Automatic lubrication system for kinematic linkage
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorsBrian C. Howson, Mark J. Roeder, Cameron D. Jensen, Timothy A. Vik, Aaron R. Shatters
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A mechanical machine can include one or more kinematic linkages having kinematic joints that movably couple first and second rigid links and can include an automatic lubrication system to lubricate the kinematic joints. In an aspect, the automatic lubrication system is configured to monitor operational aspects of the machine such as machine operational data and geometric position and to dynamically determine timing and/or quantity of lubricant to direct and introduce to the kinematic joints.
Claims20
A mechanical machine comprising:
- a first kinematic linkage including a first kinematic joint movably coupling a first rigid link and a second rigid link;
- a second kinematic linkage including a second kinematic joint movably coupling a third rigid link and a fourth rigid link;
- an automatic lubrication system in fluid communication with the first kinematic joint and with the second kinematic joint to deliver lubricant to the first kinematic joint and the second kinematic joint;
- a plurality of machine sensors disposed to monitor articulation of the first kinematic joint and articulation of the second kinematic joint;
- and
- an electronic controller in electronic communication with the plurality of machine sensors, the electronic controller programmed to:
- estimate a first cumulative tribological effect associated with the first kinematic joint based on a first cumulative structural load measured with respect to the first kinematic joint;
- direct the automatic lubrication system to direct lubricant to the first kinematic joint if the first cumulative tribological effect meets or exceeds a first tribological effect threshold associated with the first kinematic joint;
- estimate a second cumulative tribological effect associated with the second kinematic joint based on a second cumulative structural load measured with respect to the second kinematic joint;
- and
- direct the automatic lubrication system to direct lubricant to the second kinematic joint if the second cumulative tribological effect meets or exceeds a second tribological effect threshold associated with the second kinematic joint.
A mechanical machine comprising:
- a kinematic linkage including a kinematic joint movably coupling a first rigid link and a second rigid link;
- an automatic lubrication system in fluid communication with the kinematic joint to deliver lubricant to the kinematic joint;
- a machine sensor disposed to determine a relative angular position of the kinematic joint;
- and
- an electronic controller in electronic communication with the machine sensor and programmed to compare the relative angular position of the kinematic joint with a lubricant introduction position and to direct the automatic lubrication system to deliver lubricant to the kinematic joint based on the comparison of the relative angular position and the lubricant introduction position.
A method of automatically lubricating a kinematic joint coupling a first rigid link and a second rigid link of a kinematic linkage, the method comprising:
- articulating the kinematic joint to a first relative angular position between the first rigid link and the second rigid link;
- sensing the first relative angular position of the kinematic joint with one or more machine sensors;
- comparing the first relative angular position of the kinematic joint with a first lubricant introduction position that is predetermined and associated with the kinematic joint;
- and
- directing lubricant to the kinematic joint if the first angular position corresponds to the first lubricant introduction position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.