Multi-Line Lubrication Pump Control for Precise Stroke Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubrication devices for high-speed knitting machines struggle with inconsistent lubricant supply, leading to wear and failure due to insufficient or excessive lubrication, and cannot adapt to varying line lengths and environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A lubrication device with a piston-controlled pump unit that allows non-uniform adjustment of partial piston strokes for different lubricant lines, enabling flexible lubricant delivery based on line length, temperature, and environmental conditions, using a control system to ensure optimal lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the piston stroke is divided into a uniform number of partial piston strokes for all lubricant lines, then the control is simple and consistent, but the lubrication cannot be adapted to varying line lengths and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by allowing the number of partial piston strokes to be individually adjusted for each lubricant line based on its specific requirements (line length, temperature, environmental conditions). This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt to varying conditions without requiring a completely complex redesign, as the base piston mechanism remains unchanged while only the stroke division parameter is made variable per line.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different numbers of partial piston strokes for different lubricant lines according to their specific characteristics. Each lubricant line can have its own optimized stroke division (e.g., line 1 with 3 partial strokes, line 2 with 4 partial strokes), enabling localized optimization without affecting other lines, thus balancing adaptability with controlled complexity.
2Reliability
If the number of partial piston strokes is increased to ensure sufficient lubricant pressure and volume at the end of each lubricant line, then lubrication effectiveness is improved, but the risk of lubricant dripping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by dividing the piston stroke into multiple partial piston strokes, delivering lubricant in controlled increments rather than a single large dose. This allows the system to provide sufficient total lubricant volume and pressure while distributing it over multiple smaller deliveries, reducing the risk of excessive lubricant accumulation and dripping at the endpoint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through repeated partial piston strokes that deliver lubricant in a rhythmic, controlled sequence. This periodic delivery ensures consistent pressure and volume at the lubricant line endpoint while preventing overflow, as each partial stroke allows time for pressure equalization and controlled dispensing through the nozzle.
3Manufacturing precision
If the piston stroke is subdivided into many equal partial piston strokes, then precise lubricant metering is achieved, but the system cannot accommodate different lubrication requirements of different lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by allowing each lubricant line to have its own customized number of partial piston strokes based on its specific lubrication requirements. This local quality approach enables precise metering for each line individually (e.g., longer lines receiving more partial strokes for greater volume, shorter lines receiving fewer strokes) while maintaining the precision benefits of the partial stroke mechanism across the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic configurability where the number of partial piston strokes per line can be adjusted based on line characteristics such as length, resistance, and environmental conditions. This dynamic adaptation maintains metering precision by optimizing the stroke division for each line's specific requirements, rather than using a fixed uniform division for all lines.
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 device provides precise and adaptable lubrication, preventing dripping and ensuring consistent lubricant supply to multiple points on a knitting machine, even under varying conditions, thereby reducing wear and ensuring machine performance.
Implementation Method 1
one of the lubricant lines can be selected by means of a piston rotation movement
Implementation Method 2
a lubricant volume defined by the piston stroke can be drawn in and delivered to a selected lubricant line by means of a piston axial movement
Implementation Method 3
the piston stroke of the delivery movement of the piston can be subdivided into different numbers of equal partial piston strokes
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a lubrication device (1) comprising a pump unit (3) with a cylinder (6), a plurality of lubricant lines (7) fluidically connected to the cylinder (6), and a piston (8) rotatably and axially displaceably mounted in the cylinder (6), wherein the pump unit (3) is designed such that one of the lubricant lines (7) can be selected by means of a piston rotation movement and a lubricant volume defined by the piston stroke (H) can be drawn in and delivered to a selected lubricant line (7) by means of a piston axial movement, wherein the piston stroke (H) of the delivery movement of the piston (8) can be subdivided into different numbers of equal partial piston strokes (h) for metering purposes, and wherein a control (4) is provided which is configured such that the number of equal partial piston strokes (h) can be set uniformly for all lubricant lines (7).wherein the control (4) is arranged such that the number of equal partial piston strokes (h) can be set non-uniformly for at least some lubricant lines (7).