Lubricant Distributor Segmented Return Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubricant distributors require a significant reduction of hydraulic pressure from the operating pressure to a low residual pressure for reliable operation, which can lead to impaired functioning, especially when multiple distributors are connected in series, and strengthening the return spring increases the minimum operating pressure.
Innovation Solution
The use of two separately functioning return springs, where one spring works with the valve piston and the other with the dispensing piston, allows for a higher residual pressure without increasing the minimum operating pressure, enabling shorter switching times and the use of longer or smaller diameter lubricant lines, while maintaining low operating pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single return spring is used to operate both the valve piston and dispensing piston, then the device structure is simple, but the residual pressure is too low (about 45 bar) and the minimum operating pressure must be increased to achieve reliable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The single return spring is divided into two separate return springs: a first return spring for the valve piston and a second return spring for the dispensing piston. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each spring's characteristics, enabling the residual pressure to be increased to about 90 bar while keeping the minimum operating pressure low, as each spring can be dimensioned specifically for its piston's requirements
2Stress or pressure
If the return spring is strengthened to increase residual pressure, then the relief pressure is improved, but the minimum operating pressure increases which is undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the return spring function into two separate springs, the system allows the second return spring to be optimized for providing higher residual pressure (about 90 bar) without requiring the first return spring to increase minimum operating pressure. Each spring's force characteristics can be independently tailored to its specific function
Solution Approach 2:
Each return spring is dimensioned with locally optimized properties: the first return spring is configured for the valve piston's specific requirements while the second return spring is configured for the dispensing piston's requirements. This local optimization allows the dispensing piston spring to provide higher residual pressure without affecting the minimum operating pressure required by the valve piston
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lubricant distributors are connected in series, then the system can serve multiple lubrication points, but the pressure reduction in the lubricant line impairs the functioning of the last distributor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the pressure parameter characteristics by using two separately dimensioned return springs that maintain a higher residual pressure (about 90 bar compared to 45 bar). This parameter change ensures that even the last distributor in a series connection receives sufficient pressure for reliable operation, as the higher residual pressure compensates for pressure losses in the lubricant line
4Loss of time
If shorter switching times are achieved through higher residual pressure, then the operational efficiency is improved, but this typically requires higher operating pressures which increases costs
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented return spring system allows the second return spring to be optimized for rapid dispensing piston return (reducing switching time) while the first return spring maintains the valve piston operation at lower minimum operating pressure. This segmentation enables short switching times without proportionally increasing the minimum operating pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The second return spring is locally optimized for providing the force needed to quickly return the dispensing piston, achieving short switching times. Meanwhile, the first return spring is optimized for valve piston operation at lower pressures, so the overall minimum operating pressure remains low despite the high residual pressure achieved during the dispensing phase
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 solution achieves higher residual pressure for improved operational efficiency, reduces the need for costly longer or larger lubricant lines, and maintains low minimum operating pressures, allowing for more flexible spring dimensioning based on line conditions and operational parameters.
Implementation Method 1
the valve piston moves under the pressure of a lubricant operating at a lubricant inlet against the force of a first return spring
Implementation Method 2
the dispensing piston is moved back to its starting position by the second return spring
Implementation Method 3
As a result of the lubricant pressure building up in the metering chamber, the lubricant volume present in the dispensing chamber between the valve piston and the dispensing piston is pushed into at least one lubricant outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A distributor element, in particular a feed distributor, is provided for the metering of lubricants for lubricating installations. The element includes a valve piston featuring a bore. The valve piston moves under the pressure of a lubricant operating at a lubricant inlet against the force of a first return spring from a starting position in which the bore releases a connection between a dispensing chamber and a metering chamber via a connecting passage, to a metering position in which the valve piston releases a passage from the lubricant inlet to the connecting passage and therefore to the metering chamber. Furthermore, the distributor element features a dispensing piston which under the effect of a lubricant entering the metering chamber moves against the force of a second return spring from a starting position and thereby pushes the lubricant volume present in the dispensing chamber between the valve piston and the dispensing piston into a lubricant outlet. The valve piston may also be moved into an intermediate position until equalization of pressure has occurred, in which position the valve piston blocks the passage from the lubricant inlet to the connecting passage and therefore to the metering chamber. Upon pressure relief at the lubricant inlet, the valve piston is moved back to its starting position by the first return spring and the dispensing piston is moved back to its starting position by the second return spring.