Lubricant Sampling Circuit With Reservoir Refill and Valid Oil Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for obtaining valid oil samples from technical systems, such as wind turbines, are limited by poor accessibility and security concerns, and current solutions do not allow for flexible sampling or easy replacement of lubricant samples.
Innovation Solution
A lubricant circuit with a branching system and integrated reservoir, where lubricant flow is controlled by temperature-dependent valves and pumps, allowing for the collection of a valid lubricant sample and its replacement without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual sampling methods are used, then the sampling process is simple, but accessibility and safety become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
An automated sampling system acts as an intermediary between the lubricant circuit and the user. The system includes a sampling device with a reservoir that automatically collects lubricant samples from the circuit through controlled flow paths, eliminating the need for manual intervention in difficult-to-access areas while maintaining sample validity through temperature-dependent sampling conditions
2Quantity of substance
If a container is filled with lubricant via a switchable valve, then a lubricant sample can be obtained, but the container cannot be refilled without manual removal
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system enables continuous operation through automatic refilling. When the reservoir reaches its storage capacity, the system automatically detects this condition and redirects the lubricant flow to refill the reservoir, eliminating downtime and maintaining continuous sample availability without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service through automatic detection and refilling mechanisms. Sensors monitor the reservoir level and automatically control valves to redirect lubricant flow for refilling, allowing the system to maintain itself without external intervention and ensuring continuous sample availability
3Measurement precision
If oil samples are taken from a flow-through area at operating temperature, then the samples are valid for determining system condition, but the sampling process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes temperature as a controlling parameter for sample validity. Temperature-dependent valves automatically open or close based on whether the lubricant has reached operating temperature, ensuring that samples are only collected when thermally valid without requiring complex manual temperature monitoring or decision-making processes
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 flexible and simplified collection of valid lubricant samples, ensuring the sample remains valid and can be replaced without manual removal, improving accessibility and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
temperature-dependent valves and pumps, allowing for the collection of a valid lubricant sample
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement of means forming a lubricant circuit (101), comprising at least one lubricant line (105), at least one line branching (107) which branches the lubricant line (105) into a first branch (113) and a second branch (115), and at least one lubricant reservoir (117) built into the first branch. The arrangement comprises at least one line junction (118) where the first branch (113) and the second branch (115) merge, wherein the first branch (115) is lockable and releasable.