Lubricant Collection Container Sealing Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubricant collection containers face issues with leakage and inability to empty due to low sealing compression and pressure differences, leading to lubricant loss and separation, especially when designed for smooth operation and minimal pressure.
Innovation Solution
A sealing arrangement between the cover and piston, utilizing an elastomer seal and annular projection, ensures effective sealing when the collection chamber is full, allowing for easy emptying by providing a ventilation opening and tool holder for piston depression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a piston is designed with low sealing compression for smooth operation, then the piston moves easily with minimal pressure difference, but the lubricant tends to bleed out due to temperature and pressure loads causing oil content separation
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into two independent parts: the piston sealing (for smooth movement) and the cover sealing (for reliable containment). The piston only needs to seal against the housing wall for smooth operation, while the cover provides the additional sealing layer against the piston face to prevent lubricant bleeding under temperature and pressure loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover acts as an intermediary sealing element between the lubricant collection chamber and the external environment. It provides the additional sealing compression needed for reliable lubricant retention without interfering with the piston's smooth movement against the housing wall.
2Reliability
If an elastic membrane is used instead of a piston to achieve sealing, then the collection container is effectively sealed, but the container cannot be emptied again after filling
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static membrane seal to a dynamic piston-cover seal arrangement. The piston can move freely during filling and can be manually depressed for emptying, while the cover provides consistent sealing pressure. This dynamic arrangement maintains effective sealing during normal operation while enabling easy emptying when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool holder on the piston enables self-emptying of the collection container. By inserting a tool through the ventilation opening and attaching it to the tool holder, the user can manually depress the piston to empty the collected lubricant, making the system self-serviceable without requiring specialized equipment or complex mechanisms.
3Quantity of substance
If the collection chamber is completely filled with lubricant, then maximum collection capacity is achieved, but the piston must seal against the cover to prevent lubricant escape
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function against the piston face is extracted from the piston itself and transferred to the cover. This allows the piston to remain simple and smooth for easy movement, while the cover provides the additional sealing surface that engages with the piston when the collection chamber is full, preventing lubricant escape without adding complexity to the piston mechanism.
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 enables the collection container to maintain effective sealing with minimal sealing compression, allowing easy movement and emptying of lubricants even under increasing pressure, ensuring efficient lubricant retention and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing arrangement (8) comprises a sealing surface (13) and an elastomer seal (12)
Implementation Method 2
the piston can be moved very easily, preferably at less than 0.2 bar, in the collection chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a lubricant collection container with a housing (1) which has an inlet opening (2) for introducing lubricant (3) and a piston (4) movably arranged in the housing (1). The housing (1) and the movable piston (4) define a lubricant collection chamber (5). A cover (6) with a vent opening (7) is arranged on the housing (1). A sealing arrangement (8) is also provided between the underside of the cover (6) and the rear side of the piston (4) facing the cover, which seals a gap formed between the cover (6) and the piston (4) after the lubricant collection chamber (5) is completely filled.