FIELD
The present disclosure relates to steering oil filling systems.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is
not necessarily prior art.
Conventionally, at the time of filling steering oil in a steering sub-assembly, the
operator is required to manually inspect the quantity of oil being filled in the
steering sub-assembly. This conventional approach however, requires the operator
to ascertain the quantity of oil filled in the steering sub-assembly based on their
instincts. When operator assumes the quantity of oil filled in the steering subassembly
is adequate, he/she stops filling oil and transfers the steering subassembly
to the storage line. This often leads to inadequate oil being filled within
the steering sub-assembly which in turn results in hard steering or malfunctioned
steering system, which is not desirable.
There is, therefore, felt a need to provide a safe steering oil filling system and a
method thereof that eliminates the above-mentioned drawback(s).
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment
herein satisfies, are as follows:
It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the
prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.
It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a steering oil filling system and
a method thereof.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method for
filling oil in a steering sub-assembly that eliminates human error.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method
that ensures filling of adequate steering oil in a steering sub-assembly.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method that
prevents the partially oil filled steering sub-assemblies to proceed towards next
workstation/storage line.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method for
filling oil in a steering sub-assembly that is reliable.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from
the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a steering oil filling system for a steering subassembly.
The steering sub-assembly is placed on a filling station that is defined
by a platform and a conveyor. In an embodiment, the conveyor extends from the
platform.
The steering oil filling system comprises a filling gun, a control unit, and a
stopping mechanism. The filling gun is configured to dispense oil in the steering
sub-assembly. The control unit is coupled to the filling gun to detect the quantity
of oil being dispensed by the filling gun. Further, the control unit is configured to
generate a control signal upon dispensation of a pre-determined quantity of oil.
The stopping mechanism is configured to cooperate with the control unit, and is
further configured to:
i. provide passage for transferring the steering sub-assembly from the
platform to the conveyor, upon receiving the control signal; and
ii. restrict the steering sub-assembly from exiting the platform until the
control signal is received.
In an embodiment, the control unit comprises a memory, a user interface, a flow
detection unit, an actuation unit, and a processor. The memory is configured to
store a value corresponding to the pre-determined quantity of oil. The user
interface is configured to facilitate an operator to provide at least one user input.
The flow detection unit is configured to detect the quantity of oil dispensed from
the filling gun in real time, and is further configured to generate a detected value
based on the detected quantity.
The actuation unit is configured to cooperate with the memory, the flow detection
unit, and the user interface. Further, the actuation unit is configured to:
• generate an actuation signal to dispense oil from the filling gun upon
receiving the user input; and
• generate a de-actuation signal to stop dispensation of oil from the filling
gun, when the detected value is equal to the value corresponding to the
pre-determined quantity of oil.
The processor is configured to cooperate with the actuation unit to receive the deactuation
signal, and is further configured to generate the control signal upon
receiving the de-actuation signal.
In an embodiment, the stopping mechanism comprises a stopper member, at least
one sensor, and a lifting unit. The stopper member is configured at the entrance of
the conveyor. The sensor is disposed downstream of the stopper member, and is
configured to detect the passage of the steering sub-assembly through the stopper
member. Further, the sensor is configured to generate a sensed signal upon
detecting the passage of the steering sub-assembly. The lifting unit is
mechanically coupled to the stopper member, and is configured to displace the
stopper member towards:
• a retracted position upon receiving the control signal to provide
passage for transferring the steering sub-assembly; and
• an extended position upon receiving the sensed signal to restrict the
steering sub-assembly from exiting the platform.
In an embodiment, the lifting unit is configured to retain the extended position of
the stopper member until the control signal is received from the control unit.
In an embodiment, the actuation unit includes a comparator, a controller, and an
actuator. The comparator is configured to compare the detected value with a value
corresponding to the pre-determined quantity of oil, and is further configured to
generate a flag signal when the detected value is equal to the pre-determined
quantity of oil. The controller is configured to cooperate with the comparator and
the user interface. The controller is further configured to:
• receive the flag signal from the comparator to generate the de-actuation
signal; and
• receive the user input from the user interface to generate the actuation
signal.
