Wind-Driven Motorcycle Chain Lubricator Using Air Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motorcycle chain lubricators require operator intervention, are mechanically or electrically complex, and often result in imprecise lubrication, safety hazards, and high maintenance costs, as they rely on operator judgment for lubrication frequency and distribution.

Innovation Solution

A wind-driven automatic lubricator that uses air pressure generated by the motorcycle's motion to deliver lubricant to the chain, eliminating the need for external power and operator intervention, with a simple design that ensures uniform lubrication and flexible mounting options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a manually operated plunger type pump or pressurized can system is used, then lubrication can be delivered to the chain, but operator intervention is required which creates safety hazards and the system becomes mechanically complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator intervention requirementVSAvoidsafety hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lubrication system automatically delivers lubricant to the chain using wind pressure generated during motorcycle operation. The system self-regulates based on riding conditions without requiring operator intervention, eliminating safety hazards associated with manual operation while maintaining reliable lubrication delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If a jet spray or pressurized can is used, then lubricant can be delivered to the chain, but the application may be interrupted by wind and directed at unintended parts creating safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication deliveryVSAvoidmisdirected lubricant

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A shield or baffle structure is positioned between the lubricant delivery mechanism and the surrounding environment to intercept and redirect wind-driven lubricant spray. This intermediary component ensures lubricant is directed only at the chain while preventing misdirection to unintended areas, eliminating safety hazards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Extent of automation

If an electric pump with cable or mechanical cable system is used, then automated lubrication can be achieved, but the system becomes complex with multiple moving parts requiring periodic maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated lubricationVSAvoidmechanical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex mechanical cable system or electric pump is replaced with a wind-powered pressure system. Wind pressure generated during motorcycle operation directly drives the lubricant delivery mechanism, eliminating multiple moving parts, cables, and electrical components while maintaining automated lubrication functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Wind pressure (a pneumatic force) is used to drive the lubricant through the delivery system. The wind pressure naturally regulates the lubrication flow rate based on riding conditions, providing automated lubrication without complex mechanical or electrical components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

4Ease of operation

If operator judgment is used to determine lubrication frequency, then lubrication can be applied, but over oiling or under oiling may occur resulting in imprecise lubrication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication applicationVSAvoidlubrication precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses wind pressure generated during motorcycle operation as natural feedback to regulate lubrication delivery. The wind pressure automatically adjusts the lubrication rate based on riding speed and conditions, ensuring precise lubrication without requiring operator judgment or measurement

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 solution provides automatic, safe, and efficient lubrication without operator attention, reduces maintenance, and ensures consistent lubrication based on motorcycle speed, addressing issues of bulkiness, complexity, and imprecise lubrication in prior systems.

Implementation Method 1

uses air pressure generated by the motorcycle's motion to deliver lubricant to the chain

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS8978827B2Wind driven automatic lubricator for a motorcycle drive chain

Publication Date: 2015.03.17 STEELE MICHAEL SHAWN

AI summary

One embodiment (100) collects air pressure created from forward motion of a motorcycle (300) in a reservoir assembly (1001) which stores a liquid lubricant, is attached to motorcycle frame (302), and comprises a containment chamber (102), cap (106), cap seal (104), air inlet port (107), lubricant outlet port (109), and an air inlet connector (108) and a lubricant outlet connector (110) to facilitate the external attachment of conduit. The air pressure is collected by and delivered to reservoir assembly (100-1) via an air collection conduit (118) attached to motorcycle front portion (306) by a mount (130) and urges liquid lubricant through a suction conduit (124), flow restrictor (112) and delivers lubricant via discharge conduit (114) to a chain applicator (116) attached to a motorcycle swing arm assembly (304) and to the inner circumference of drive chain (310). Lubricant flow ceases after motorcycle is stopped. Other embodiments are described and shown.