Modular Lubricant Distributor Self-Centering Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current progressive modular distributors for lubricant fluid distribution are costly due to the need for calibrated tie rods and complex assembly processes, making them difficult to assemble and maintain, especially in field conditions during plant maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The distributor features projecting parts and housings with arched cross-sections on the surfaces of modules, allowing for automatic centering and alignment without precise flat surfaces, enabling the use of standard tie rods and simplifying assembly and maintenance by allowing modules to be replaced without disassembling the entire system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If calibrated tie rods are used to center modules, then alignment precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modules are designed with self-centering features that allow automatic alignment when modules are stacked. The tie rods simply maintain this self-aligned position rather than requiring precision calibration during assembly. This eliminates the need for skilled operators to precisely calibrate tie rod lengths and positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributor is divided into modular sections that can be independently assembled and then stacked. Each module has standardized coupling features that facilitate automatic alignment when joined, reducing the need for complex precision calibration of the entire assembly.
2Manufacturing precision
If calibrated tie rods with minimum tolerances are used, then centering function is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The module coupling surfaces incorporate self-centering geometric features (such as tapered surfaces or complementary shapes) that automatically guide modules into correct alignment during assembly. This eliminates the need for tie rods with minimum tolerances and reduces assembly difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses curved or tapered coupling surfaces instead of flat surfaces to facilitate automatic centering. The curved geometry guides the modules into proper alignment as they are brought together, eliminating the need for precision-calibrated tie rods.
3Reliability
If standard tie rods are replaced with calibrated tie rods, then alignment reliability is improved, but cost increases and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design allows individual modules to be replaced independently without dismantling the entire distributor. The standardized coupling features ensure that replacement modules automatically align with existing modules, maintaining reliability while simplifying maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
All modules use identical standardized coupling features and tie rod interfaces. This universality means that any module can be replaced with any other module of the same type, and standard tie rods can be used throughout the system, simplifying both maintenance and spare parts management.
Data Source
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AI summary
A progressive modular distributor device for the division between a plurality of outlets of a lubricant fluid, said distributor comprising a first and a second base between which are sandwiched at least three distributor modules, the bases being interconnected by tie rods which pass through openings in the modules, wherein a first surface of at least one of said modules presents at least one projecting part integral with the module, and a second surface of a second of said modules, resting on the first, presents a corresponding housing in which the projecting part is inserted, said projecting part and said housing being shaped so as to prevent reciprocal movement of the first and second module at least along an axis perpendicular to an axis of said tie rods when the projecting part is inserted in the housing.