Universal Lubrication Catch for Bidirectional Rotating Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubrication systems for vehicles with rotating components, such as gears and axles, require multiple design shapes and specific orientations, increasing complexity and assembly errors, and manufacturing costs due to the need for separate lubrication systems for components rotating in different directions.
Innovation Solution
A device with a first passage for capturing lubricant directed clockwise and a second passage for capturing lubricant directed counterclockwise, allowing for independent mounting orientation relative to the rotating component, simplifying assembly and reducing errors by eliminating the need for specific orientation alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate lubrication systems are used for each rotating component, then each component can be properly lubricated, but the packaging size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lubrication catch designs into a single universal device that can serve multiple rotating components. The catch includes multiple passages (first passage for clockwise rotation, second passage for counterclockwise rotation) that can handle different rotation directions, eliminating the need for separate lubrication systems for each component and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective lubrication delivery.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple design shapes are used to accurately catch and distribute lubricant for different rotation directions, then lubrication accuracy is improved, but device complexity and assembly times increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication catch is designed as a universal component that can accurately catch and distribute lubricant for both clockwise and counterclockwise rotating components. The device includes a first passage configured to catch lubricant from clockwise rotation and a second passage for counterclockwise rotation, allowing a single design to serve multiple functions and rotation directions without requiring multiple specialized shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The catch incorporates asymmetric passage designs where the first passage and second passage have different geometries optimized for their respective rotation directions. The passages are positioned and shaped to efficiently capture lubricant thrown in specific directions, enabling accurate lubricant collection for both clockwise and counterclockwise components within a single symmetrically-mounted device.
3Manufacturing precision
If specific orientation and assembly location are required for each catch and component combination, then lubricant distribution accuracy is improved, but assembly times increase and installation errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication catch is designed as an orientation-independent universal component that can be mounted in any position relative to the rotating component. The device includes multiple passages that can capture lubricant from both clockwise and counterclockwise rotation regardless of the catch's mounting orientation, eliminating the need for precise orientation alignment during assembly while maintaining accurate lubricant distribution to the intended components.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for a lubricant catching device. In one example, a system may include a device for capturing lubricant flowing in a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction. The device receives lubricant from a lubricated, rotating component.