Sewing Machine Lubricant Buffer Prevents Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubricant supply devices for sewing machines often result in undesired lubricant escape, failing to provide metered and leak-free lubrication to lubrication points.
Innovation Solution
A lubricant supply device with a pump unit, lubricant delivery lines, and a lubricant buffering and dispensing element that temporarily stores lubricant near the lubrication point, ensuring precise and leak-free delivery through a micropump and control unit, regulated by sensors for optimal lubrication based on operating parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lubricant supply device is used to deliver lubricant to lubrication points, then lubrication is provided, but unwanted lubricant leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant buffer stores lubricant in advance at the lubrication point end of the delivery line, preparing the lubricant for immediate dispensing without requiring a long delivery line that would be prone to leakage. The buffer is pre-filled and positioned to touch or closely approach the lubrication point.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the lubricant storage function from the main delivery line and creates a separate lubricant buffer at the end of the delivery line. This separates the bulk storage (in the lubricant container) from the localized dispensing (at the lubrication point), eliminating the need for a long delivery line that would leak.
2Quantity of substance
If lubricant is delivered to lubrication points, then lubrication is achieved, but metered delivery is difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant buffer automatically dispenses lubricant to the lubrication point through capillary forces or gravity when the buffer touches or closely approaches the lubrication point. The system self-regulates the lubricant transfer without requiring complex metering mechanisms, achieving both precise quantity control and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricant buffer acts as an intermediary between the pump unit and the lubrication point. It receives lubricant from the pump and automatically transfers the required amount to the lubrication point through passive mechanisms (capillary action or gravity), simplifying the control of metered delivery.
3Length of stationary object
If a long lubricant delivery line is used to connect the lubricant container to the lubrication point, then lubricant can be delivered, but lubricant leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the lubricant storage function from the delivery line and creates a separate lubricant buffer at the end of a shortened delivery line. This eliminates the need for a long delivery line that would be prone to leakage while maintaining the ability to deliver lubricant to the lubrication point.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricant buffer is pre-filled and positioned at the lubrication point end before operation begins. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for a long delivery line during operation, as the lubricant is already positioned where it needs to be dispensed.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If lubricant is stored in a buffer at the lubrication point end, then leakage is prevented, but the buffer must be precisely positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant buffer automatically adjusts its position relative to the lubrication point through mechanical interaction (touching or close approach). The buffer self-position itself to achieve the optimal distance for lubricant transfer, eliminating the need for high-precision manufacturing and installation of the buffer position.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows for a range of distances between the buffer and lubrication point (touching or a few millimeters), rather than requiring a single precise position. This parameter flexibility (distance variation) maintains effective lubricant transfer while reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
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 adequate lubrication without lubricant leakage by using a micropump and buffering element to deliver small quantities of lubricant precisely, minimizing waste and maintaining efficient operation of sewing machine components.
Implementation Method 1
Such a reservoir can, for example, store the lubricant by utilizing capillary forces or due to some other inherent absorbency.
Implementation Method 2
Such a reservoir can, for example, store the lubricant by utilizing capillary forces or due to some other inherent absorbency.
Data Source
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AI summary
Lubricant supply device for a sewing machine comprising at least one lubricant container for storing a lubricant, at least one lubricant delivery line for conveying the lubricant from a lubricant container to at least one lubrication point of the sewing machine, and at least one pump unit for conveying the lubricant, wherein at least one pump unit is assigned to at least one lubricant delivery line, and the at least one lubricant delivery line has a lubricant buffer and dispensing element at its lubrication point-side end for buffering and dispensing the lubricant, method for lubricating a lubrication point of a sewing machine, and sewing machine.