Linear Motion System Automatic Lubricator Sensor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear motion systems with lubrication devices continuously deliver lubricating grease during operation, resulting in unnecessary waste and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A linear motion system with an automatic lubricator unit comprising a grease storage container, motor, lubricating grease guide, and sensor, where the sensor provides an actuation signal to the controller to start the motor only when the movable member is in motion, allowing lubricating grease to be dispensed onto the elongated shaft during operation, thereby preventing unnecessary waste and saving costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the motor continuously rotates the helical blade to deliver lubricating grease to the shaft surface, then the lubrication function is maintained, but unnecessary waste of lubricating grease occurs and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a sensor to detect the position of the movable member and controlling the motor to rotate the helical blade only during specific intervals when the movable member is in motion. This intermittent operation ensures lubrication is delivered periodically rather than continuously, preventing waste of lubricating grease while maintaining adequate lubrication during operation phases.
2Reliability
If the motor continuously rotates the helical blade to deliver lubricating grease, then continuous lubrication is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor operates periodically based on sensor detection rather than continuously. The sensor monitors the movable member's position and triggers motor operation only when needed, converting continuous energy consumption into periodic energy usage while maintaining the reliability of lubrication during operational phases.
3Reliability
If the helical blade rotates continuously to overflow lubricating grease onto the shaft surface, then lubrication is synchronized with rotation, but unnecessary lubrication occurs when the system is idle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using a sensor to detect the movable member's position and feeding this information back to the controller, which then activates or deactivates the motor accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures lubrication is applied only when the system is actually operating, eliminating unnecessary lubricant application during idle periods while maintaining synchronized lubrication during motion.
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 effectively prevents unnecessary lubricant waste and reduces costs by ensuring lubrication occurs only during system operation, enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The lubricating grease guide is rotated by the motor to guide the storage lubricating grease out of the grease discharging hole onto the surface of the elongated shaft, achieving a self-lubricating effect
Data Source
AI summary
A linear motion system includes an elongated shaft, a movable member mounted at the elongated shaft, a lubricator unit defining therein a grease storage container for storing a lubricating grease, a motor mounted in the grease storage container, a lubricating grease guide connected to the motor, a controller mounted in the grease storage container, and a sensor adapted to provide an actuation signal to the controller upon movement of the movable member, causing the controller to start the motor in moving the lubricating grease guide to expel the storage lubricating grease out of the grease storage container onto the surface of the elongated shaft so as to achieve a self-lubricating effect.