Pressure-Actuated Self-Lubricating Pin for Rotatable Joints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rotatable joints in deployable landing gear systems, such as those used in aircraft and maglev vehicles, require frequent lubrication to reduce friction and wear, leading to vehicle downtime and maintenance-related expenses.
Innovation Solution
A self-lubricating pin design that includes a hollow body with a piston mechanism to discharge lubricant in response to pressure changes, ensuring continuous lubrication of the joint under varying ambient pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frequent manual lubrication is performed to reduce friction and wear, then the lubrication effectiveness is improved, but the maintenance downtime and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is designed with an internal lubricant reservoir and a pressure-actuated dispensing mechanism that automatically releases lubricant in response to pressure changes during operation, eliminating the need for manual lubrication interventions and enabling the component to self-maintain
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressure changes during operation as a feedback signal to trigger lubricant dispensing, creating a closed-loop system where operational conditions automatically control maintenance timing without external intervention
2Reliability
If manual lubrication is performed frequently to reduce wear, then the friction reduction is improved, but the operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated lubrication system eliminates the need for manual maintenance operations, reducing labor costs and operational expenses associated with frequent manual lubrication while maintaining effective wear protection
Solution Approach 2:
Lubricant is pre-loaded into the pin's internal reservoir during manufacturing or initial setup, allowing the system to provide continuous lubrication throughout its operational cycle without requiring external replenishment or intervention
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 self-lubricating pin provides continuous lubrication to rotatable joints, reducing friction and wear, thereby minimizing maintenance downtime and associated costs.
Implementation Method 1
The main piston moves toward the first end of the body when a pressure in the second chamber is greater than a pressure of the environment
Data Source
AI summary
A pin for a pinned joint includes a hollow body with a first and second end caps coupled to first and second ends, respectively. The body and the end caps at least partially define a cavity within the body, wherein at least one aperture extends through the hollow body. A main piston is slidably disposed within the cavity and divides the cavity into a first chamber proximate to the first end and a second chamber proximate to the second end and fluidly isolated from an environment around the body. A lubricant is disposed within the first chamber. The main piston moves toward the first end of the body when a pressure in the second chamber is greater than a pressure of the environment. Movement of the main piston toward the first end of the body discharges lubricant through the at least one aperture.