Progressive Distributor With Adjustable Metering Pistons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing progressive distributors face challenges in delivering varying lubricant volumes efficiently and reliably, especially when dealing with small quantities or infrequent lubrication needs, due to high displacement resistance and potential reflux or fouling issues.
Innovation Solution
A progressive distributor design where connecting channels link the front faces of all housing bores with a metering piston that can be displaced between adjustable stops, with displacement resistance set by O-ring arrangement or fitting adjustment, ensuring the resistance is less than the control piston's, and incorporating non-return valves to prevent reflux.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional cylinders are used to deliver different lubricant volumes, then lubrication flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor is divided into multiple independent housing bores (first, second, third, fourth) each with its own control piston and outlet. This segmentation allows each bore to be independently controlled and adjusted, enabling flexible lubrication delivery without requiring a completely redesigned complex system. Each segment can be individually adapted to different lubrication requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If metering pistons with adjustable stops are used to control displacement, then lubricant volume precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stops for the metering pistons are made axially adjustable rather than being fixed during manufacturing. This allows the lubricant volume to be precisely controlled by adjusting the stop positions after assembly, rather than requiring precise manufacturing of each stop position. The dynamic adjustability separates the precision requirement from the manufacturing process, improving both precision and ease of manufacture.
3Reliability
If non-return valves are installed to prevent reflux, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Non-return valves are installed at the outlets of the housing bores to prevent reflux of lubricant. By extracting and isolating the valve function at the outlet points, the main body of the distributor remains relatively simple while gaining the reliability benefit of reflux prevention. The valves are placed only where needed rather than throughout the entire system.
4Productivity
If displacement resistance of metering pistons is reduced, then operational efficiency is improved, but control precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement resistance of the metering pistons is optimized by adjusting parameters such as piston diameter, bore clearance, and sealing arrangement. By carefully selecting these parameters, the displacement resistance is reduced to improve operational efficiency while maintaining sufficient control precision through the adjustable stops. The parameter optimization allows both efficiency and precision requirements to be met simultaneously.
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
Enables the delivery of different lubricant volumes with minimal constructional effort and ensures reliable operation by reducing displacement resistance and preventing reflux, allowing for efficient and flexible lubrication distribution.
Implementation Method 1
the displacement resistance of each metering piston assigned to a control piston is smaller than the displacement resistance of the respective following piston
Implementation Method 2
incorporating non-return valves to prevent reflux
Data Source
AI summary
A progressive distributor including three or more control pistons (SA to SD), each of which can be displaced in a respective housing bore (A to D) of a distributor housing (G). The pistons are pushed alternately into their two final positions in the corresponding housing bore (A to D) by a lubricant which is supplied under pressure via a housing inlet (E), whereby a specific quantity of the lubricant (VSA to VSD) is delivered by means of an outlet (A1 to A8) on a respective front face. The outlet leads from one of two annular grooves (R) of the housing bore (A to D) of the respective preceding control pistons (SA to SD). The control pistons (SA to SD) are controlled sequentially by the lubricant as a result of the two respective annular grooves (R) in such a way that the following control piston (SA to SD) can only be displaced by the lubricant if the piston displacement of the preceding control piston (SA to SD) has been fully or almost fully completed.