Electromechanical Lubricator Thrust Bearing Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical lubricators experience increased friction and wear in drive assemblies due to thrust forces from viscous fluids, leading to reduced lifespan, power consumption, and limited temperature range, as well as potential disassembly issues.
Innovation Solution
A fluid holder design with a thrust bearing accommodates thrust forces, allowing the drive assembly to remain free from thrust forces, featuring a piston with a threaded member and a mixer for efficient fluid delivery, and a processor-controlled drive assembly for adaptive lubrication based on temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rotation of the threaded member is used to expel fluid from the fluid chamber, then fluid delivery is achieved, but thrust force accumulates on the threaded member causing increased friction and wear in the drive assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the drive assembly into two separate functional components: a threaded member that handles thrust force from fluid expulsion, and a separate drive mechanism that applies torque to rotate the threaded member. This segmentation isolates the thrust force from the drive gears, preventing wear and misalignment while maintaining effective fluid delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thrust bearing as an intermediary element between the threaded member and the drive assembly. This bearing absorbs and accommodates the thrust force generated during fluid expulsion, preventing it from being transmitted to the drive gears and causing wear.
2Stress or pressure
If thrust force is exerted on the drive assembly during fluid expulsion, then fluid pressure is generated, but friction increases requiring more power delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into a torque application mechanism (separate drive gears) and a thrust force accommodation mechanism (thrust bearing). This allows the drive gears to efficiently apply torque without bearing the additional load of thrust force, reducing power consumption while maintaining necessary fluid pressure.
3Force
If thrust force accumulates on the threaded member, then fluid expulsion force is generated, but the drive assembly may separate from the lubricator
Solution Approach 1:
A thrust bearing is introduced as an intermediary component that absorbs and accommodates the thrust force generated during fluid expulsion. This prevents the thrust force from causing separation between the drive assembly and the lubricator body, maintaining assembly stability while preserving fluid expulsion capability.
4Stress or pressure
If thrust force is exerted on the drive assembly, then fluid pressure is maintained, but the temperature range for operation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is divided into separate torque and thrust handling components. The thrust bearing accommodates thrust force independently from the drive gears, reducing friction and heat generation in the drive assembly. This allows the lubricator to operate effectively across a broader temperature range while maintaining necessary fluid pressure.
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 reduces wear on the drive assembly, enhances lubricant pressure, extends operational temperature range, and simplifies disassembly, while maintaining efficient power usage and prolonging the lifespan of the electromechanical lubricator.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded member engageable with the threaded opening of the piston... rotation of the threaded member causes a force to be exerted by the threaded member on the housing and on the piston to move the piston in the cavity to expand or contract the fluid chamber
Implementation Method 2
Known electromechanical lubricators include fluid holders that are detachably coupled to drive assemblies... rotation of the threaded member tends to cause pressure to accumulate in the fluid chamber, which results in a thrust force along the threaded member against the drive assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid holder includes: a housing having an inner surface and at least one fluid outlet; a piston in slidable engagement with the inner surface and having first and second opposed surfaces with a threaded opening extending therebetween, the first surface of the piston and the inner surface of the housing defining a fluid chamber in communication with the at least one fluid outlet; and a threaded member engageable with the threaded opening, a first portion of the threaded member extending from the first surface of the piston, the threaded member being rotatably coupled to the housing on the first portion of the threaded member for rotation in the threaded opening of the piston such that rotation of the threaded member causes a force to be exerted by the threaded member on the housing and on the piston to expand or contract the fluid chamber.