Lubricating Grease Composition for Clamping Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lubricating greases for article clamping devices fail to provide sustained lubrication, resistance to cutting fluids, and consistent clamping forces while being non-toxic and environmentally friendly, leading to frequent re-lubrication needs and wear issues.

Innovation Solution

A lubricating grease composition comprising 15-55% solid lubricant powders, 30-65% base oils, 0.2-22% adhesion improvers, 0.5-5% waxes, and 2.5-12% thickeners, which forms a stable film on metal surfaces, maintaining friction control and resistance to fluids, and includes additives for enhanced performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If conventional lubricating grease is used in article clamping devices, then lubrication is provided, but the grease is removed by cutting fluids and chemical interactions occur, leading to frequent re-lubrication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication durationVSAvoidresistance to cutting fluid

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite grease formulation combining lithium complex soap thickener with calcium sulfonate and zinc dialkyldithiophosphate additives. This composite structure provides both lubrication and resistance to cutting fluids through synergistic interactions between the thickener and extreme pressure additives, resolving the contradiction between lubrication duration and chemical resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the grease by incorporating specific additives (calcium sulfonate at 5-15% and zinc dialkyldithiophosphate at 3-10%) into the lithium complex soap base. These parameter changes enhance the grease's resistance to water-based cutting fluids while maintaining lubrication properties, addressing the removal issue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If lubricating grease is applied to clamping devices, then friction is reduced, but clamping force consistency deteriorates due to grease removal and wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefriction controlVSAvoidclamping force consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates extreme pressure additives (zinc dialkyldithiophosphate) that react with metal surfaces under high pressure to form protective films. These films provide feedback by maintaining consistent friction characteristics even when grease is partially removed, ensuring stable clamping forces throughout the lubrication cycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The grease formulation includes built-in extreme pressure additives that preemptively form protective films on metal surfaces before wear occurs. This beforehand cushioning through chemical film formation ensures consistent clamping forces are maintained even as the grease depletes over time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If general purpose grease is used, then lubrication is achieved, but adhesion to metal parts is insufficient, requiring frequent re-application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication effectivenessVSAvoidadhesion duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the grease by using lithium complex soap thickener instead of conventional thickeners. This parameter change in the thickener structure provides superior adhesion to metal surfaces, allowing the grease to remain in place longer despite exposure to cutting fluids and mechanical stress

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 composition maintains high and consistent clamping forces over extended periods, resists removal by cutting fluids, and extends the lifespan of clamping devices by reducing wear and re-lubrication frequency, while being environmentally safe.

Implementation Method 1

A lubricating grease composition for an article clamping device needs to produce excellent lubricating properties whilst remaining strongly adhered to metal parts in the clamping mechanism of the device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBoundary lubrication: Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

remaining strongly adhered to metal parts in the clamping mechanism of the device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

from about 2.5 to about 12% by weight of one or more thickeners

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThickening:

Implementation Method 4

showing enhanced chemical and physical resistance to fluids such as cutting fluids with which they come into contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid resistance:

Data Source

PatentUS11781087B2Lubricant composition for clamping devices

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 DDP SPECIALTY ELECTRONIC MATERIALS US 9 LLC

AI summary

A lubricating composition which, when used with a device for clamping an article, such as a chuck, produces excellent lubricating properties whilst remaining strongly adhered to metal parts in a clamping mechanism of the device and showing enhanced chemical and physical resistance to fluids such as cutting fluids.