Joining Module Lubrication Unit Without Check Valves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lubrication units for joining modules are expensive and space-consuming due to the use of multiple check valves, which complicates their manufacturing and design.

Innovation Solution

A lubrication unit design that eliminates the need for check valves by allowing communication between lubrication and nut channels only when the nut is in direct mechanical contact with the lubrication unit, ensuring lubricant flow to lubrication points without backflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If check valves are used to prevent lubricant backflow, then lubrication reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubrication reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the check valves from the lubrication system entirely. Instead of using mechanical valves to prevent backflow, the design relies on the geometric configuration of the lubricant channel and the movement cycle of the injection unit to naturally control lubricant flow direction, thereby eliminating complex components while maintaining lubrication reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The lubrication system uses the inherent movement of the injection unit and the geometric design of the channels to automatically prevent lubricant backflow without requiring additional active components. The system self-regulates flow direction through its operational cycle and structural design, eliminating the need for check valves

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If check valves are used to control lubricant flow, then lubrication reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubrication reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By extracting the check valves from the system, the patent eliminates expensive components and simplifies manufacturing. The lubrication reliability is maintained through the geometric design of the lubricant channel and the controlled movement of the injection unit, which together prevent backflow without requiring additional parts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive, complex check valves with a simpler, more cost-effective geometric design approach. The lubrication system achieves its function through the basic structural configuration and operational cycle rather than through costly mechanical valve components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If check valves and complex lubrication pathways are used, then lubrication reliability is improved, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubrication reliabilityVSAvoidspace requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes check valves and complex flow control mechanisms, significantly reducing the space required for the lubrication system. The lubrication pathway is simplified to a single channel that integrates directly with the injection unit, eliminating the need for separate valve housings and complex routing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The lubricant channel is merged with the injection unit structure, creating an integrated system where the channel forms part of the injection unit itself. This consolidation eliminates separate components and reduces the overall volume occupied by the lubrication system while maintaining its functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution provides a cost-effective and space-saving lubrication system that maintains efficient lubrication while reducing manufacturing complexity and space requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element (54) arranged in the interior (511) of the sleeve (51), the spring element (54) being designed to exert a force on the conduit element (53)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a sealing element (55) arranged at the second end (513) of the sleeve (51), the sealing element (55) being designed to seal the gap in a lubricant-tight manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 3

lubricant flows from the lubrication unit channel into the nut channel and from there to the lubrication point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP4656909A1Lubricating unit for a joining module and method for lubricating a joining module having such a lubricating unit
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 KISTLER HLDG AG
  • EP4656909A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4656909A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4656909A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a lubrication unit (50) for an assembly module (1), the assembly module (1) comprising a threaded drive (20), a spindle (30) and a housing (40), the threaded drive (20) comprising a nut (22), the plunger (30) of which is movable from the nut (22) by a linear movement; the lubrication unit (50) being arranged on the housing (40) and comprising lubricant (56) in at least one lubrication unit channel (521, 531, 532, 534, 535); the nut (22) comprising at least one nut channel (222, 223) and at least one lubrication point (224);wherein the nut (22) is movable into a lubrication position (SP) in which lubrication position (SP) the nut (22) and the lubrication unit (50) are in direct mechanical contact with each other and the lubrication unit channel (521, 531, 532, 534, 535) and the nut channel (222, 223) communicate with each other and lubricant (56) flows from the lubrication unit channel (521, 531, 532, 534, 535) into the nut channel (222, 223) and from there to the lubrication point (224).