Shovel Automatic Greaser for Point-Specific Lubrication Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shovel automatic greasers supply grease uniformly to all pin linking members, including those with low friction, leading to inefficient grease distribution.

Innovation Solution

A shovel with an advanced automatic greaser system that includes a controller and distributors, allowing for dynamic adjustment of grease distribution ratios based on the operating conditions and work environment of specific greasing points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional shovel with a flat rear surface is used, then the shovel can be manufactured simply, but the shovel generates harmful factors (debris, dust, noise) and reduces productivity when loading materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading efficiencyVSAvoiddebris and dust generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rear surface of the shovel blade is designed with a specific curvature radius (R1) that creates a smooth transition zone. This local geometric modification ensures that material flows smoothly over the blade edge without abrupt changes, preventing material from being trapped and subsequently ejected as debris during the loading cycle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies a curved rear surface design with a specified radius of curvature instead of a flat surface. This curvature allows material to follow a smoother trajectory during loading, reducing turbulence and preventing material from being thrown backward, thereby reducing dust generation and improving loading efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Productivity

If a conventional shovel with a flat rear surface is used, then the shovel structure remains simple, but material is easily scattered and productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading efficiencyVSAvoidmaterial containment
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The curved rear surface design with radius R1 creates a specific flow pattern that directs material smoothly over the blade edge. This localized geometric feature prevents material from becoming unstable and scattering during the loading process, improving material containment while maintaining shovel structure simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If the shovel blade thickness is increased to prevent bending, then strength is improved, but the shovel becomes heavier and more difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade bending resistanceVSAvoidshovel weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the blade thickness parameter (t1) to a specific range (3-8mm) based on the curvature radius. This parameter change allows the blade to maintain sufficient strength to resist bending under load while minimizing weight. The specific thickness range is determined through analysis of the curvature-induced stress distribution, allowing for a thinner, lighter blade compared to conventional flat-blade designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3779057B1shovel
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 SUMITOMO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY
  • EP3779057B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3779057B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3779057B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A shovel according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an undercarriage (1), an upper swing structure (3) swingably attached to the undercarriage (1), and an automatic greaser (50) mounted on the upper swing structure (3). The automatic greaser (50) is configured to be able to individually change the amount of grease fed to one greasing point and the amount of grease fed to another greasing point based on information on multiple greasing points (GP1 through GP12).