Work Vehicle Joint Lubrication via Cumulative Travel Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic lubrication systems for work vehicles often lubricate bearings at predetermined intervals or based on sensed flow/pressure, which may not accurately reflect the lubrication needs, leading to suboptimal or excessive lubrication, and can be complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a joint sensor, lubricant reservoir, pump, and controller that determines cumulative bearing travel and lubrication value based on joint position, velocity, or acceleration signals to actuate the pump for precise lubrication, ensuring optimal lubrication levels without over-application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If lubrication is performed at predetermined time intervals, then automation is improved, but lubrication precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses joint sensors to continuously monitor actual joint movement and provides feedback to the controller. The controller compares actual movement with expected movement patterns to determine when lubrication is actually needed, enabling precise lubrication delivery based on real-time operational conditions rather than predetermined schedules.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubrication system automatically monitors its own operational conditions through joint sensors and self-regulates lubrication delivery based on detected joint movement. The system serves itself by detecting when lubrication is needed and automatically dispensing the appropriate amount without external intervention or manual scheduling.
2Extent of automation
If lubrication is based on sensed flow or pressure, then automation is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical flow and pressure sensing mechanisms with simpler electronic joint sensors that directly monitor joint movement. By substituting mechanical sensing with electronic position/velocity monitoring, the system achieves automation while reducing overall complexity of the lubrication control mechanism.
3Stability of the object's composition
If manual lubrication is performed at scheduled intervals, then lubrication consistency is improved, but labor effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors joint operation and self-regulates lubrication delivery without requiring manual intervention. The joint sensors and controller work together to detect when lubrication is needed and automatically dispense the appropriate amount, eliminating the need for manual labor while maintaining consistent lubrication quality based on actual operational needs.
4Reliability
If excessive lubrication is applied, then bearing protection is improved, but waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies lubrication in precisely controlled partial amounts based on actual joint movement detection. Rather than applying excessive lubrication to ensure protection, the controller dispenses only the specific amount needed based on sensor feedback, achieving adequate bearing protection while minimizing lubricant waste through precise dosage control.
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle having a joint, a joint sensor, a lubricant reservoir, a pump, and a controller. The joint has a first member connected to a second member by a bearing. The joint sensor is configured to provide a joint signal indicative of at least one of a position, velocity, and acceleration of the joint. The pump is configured to dispense lubricant from the lubricant reservoir to the bearing when actuated. The controller receives the joint signal, determines a cumulative bearing travel based on the joint signal, determines a bearing lubrication value based on the cumulative bearing travel, and actuates the pump based on the bearing lubrication value.