Lubricant Reservoir Pump With Rotating Spatula Level Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pumps with integrated lubricant reservoirs face issues with feeding light lubricants containing lumps and thickening at low temperatures, and struggle to accurately measure lubricant levels due to the density of greases or fluid greases, which can cause jamming in conventional systems.
Innovation Solution
A pump design featuring a lubricant reservoir with a rotating spatula and hinged flap that activates a proximity sensor when the lubricant reaches a minimum level, ensuring reliable feeding and level detection, using a radial pattern of passages and an eccentric element driven by a primary motor to efficiently push lubricant through the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pumping elements with suction immersed in lubricant are used, then the pump can handle dense lubricants like grease, but the feeding mechanism becomes unreliable for light lubricants with lumps or at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional gravity-based suction feeding mechanism with a mechanical positive displacement feeding system using a rotating screw element. This screw element actively conveys lubricant from the reservoir to the pumping element, ensuring reliable feeding regardless of lubricant density, temperature, or presence of lumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rotating spatula or scraper element as an intermediary between the reservoir and the pumping element. This spatula actively engages with the lubricant, preventing lumps and accumulations from forming, and ensures smooth, continuous feeding to the pumping element.
2Measurement precision
If conventional level detection systems with floats are used, then the system can detect lubricant levels, but the dense lubricant causes the float to densen and jam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional float-based mechanical level detection system with a capacitive or inductive sensor system. These sensors detect lubricant levels through electromagnetic fields without physical contact, eliminating the jamming problem caused by dense lubricant while maintaining accurate level measurement.
3Reliability
If the reservoir is tightly sealed to prevent contamination, then lubricant purity is maintained, but level detection and feeding become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the base structure: it serves as both the sealing interface for the reservoir and the location for level detection sensors and feeding mechanisms. The radial pattern of passages in the base enables both sealed containment and controlled lubricant flow to the pumping element.
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
The solution provides a safer and more reliable lubricant feeding mechanism, effectively detecting minimum lubricant levels and preventing jamming, while ensuring efficient lubricant delivery and preventing lumps or accumulations, suitable for various lubricant densities including greases and oils.
Implementation Method 1
A rotating spatula 5 can be featured at or in proximity to the base 4, inside the reservoir 3... designed to convey the said lubricant towards an intake 2A in the said pumping element 2
Implementation Method 2
A mobile element 9 can be featured on the flap 8, designed to cooperate with a fixed element 10 of a proximity sensor 20, so as to activate the said proximity sensor 20 when the said free end of the flap 8 is positioned in proximity to the said base 4
Implementation Method 3
Inside the compartment 36, there may be at least one eccentric element 24, which is driven in a rotary manner by a primary motor MP
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A pump (1) comprising a lubricant reservoir (3) which feeds at least one pumping element (2), the reservoir (3) being delimited by a base (4) in correspondence with which, inside the reservoir (3) there is a rotating spatula (5) featured, equipped with at least one blade (5A) which, by rotating over the base (4), conveys the said lubricant towards an intake (2A) in the said pumping element (2) pushing the said lubricant through a plurality of passages (4A) made in the surface of the said base (4).