Refillable Grease Containers With Quick Connect Change-Out
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large grease-consuming customers face challenges with the disposal of empty grease containers, the time required for changing out grease containers, and pump failure due to contamination during the change-out process.
Innovation Solution
A grease delivery system that utilizes refillable containers with built-in hydraulic quick connects, allowing for efficient refilling and reuse of containers, reducing waste and minimizing pump contamination by using a dedicated pump with quick connect couplings to rapidly switch between refilling and standard pumping operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional grease containers are used and frequently changed, then grease supply continuity is maintained, but disposal costs increase and pump contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements container recovery by collecting empty grease containers from customers and refilling them at a centralized facility. The refillable containers with quick connects enable easy removal and replacement, facilitating the recovery process. This eliminates the need for customers to dispose of containers, reducing waste while maintaining continuous grease supply through the refillable container system.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick connect coupling mechanism extracts the container change-out process from the pump system, allowing containers to be rapidly swapped without disassembling the pump. This extraction enables the pump to remain stationary and clean while containers are exchanged, preventing contamination and maintaining pump reliability.
2Productivity
If frequent container changes are performed, then grease consumption is maintained, but time is lost during change-out operations
Solution Approach 1:
The quick connect coupling enables continuous grease delivery by allowing rapid container exchanges without interrupting the pump operation. The male quick connect on the pump hose interfaces with the female quick connect on the container, enabling seconds-long connections that maintain continuous grease flow. This eliminates downtime associated with traditional container changes, maintaining productivity while reducing time loss.
3Reliability
If traditional container exchange methods are used, then grease supply is maintained, but pump contamination occurs during change-out
Solution Approach 1:
The quick connect coupling extracts the container interface from the pump body, creating a separate, isolated connection point. The pump remains stationary and sealed while containers are exchanged at the quick connect interface. This extraction prevents contaminants from entering the pump during container changes, maintaining pump reliability and preventing contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick connect coupling acts as an intermediary between the pump and grease containers. It provides a sealed, standardized interface that prevents contamination while enabling rapid exchanges. The male quick connect on the pump hose and female quick connect on the container create a protected connection point that isolates the pump from potential contaminants during the container change-out process.
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 system reduces waste, saves costs, and minimizes pump failures by eliminating the need for frequent container disposal and contamination, providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for grease delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a pump for moving the fluid
Implementation Method 2
a pump hose quick connect... a refillable container quick connect... for attaching the pump hose to the refillable container quick connect
Data Source
AI summary
A grease delivery system is provided which includes refilling containers with a fluid from a larger reservoir to eliminate excess cost and waste. The container and reservoir are connected using hoses, a pump, and quick connect couplings. The containers are used to provide equipment with the fluid.