One-Piece Lubricant Distributor for Low-Complexity Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubricant distributors are complex and costly to produce, especially in small series, due to their multi-part construction and material inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece distributor housing with an integrated inlet and main chamber, along with a separate lubricant fitting member, is designed for easy production using 3D printing or additive manufacturing, allowing for a form-fit coupling with the part to be lubricated and efficient fluid distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a distributor is assembled from several housings and numerous parts as in prior art, then the distributor can be produced with conventional manufacturing methods, but the production complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple distributor housing parts into a single integrated housing structure. The housing now includes integrated inlet chambers, main chambers, and distribution channels all as one piece, eliminating the need for multiple separate housings and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining functional distribution capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The single distributor housing performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the structural container, the fluid distribution network, and the connection interface. The housing integrates inlet reception, fluid storage, and multi-directional distribution functions that previously required separate components
2Loss of substance
If a distributor is assembled from several housings and numerous parts as in prior art, then the distributor can accommodate complex fluid distribution paths, but the material usage and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple housing components into one integrated structure, eliminating redundant materials and joints. The single housing design reduces total material consumption while maintaining the complex internal distribution geometry through optimized wall thickness and integrated channel design
Solution Approach 2:
The distributor fitting is nested within the inlet chamber of the housing, and the distribution channels are nested within the housing walls. This nested arrangement allows complex fluid paths to be achieved within a compact volume, reducing overall material usage compared to external piping and separate components
3Productivity
If a one-piece distributor housing is used, then production complexity and material usage are reduced, but the fluid distribution homogeneity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality variations within the single housing by providing different wall thicknesses, channel dimensions, and outlet configurations in different regions. The housing includes thicker walls in structural areas and optimized channel geometries in distribution zones to ensure homogeneous fluid delivery to all outlets despite the simplified single-piece construction
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 reduces production complexity and material usage, enabling cost-effective and efficient lubricant distribution in small series production while ensuring reliable and homogeneous lubrication.
Implementation Method 1
the inner wall encloses an inlet chamber fluidly connected with an outside of the housing through a fluid inlet, wherein a main chamber is formed in between the outer wall and the inner wall, the main chamber fluidly connected with the inlet chamber and fluidly connected with the outside of the housing through one or more fluid outlets
Data Source
AI summary
A lubricant or fluid distributor may have a housing made in one piece and comprising an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall encloses an inlet chamber fluidly connected with an outside of the housing through a fluid inlet. A main chamber may be formed in between the outer wall and the inner wall, the main chamber fluidly connected with the inlet chamber and fluidly connected with the outside of the housing through one or more fluid outlets. A lubricant fitting member may be encapsulated within the inlet chamber. A system with the lubricant or fluid distributor may have a part to be lubricated.