Speed Reducer Lubricant Leakage Detection via Pressure Chamber

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gear devices face challenges in accurately and immediately detecting lubricant leakage, which can lead to ineffective friction reduction and temperature control in the transmission mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A gear device equipped with a measurement chamber in communication with the interior and exterior spaces of the case, a pressure sensor to detect pressure changes, and a control unit to monitor lubricant conditions based on pressure sensor data, allowing for immediate and accurate detection of lubricant leakage and maintenance of appropriate lubricant levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a tray or similar device is provided to receive leaked lubricant for detection, then lubricant leakage can be detected, but the detection is delayed and inaccurate, and additional space is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubricant leakage detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection timing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical tray-based detection system with a pressure sensor-based detection system. The pressure sensor measures pressure changes in the measurement chamber that result from lubricant leakage, enabling immediate and accurate detection without the delays and spatial requirements of mechanical collection devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a measurement chamber as an intermediary between the case interior and the pressure sensor. This chamber allows pressure changes caused by lubricant leakage to be transmitted and measured accurately, serving as a mediator that enables precise detection without direct contact between the sensor and the lubricant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a tray or similar device is provided to receive leaked lubricant for detection, then lubricant leakage can be detected, but additional space is required for the detecting method

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubricant leakage detection accuracyVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the space-consuming mechanical tray system with a compact pressure sensor and measurement chamber system. This substitution eliminates the need for additional space while maintaining or improving detection accuracy, as the pressure sensor can be integrated into the existing case structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement chamber serves multiple functions: it acts as a pressure transmission medium, a sealing barrier against ambient air, and a space for housing the pressure sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device size by eliminating the need for separate detection components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the lubricant inside the case is not in an appropriate condition, then the transmission mechanism cannot effectively lower frictional resistance or prevent temperature rise, but monitoring and maintaining lubricant condition requires additional devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubricant effectivenessVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses pressure sensing to monitor lubricant condition, replacing complex mechanical monitoring systems. The pressure changes in the measurement chamber provide reliable information about lubricant leakage and condition, enabling effective monitoring with minimal additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure sensor provides continuous feedback about the lubricant condition by measuring pressure changes in the measurement chamber. This feedback mechanism enables real-time monitoring of lubricant effectiveness, allowing the system to detect leakage and maintain appropriate lubricant conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 gear device can monitor lubricant conditions immediately and accurately, preventing lubricant leakage and maintaining optimal lubricant levels without requiring external large-scale measuring devices, thus avoiding size increases.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure inside the measurement chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Implementation Method 2

a measurement chamber in communication with interior and exterior spaces of the case, the measurement chamber being shut out from ambient air outside the case

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure transmission: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20250137527A1Gear device

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 NABTESCO CORP

AI summary

A speed reducer relating to an embodiment includes: a case; a reduction mechanism housed inside the case along with a lubricant, the reduction mechanism including a plurality of gears configured to rotate when acted upon by power from outside the case; a measurement chamber in communication with interior and exterior spaces of the case, the measurement chamber being shut out from ambient air outside the case; a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure inside the measurement chamber; and a control unit configured to monitor a condition of the lubricant inside the case based on a detected result by the pressure sensor.