Lubricator Pump Adjuster Actuator for Stroke Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lubricator pump systems in reciprocating equipment face challenges with manual adjustments leading to under or over lubrication, resulting in equipment wear and downtime, necessitating an automated solution for precise lubrication control and wear detection.
Innovation Solution
An automated lubricator pump adjuster system that includes a mounting fitting, actuator, cam faced member, and plunger mechanism to adjust the piston stroke, combined with a wear detection and lubrication monitoring system using wireless sensors and software for real-time monitoring and feedback-driven adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual adjustment of lubricator pump output is performed, then operators can compensate for wear, but under or over lubrication occurs resulting in equipment wear and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electronic control system. A motor-driven actuator adjusts the piston stroke length based on feedback from sensors that monitor lubrication pressure and flow rate, eliminating human error in manual adjustment and achieving consistent precise lubrication delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor lubrication pressure and flow rate, feeding this information back to a controller that automatically adjusts the pump output. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures consistent lubrication delivery by dynamically compensating for wear and changing operating conditions.
2Reliability
If manual adjustment of lubricator pump is performed frequently, then wear compensation is attempted, but equipment downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated control system operates continuously without requiring shutdowns or manual intervention. Sensors continuously monitor lubrication parameters and the actuator continuously adjusts piston stroke length, maintaining optimal lubrication delivery throughout operation and eliminating downtime associated with manual adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment based on sensor feedback, automatically compensating for wear and maintaining optimal performance without human intervention. The controller monitors lubrication conditions and autonomously modifies pump output, enabling the system to service itself and eliminate downtime for manual maintenance.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated actuator mechanism is added to adjust piston stroke, then lubrication precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into separate functional modules: sensors for monitoring pressure and flow rate, a controller for processing feedback signals, and an actuator for physical adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance while achieving precise lubrication control through coordinated operation of discrete elements.
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 system ensures precise lubrication levels, reduces equipment wear, extends product life, and prevents costly failures by automatically adjusting lubricator pump output and detecting minor issues before they become major problems.
Implementation Method 1
The lubricator pump adjuster includes a cam faced member attached to the output shaft, and a plunger in contact with the cam faced member that is connectable to the rocker
Implementation Method 2
The lubricator pump includes a threaded shaft connected to the output shaft and a driver block threaded onto the threaded shaft. The threaded shaft may be an Acme screw.
Implementation Method 3
The driver block may include a plurality of bearing apertures configured to receive corresponding bearing stanchions such that the driver block is guided in a level orientation
Data Source
AI summary
A lubricator pump adjuster for use with a lubricator pump having a piston housed in a pump body and a rocker connected to the piston. The lubricator pump adjuster comprises a mounting fitting attachable to the pump body and a housing disposed on the mounting fitting. An actuator is disposed in the housing and connectable to the rocker, whereby activation of the actuator causes the rocker to move, thereby adjusting the stroke of the piston. The actuator is a rotary actuator with an output shaft. The lubricator pump adjuster includes a cam faced member attached to the output shaft, and a plunger in contact with the cam faced member that is connectable to the rocker. The cam faced member may include a spiral-ramped surface.