant flow. The geometric configuration of the lubrication point and channels allows the system to self-regulate flow based on the nut's position, eliminating the need for external control valves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If multiple non-return valves are used in the lubrication unit, then lubricant flow control is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubricant flow controlVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the non-return valves from the lubrication unit while maintaining lubricant flow control through the geometric design of the lubrication point and channel arrangement. The lubrication point is designed to allow lubricant to pass from the lubrication unit channel to the nut channel only when the nut is in the lubrication position, without requiring additional valve components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive non-return valve components with a simple geometric configuration of the lubrication point and channels that achieves the same flow control function at lower manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If multiple non-return valves are used in the lubrication unit, then lubricant flow control is improved, but space consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubricant flow controlVSAvoidspace consumption of lubrication unit

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the non-return valves from the lubrication unit while maintaining lubricant flow control through the geometric design of the lubrication point and channel arrangement. The lubrication point is designed to allow lubricant to pass from the lubrication unit channel to the nut channel only when the nut is in the lubrication position, without requiring additional valve components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the lubrication point with the nut structure, integrating the flow control function directly into the existing components rather than adding separate valve assemblies, thereby reducing the overall space required for the lubrication unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If direct mechanical contact between nut and lubrication unit is required for lubrication, then device complexity is reduced, but lubrication timing precision must be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidlubrication position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The lubrication system uses the nut's own movement into the lubrication position to automatically enable lubricant flow. The geometric configuration of the lubrication point and channels allows the system to self-regulate flow based on the nut's position, eliminating the need for external control valves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 design results in a cost-effective and space-saving lubrication solution that maintains efficient lubrication while minimizing material and space usage.

Implementation Method 1

Pressure is exerted on the capsule via a compression spring arranged on the chamber and the lubricant is pressed out of the capsule into the chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic potential energy conversion to mechanical pressure: Spring

Implementation Method 2

A piston is moved in the axial bore. Depending on the direction of the piston movement, the lubricant is sucked into the axial bore and pumped through the outlets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential driven fluid flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20250361982A1Lubrication unit for a joining module and method for lubricating a joining module using such a lubrication unit

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 KISTLER HLDG AG

AI summary

A joining module includes a screw drive, a spindle and a housing. The screw drive includes a tappet that can be moved along a linear movement by a nut. A lubrication unit is arranged on the housing and includes a lubricant in at least one lubrication unit channel. The nut includes at least one nut channel and at least one lubrication point arranged so that the nut can be moved into a lubrication position in which the nut and the lubrication unit are in direct mechanical contact with each other and the lubrication unit channel and the nut channel communicate with each other and so that the lubricant passes from the lubrication unit channel into the nut channel and then to the lubrication point.