Lubricant Distribution Device with Bottom Scraper for Particle Sedimentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard pumping elements for lubricating materials with high solid particle content suffer from air bubble entrapment, particle lumping, and increased viscosity, leading to operational issues such as reduced flow, friction, and frequent maintenance needs, limiting the use of advanced lubricants and causing wear and tear.
Innovation Solution
A device with a reservoir, mixer, and bottom scraper system that pushes lubricating material through a mesh to extract air bubbles and prevent sedimentation, driven by an ex-centre mechanism, ensuring homogeneity and reducing wear on mechanical parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard pumping elements are used to pump lubricating materials with high solid particle content, then the pumping element can deliver lubricating material, but solid particles lump underneath the pumping element causing plugging and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom scraper performs preliminary action by continuously scraping the reservoir bottom to prevent solid particle accumulation before the particles can be picked up by the pumping element. This preventive measure eliminates the root cause of plugging and damage, ensuring reliable operation while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom scraper acts as an intermediary between the reservoir bottom and the pumping element. It mediates the interaction by continuously removing solid particles from the reservoir bottom, preventing direct contact between accumulated particles and the pumping element, thus avoiding plugging and damage
2Quantity of substance
If concentration of solid particles is increased in lubricating material, then lubrication effectiveness is improved, but viscosity increases proportionally causing higher loading and wear of pumping element
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom scraper performs preliminary action by continuously scraping the reservoir bottom to maintain homogeneity of the lubricating material. This prevents localized high concentration zones that would increase viscosity and loading on the pumping element, allowing use of high solid particle content lubricants without excessive wear
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of homogeneity by continuously mixing and scraping the reservoir bottom. This maintains uniform distribution of solid particles, preventing viscosity spikes that would occur with localized concentration, thus reducing pumping element loading and wear while allowing high overall particle concentration
3Productivity
If air bubbles are present in lubricating material, then the material can be pumped, but air bubbles cause sensitivity issues and operational problems
Solution Approach 1:
Air bubbles are extracted from the lubricating material by pushing it through a mesh screen positioned above the pumping element. This removal of air bubbles before entry to the pumping element reduces sensitivity and prevents operational problems while maintaining pumping capability
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh screen performs preliminary action by filtering air bubbles from the lubricating material before it reaches the pumping element. This preliminary filtration prevents air bubble-related sensitivity issues and operational problems while allowing continuous pumping operation
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
Ensures uninterrupted operation, extends device longevity, reduces maintenance frequency, and optimizes lubricant usage with efficient dosing and reduced waste, while maintaining low wear and tear on mechanical parts.
Implementation Method 1
the mixer pushes the lubricating material through the mesh for air bubbles extraction
Implementation Method 2
by mixing of lubricating material prevents sedimentation of solid particles contained in the lubricating material
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The subject of this invention is a device for distribution of lubricating material with high content of solid particles and solves the problem of low flow rates through the pumping element due to sedimentaion of the solid particles and consequently prevents the pumping element damages. There is additional mixer (scraper) (4) under the pumping element (3) which provides for intensive circulation of the lubricating material around the pumping element (3) while at the same time by mixing of lubricating material prevnts sedimentation of solid particles and therefore provides for homogeneity of the lubricating material. The subject of the invention at the same time provides for lower wear and tear due to more reliable operation and therefore uninterrupted operation of the devices and extends maintenance cycles of the device and life expectancy of the device.