Rotating Wicking Nozzle for Inner-Bore Lubricant Application
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying lubricant/sealers to openings in cast parts before assembly are inefficient, leading to inconsistent application patterns and quality control issues due to the use of low viscosity lubricants and dedicated automation systems that apply lubricant/sealers too early, allowing for drips and delays in lubrication.
Innovation Solution
A lubricant/sealer dispenser system with a pressurized reservoir and a rotating nozzle that follows the inner surface of the part, allowing precise application by wicking the lubricant/sealer onto the substrate surface, accommodating various opening sizes and shapes through coordinated movement with a robot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a low viscosity lubricant/sealer is applied to a spinning disk using centrifugal force, then the lubricant/sealer can be applied to the inner diameter of the opening, but this results in objectionable dripping or gaps in the application pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the viscosity parameter of the lubricant/sealer from low to high viscosity. This parameter change eliminates dripping and gaps in the application pattern while maintaining efficient application through the wicking mechanism of the rotating nozzle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the centrifugal force mechanism with a wicking mechanism. Instead of using centrifugal force to distribute the lubricant, the system uses capillary action and adhesion through the wicking material in the nozzle, providing more controlled and consistent application.
2Productivity
If dedicated automation systems apply lubricant/sealer early in the process to multiple openings, then lubrication is provided for future pressing operations, but substantial delay allows the lubricant to run down the side of openings causing quality control issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies lubricant/sealer immediately before the pressing operation rather than early in the process. This preliminary action ensures the lubricant is applied at the optimal time, eliminating delays that cause running down and quality control issues while still providing necessary lubrication for the pressing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing parameter of lubricant application from early in the process to immediately before pressing. This timing change prevents the lubricant from sitting and running down, maintaining quality control while still achieving batch lubrication efficiency through the automated system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different sized spinners are used for different sized openings, then each opening size can be accommodated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal nozzle design that can accommodate different opening sizes and shapes through a single device. The rotating nozzle with wicking mechanism adapts to various geometries without requiring multiple specialized components, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic rotation of the nozzle to accommodate different opening geometries. Instead of using multiple static spinners of different sizes, a single rotating nozzle can adapt to various opening shapes and sizes through its rotational movement and wicking action.
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
Ensures consistent and efficient application of lubricant/sealers directly onto the inner surfaces of parts, reducing drips and delays, and enabling precise control over the lubrication process, thereby improving assembly quality and reducing quality control issues.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurized lubricant/sealer reservoir filled with a supply of lubricant/sealer
Implementation Method 2
applying the lubricant/sealer by wicking (applying the lubricant/sealer onto the substrate surface by physical contact with the part) the lubricant/sealer onto the inner surface
Data Source
AI summary
A lubricant/sealer dispenser is disclosed for a component press-in system that includes a pressurized lubricant/sealer reservoir filled with lubricant/sealer. A nozzle is supplied with lubricant/sealer from the reservoir and includes an offset tip formed of PTFE that is enclosed in a steel tube. A controller controls a motor that rotates the nozzle within an opening in a part at a selected depth. The motor rotates the nozzle about a fixed axis and follows an inner surface of the opening as the part is moved by a robot relative to the nozzle in a selected pattern. The nozzle applies the lubricant/sealer by applying the lubricant/sealer onto the inner surface of the opening.