Self-Pressurized Oil Reservoir With Feedback-Controlled Metering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing smart systems for oil delivery lack a self-contained and self-pressurized oil reservoir with an active means of metering oil flow, relying on external power sources and lacking integrated sensor feedback for precise control.

Innovation Solution

A smart system for oil delivery that incorporates a self-contained, self-pressurized oil reservoir with an integrated microprocessor unit that interprets signals from various sensors to actuate a solenoid valve or proportional flow valve, utilizing an independent pressure supply and power source, and enabling wireless communication for remote control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a self-contained and self-pressurized oil reservoir with integrated sensor feedback is implemented, then measurement precision and control accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoil flow metering precisionVSAvoidreservoir system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the reservoir system: the reservoir stores oil, the pressure supply assembly maintains pressure, the flow meter measures flow rate, and the microprocessor coordinates all components. This integration achieves precise oil flow metering while managing system complexity through unified design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow meter provides real-time feedback on oil flow rate to the microprocessor, which then adjusts the solenoid valve or proportional flow valve to maintain precise flow control. This closed-loop feedback system ensures accurate metering despite the added complexity of multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If an integrated microprocessor unit with sensor feedback is used to actuate valves for precise oil dispensing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoil dispensing precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microprocessor receives feedback from sensors including the flow meter and adjusts the solenoid valve or proportional flow valve in real-time to achieve precise oil dispensing. This closed-loop control ensures accurate delivery of oil to the target location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual or simple mechanical control systems with an integrated microprocessor unit that electronically controls the valves based on sensor input. This substitution enables precise dispensing through electronic control rather than mechanical adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a self-contained pressure supply system is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem independenceVSAvoidpressure supply structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure supply assembly is designed as a separate, self-contained module within the reservoir system. This segmentation allows the pressure supply to function independently with its own bellows mechanism, improving reliability by isolating this critical function from other system components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bellows mechanism in the pressure supply assembly automatically maintains pressure without external intervention. The self-contained design uses internal elastic elements to generate and regulate pressure, making the system independent and more reliable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If wireless communication and remote control capabilities are added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidcommunication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical wiring and manual control with wireless communication technology. The microprocessor unit communicates wirelessly with external devices, allowing remote monitoring and control of the oil delivery system without complex physical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides precise and efficient oil delivery with real-time monitoring and control, extending machinery life by ensuring consistent lubrication, and offering cost-effective and reliable operation with reduced maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

actuate a solenoid valve or a proportional flow valve that dispenses oil from a reservoir

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Implementation Method 2

self-pressurized oil reservoir with an independent pressure supply

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure supply: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS12215777B1Smart system for lubrication fluid delivery
Publication Date: 2025.02.04 ZULU PODS INC
  • US12215777B1 patent drawing
  • US12215777B1 patent drawing
  • US12215777B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A smart system for oil delivery including a dispenser assembly, a pressure supply assembly, a gearbox assembly, and an electronic assembly. The dispenser assembly including a dispenser. The dispenser being an enclosure with a hollow interior with a valve located at one end. The hollow interior of the dispenser defining a reservoir for the storage of oil or other lubrication fluids. The interior of the dispenser further including a pressure supply assembly. The pressure supply assembly including a spring and a plunger that are oppositely located with respect to the valve within the interior of the dispenser. The electronic assembly includes a flow meter, a solenoid valve, and a microcontroller unit. The electric valve being actuated by the microcontroller unit to allow the pressure supply assembly to expel oil stored within the reservoir via the valve.