Modular Lubricant Distributor Injector Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lubricant distributors face challenges in quickly replacing individual injectors due to their integration with the distributor plate, making it difficult to maintain and upgrade the system efficiently.

Innovation Solution

Designing a lubricant distributor with injectors that have their own housing, allowing for easy attachment and detachment from a distributor plate, where the inlet and outlet connections are arranged on one side or end of the housing, enabling quick replacement and facilitating a high density of injectors on the plate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If injectors are formed directly in the distributor plate, then the structure is compact and integrated, but individual injectors cannot be quickly replaced and interchangeability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of injectorsVSAvoidreplacement of individual injectors
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The distributor is divided into separate functional modules: the distributor plate and individual injectors. Each injector is a separate component that can be independently attached to or removed from the distributor plate, enabling selective replacement without replacing the entire distributor system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The distributor plate is designed with standardized connection interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of injectors. The plate includes through-holes and connection means that work with different injector configurations, allowing the same distributor plate to support various injector types for different lubrication requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If injectors are integrated into the distributor plate, then the overall structure is simplified, but the density of injectors that can be arranged is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrationVSAvoidnumber of injectors
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The connection interfaces on the distributor plate are arranged in multiple dimensions and orientations. Through-holes are positioned at various locations and angles on the plate surface, allowing injectors to be arranged in dense configurations without interfering with each other, thereby increasing the number of injectors that can be accommodated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If injectors have connections on multiple sides, then connectivity is improved, but assembly and disassembly become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidassembly and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection functionality is extracted from the injector body and implemented as separate connection means (threaded holes, quick-connect interfaces) on both the distributor plate and injector housings. This separation allows for standardized, tool-free or minimal-tool connection and disconnection operations while maintaining flexible connectivity options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This design allows for simple and rapid assembly and disassembly of injectors, reducing downtime and improving the overall interchangeability of the lubricant distributor, enabling efficient lubrication distribution with a large number of replaceable injectors.

Implementation Method 1

the piston (10) is displaced by the lubricant pressure (p) against the force of the spring (19)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

the piston (10) is pushed back into its starting position by the spring force of the spring (19)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

a check valve (12) which allows the lubricant to flow from the lubricant inlet (11) into the first chamber (9a) and which blocks a flow of lubricant from the first chamber (9a) to the lubricant inlet (11)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCheck valve mechanism: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP2084451B1Lubricant distributor
Publication Date: 2018.05.02 SKF LUBRICATION SYST GERMANY
  • EP2084451B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2084451B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2084451B1 patent drawingFigure 7~10

AI summary

The invention relates to a lubricant distributor having a distribution plate (1, 21) and at least one injector (2, 22) that can be connected thereto, which is formed by a housing (8, 28) that defines a longitudinal axis, having an inlet (11, 31) and an outlet (14, 34) that are connected to corresponding connections in the distribution plate, and a metering and switching unit configured in the housing, wherein the inlets and outlets are disposed on the side of the housing that faces the distribution plate.