Lubricant Distributor Line Break Monitor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Central lubrication systems face challenges in detecting and localizing broken lines due to complex line networks, leading to potential machine damage and safety hazards, with existing solutions being costly and effort-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A lubricant distributor with a main distributor and integrated line break monitors, featuring a modular design with disc-shaped modules and a detection system using electrical and optical components to detect pressure drops, allowing for flexible and cost-effective implementation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure sensors and line break monitors are arranged in associated lines to detect line breaks, then line monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and implementation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The line break monitor is integrated directly into the distributor housing, merging the monitoring function with the distribution function. The detection device is positioned to directly monitor lubricant flow through the distributor outlet, eliminating the need for separate external sensors and complex wiring in each line.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the lubricant flow itself as the monitoring medium. The detection device detects changes in lubricant flow or pressure directly at the distributor outlet, allowing the system to self-monitor without external sensing equipment.
2Reliability
If a movably mounted scanning piston is used to block outlet connections in response to pressure drops, then line break detection is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical scanning piston systems with a simpler detection device that uses electrical and/or optical components. This substitution maintains the ability to detect line breaks while significantly simplifying the mechanical structure and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a physical scanning piston that moves to block connections, the invention uses a detection device that creates an electrical or optical signal copy of the pressure/flow state, which can be processed without mechanical movement or blocking actions.
3Productivity
If progressive distributors are used to distribute lubricant, then lubricant distribution control is improved, but the system becomes more vulnerable to pressure drops from line breaks causing back-up and consequential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device provides immediate feedback about line break conditions by monitoring lubricant flow or pressure at the distributor outlet. When a line break is detected, the system can respond by stopping the progressive distribution cycle, preventing pressure buildup and consequential damage to other lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device is positioned to detect line breaks before they cause consequential damage. By monitoring at the distributor outlet, the system can identify problems early in the distribution cycle and take preventive action before pressure drops affect other lubrication lines.
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
Enables simple and cost-effective line monitoring, reducing the risk of machine damage and operator safety hazards by quickly detecting line breaks and adapting to various lubrication systems, with modular components facilitating easy integration and retrofitting.
Implementation Method 1
The detection device (31) is designed and set up to detect a pressure drop in a connection element (9) using electrical and/or optical components
Implementation Method 2
The connecting element (9) is designed in such a way that the lubricant is routed out of the distributor outlet (12) via a bypass fluid path, the bypass fluid path being formed by an opening (27) in the wall of the connecting element (9), and a bore section (28) and a relief bore (30) in the line break monitor module (7)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a lubricant distributor (1), in particular for use in central lubricating systems for machines, vehicles, construction machines, or agricultural machines, for conveying and distributing lubricant from a lubricant source to predetermined lubricant discharge points by means of one or more lines, comprising a main distributor (2). The lubricant distributor is characterized in that the lubricant distributor comprises at least one line-break monitor (3) for detecting a pressure drop in at least one line, and in that the at least one line-break monitor (3) is structurally arranged in or on the main distributor (2) in order to create a rigid unit comprising the main distributor (2) and the line-break monitor (3).