Lubricant Container Snap Connection and Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubricant containers face challenges in easy assembly and disassembly, efficient sealing, and lubricant emptying due to threaded couplings, which complicate manufacturing and user operation.
Innovation Solution
A lubricant container design featuring a snap connection between the cap and housing, eliminating the need for threaded couplings, and an adapter with a deformable portion for improved sealing and guidance, along with a vent hole for easy emptying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded coupling is used between the cap and housing, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the manufacturing complexity increases and assembly/disassembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded mechanical coupling system with a snap-fit connection system. The cap includes a projection that engages with a corresponding recess in the housing, eliminating the need for threads. This substitution maintains connection reliability through the snap-fit mechanism while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity by removing threading operations from both the cap and housing manufacturing processes.
2Reliability
If threaded coupling is used between the housing and lubricant source, then the connection is secure, but the mounting/substitution becomes difficult when operator cannot visually see the mounting position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded coupling system at the lubricant source interface with a snap-fit connection system. The housing includes a projection that engages with a recess in the lubricant source, providing tactile feedback and audible confirmation upon proper engagement. This allows operators to mount and substitute the container without visual confirmation, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining connection security.
3Strength
If threaded coupling is used for connecting cap and housing, then the connection is strong, but the sealing efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection function and sealing function into a single integrated snap-fit mechanism. The projection-recess engagement simultaneously provides mechanical strength and creates a sealing interface, eliminating the need for separate threaded connection and gasket systems. This integration improves sealing efficiency while maintaining or enhancing connection strength through the unified design.
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
Simplifies manufacturing, enhances sealing efficiency, and facilitates easy mounting and emptying of the container, reducing lubricant loss and user complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a second deformable portion subject to contact the second conic portion of the housing for providing a sealing between the housing and the adapter
Implementation Method 2
The cap is attached to the second end of the housing by means of a snap connection for blocking the axial translation between the cap and the housing, the cap and the housing having respectively a first flat surface and a second flat surface contacting each other for preventing rotation of the cap around a longitudinal axis of the housing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A container (1) for collecting a lubricant comprises: - a housing (10) having a longitudinal axial extension between a first end (11) connectable to a source of lubricant and a longitudinally opposite second end (12), - a cap (13) attached to the second end (12), - a piston (15) slidably movable inside the housing between the first end (11) and the second end (12) of the housing (10). The cap (13) is attached to the second end (12) of the housing (10) by means of a snap connection (20) for blocking the axial translation between cap and the housing, the cap and the housing having respectively a first flat surface (21) and a second flat surface (22) contacting each other for preventing rotation of the cap (13) around a longitudinal axis (Y) of the housing (10).