Single-Line Lubricant Distributor With Spring-Loaded Piston

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing single-line distributors for lubricant distribution are complex, costly, and lack reliability, particularly in terms of precise metering and operation under varying pressures.

Innovation Solution

A single-line distributor design featuring a lubricant inlet, metering chamber, relief chamber, and movably mounted control and dosing pistons, with a spring mechanism that allows for precise lubricant metering and distribution, including adjustable volume control and reliable operation under pressure relief.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional sleeve or shuttle valve is used to ensure single-line distributor function, then the device can operate under pressure, but the structure becomes complex and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control piston and dosing piston are merged into a single integrated component that performs both control and metering functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate sleeve or shuttle valve mechanisms while maintaining operational reliability under pressure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control piston serves multiple functions: it acts as both a control element for directing lubricant flow and a dosing element for precise metering, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate components including sleeves or shuttle valves

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If a complex single-line distributor design is used, then precise metering can be achieved, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubricant metering precisionVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The control and dosing functions are combined in one piston structure, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining precise metering capability through the integrated design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dosing precision is achieved through adjustable geometric parameters of the control piston and dosing chamber rather than through complex mechanical mechanisms, allowing precise metering to be achieved through simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple single-line distributor structure is used, then production costs decrease, but operational reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction costVSAvoidoperational reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded control piston system automatically responds to pressure changes in the lubricant line, self-regulating the metering process without requiring external control mechanisms, thereby maintaining high operational reliability with a simple structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control piston is positioned by lubricant pressure itself, creating a feedback mechanism where the system automatically adjusts dosing based on actual line pressure conditions, ensuring reliable operation despite the simplified structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional valve mechanisms are used, then the distributor can handle varying pressures, but wear increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure adaptabilityVSAvoidoperational reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces conventional mechanical valve mechanisms with a spring-loaded piston system that uses elastic deformation and pressure balancing to adapt to varying pressures, eliminating the sliding contacts and sealing surfaces that cause wear in traditional valves

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 precise and reliable lubricant distribution with a simple structure, reducing production costs and enhancing operational reliability by using a spring mechanism to control piston movement and adjust lubricant volume.

Implementation Method 1

a spring whose first end acts on the control piston and whose second end acts on the metering piston

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a spring whose first end acts on the control piston and whose second end acts on the metering piston

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

a control piston which is in a starting position releases a first lubricant connection between the relief chamber and a pressure channel leading to the dosing chamber and blocks a second lubricant connection between the lubricant inlet and the pressure channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3011223B1Metering valve and method of metering a lubricant
Publication Date: 2018.08.08 BAIER & KOPPEL GMBH & CO
  • EP3011223B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3011223B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3011223B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An introducing distributor (1) for distributing lubricant, comprising a lubricant inlet (2a) which is fluidically connected and/or connectable to a lubricant pump, in particular via a lubricant main line, a lubricant outlet (23a, 23b) for transfer of a pre-metered amount of lubricant, a metering space (22), a relief chamber (21) for receiving lubricant, a movably mounted control piston (4) which, in a starting position, opens up a first lubricant connection (3c) between the relief chamber (21) and a pressure duct (20) leading to the metering space (22) and blocks a second lubricant connection (3b) between the lubricant inlet (2a) and the pressure duct (20), wherein, in a working position, the control piston (4) blocks the first lubricant connection (3c) and opens up the second lubricant connection (3b), a movably mounted metering piston (5), and a spring (9), the first end (9a) of which acts upon the control piston (4) and the second end (9b) of which acts upon the metering piston (5).