Lubricant Dispenser Segmented Cartridge and Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubricant dispensers with integrated electronic components and batteries are environmentally and cost-inefficient due to disposable nature and potential partial battery discharge during storage, leading to unreliable long-term operation.
Innovation Solution
The driver battery and gas-generating unit are integrated within the lubricant cartridge, with the electronic control unit lacking a power source, ensuring power is only supplied when attached, preventing pre-discharge and theft, and allowing for easy replacement of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the battery is integrated in the lubricant cartridge, then the power supply is guaranteed for long-term operation, but the battery may be partially discharged during storage before use
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two separate replaceable units: a disposable lubricant cartridge containing the battery and gas generator, and a reusable electronic control unit. This segmentation allows the battery to be replaced with a fully charged one when the lubricant cartridge is replaced, eliminating pre-discharge issues during storage.
2Ease of manufacture
If the electronic control unit and battery are integrated in the lubricant cartridge, then the device is simpler to manufacture, but the entire cartridge must be disposed of after use, increasing environmental impact and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides components into two segments with different lifecycles: the lubricant cartridge (consumable) and the electronic control unit (durable). The electronic control unit is detached and reused across multiple cartridges, significantly reducing electronic waste while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized connection interfaces.
3Ease of operation
If the battery is accessible in the lubricant dispenser, then it can be easily replaced, but it is at risk of being removed and stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is merged with the disposable lubricant cartridge as a single integrated unit. When the lubricant cartridge is replaced, the battery is automatically replaced with a new one. This merging eliminates theft risk while maintaining ease of replacement, as users naturally replace the entire cartridge including the battery during routine maintenance.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic control unit has its own power source, then it can operate independently, but the battery may be partially discharged during storage and is vulnerable to theft
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control unit is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple lubricant cartridges. It draws power from the battery in the cartridge during operation, eliminating the need for an independent power source. This multi-functional design allows the control unit to operate with any compatible cartridge while preventing storage discharge and theft.
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
This design ensures reliable long-term operation, reduces environmental impact, and minimizes theft by ensuring the battery is inaccessible and only activated when in use, while allowing for easy replacement and reuse of electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
a gas generator unit for electrochemically generating a gas
Implementation Method 2
a driver battery for powering at least the electronic control unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A lubricant dispenser having a cartridge, a wall in the cartridge defining therein a lower chamber and an upper chamber, and a piston subdividing the lower chamber into a lower lubricant compartment and an upper gas compartment. The cartridge has an outlet opening into the lower lubricant compartment. A body of fluent lubricant fills the lower lubricant compartment. A housing in the upper chamber holds a gas generator connected through the wall to the gas compartment and electrically energizeable to generate gas and pressurize the gas compartment. A battery is secured to the housing. An electronic controller removably mounted in the upper chamber has electrical contacts connectable to the battery and to the gas generator. It is powerable by the battery for operating the gas generator and thereby pressurizing the gas compartment, moving the piston, and forcing the lubricant out of the outlet.