The actuator is configured to cooperate with the controller, and is configured to
facilitate dispensation of oil from the filling gun upon receiving the actuation
signal. The actuator is further configured to stop dispensation of oil from the
filling gun upon receiving the de-actuation signal.
In an embodiment, the sensor is selected from the group consisting of an inductive
proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a limit switch, an optical sensor,
an Infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and a hall effect sensor.
In another embodiment, the lifting unit includes a pneumatic cylinder configured
to displace the stopper member.
In still another embodiment, the user interface is selected from the group
consisting of push buttons, touch screen, toggle switch, and keypad.
The present disclosure also envisages a method for filling steering oil in a steering
sub-assembly filling.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A steering oil filling system and a method thereof of the present disclosure will
now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a steering oil filling system;
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view the system of Figure 1;
Figure 3 illustrates a zoom-in view of a stopping mechanism of the system of
Figure 1;
Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of the system of Figure 1;
Figure 5a illustrates a block diagram of a control unit of the system of Figure 1;
Figure 5b illustrates block diagram of an actuation unit of the control unit of
Figure 5a; and
Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method for filling steering oil in a
steering sub-assembly filling.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100-System
102-Control unit
104 -Filling gun
106 - Steering sub-assembly
108 - Filling station
108a-Platform
108b - Conveyor
109 - Stopping mechanism
110 - Stopper member
112- Sensor
114 -Liftingunit
202 - Memory
204 - User interface
205 - Flow detection unit
206 - Actuation unit
208 - Processor
302 - Comparator
304 - Controller
306 - Actuator
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to
the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the
present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details, are set forth,
relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete
understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the
person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be
construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, wellknown
processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques
are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of
explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered
to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the
forms "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well,
unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises,"
"comprising," "including," and "having," are open ended transitional phrases and
therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements,
modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of
one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or
groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process
of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their
performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional
or alternative steps may be employed.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of
the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to
distinguish one element, component, or section from another element, component,
or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a
specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
A steering oil filling system (hereinafter referred as "system 100") and a method
thereof, of the present disclosure, is now being described with reference to Figure
1 through Figure 6.
Referring to Figures 1 to 5b, the present disclosure envisages the steering oil
filling system (100) for a steering sub-assembly (106). The steering sub-assembly
(106) is placed on a filling station (108) that is defined by a platform (108a) and a
conveyor (108b). In an embodiment, the conveyor (108b) extends from the
platform (108a).
The steering oil filling system (100) comprises a filling gun (104), a control unit
(102), and a stopping mechanism (109). The filling gun (104) is configured to
dispense oil in the steering sub-assembly (106).
The control unit (102) is coupled to the filling gun (104) to detect the quantity of
oil being dispensed by the filling gun (104). Further, the control unit (102) is
configured to generate a control signal upon dispensation of a pre-determined
quantity of oil.
In an embodiment, the control unit (102) comprises a memory (202), a user
interface (204), a flow detection unit (205), an actuation unit (206), and a
processor (208).
The memory (202) is configured to store a value corresponding to the predetermined
quantity of oil. The user interface (204) is configured to facilitate an
operator to provide at least one user input. The flow detection unit (205) is
configured to detect the quantity of oil dispensed from the filling gun (104) in real
time, and is further configured to generate a detected value based on the detected
quantity.
The actuation unit (206) is configured to cooperate with the memory (202), the
flow detection unit (205), and the user interface (204). Further, the actuation unit
(206) is configured to:
• generate an actuation signal to dispense oil from the filling gun (104) upon
receiving the user input; and
• generate a de-actuation signal to stop dispensation of oil from the filling
gun (104), when the detected value is equal to the value corresponding to
the pre-determined quantity of oil.
The processor (208) is configured to cooperate with the actuation unit (206) to
receive the de-actuation signal, and is further configured to generate the control
signal upon receiving the de-actuation signal.
In an embodiment, the actuation unit includes a comparator (302), a controller
(304), and an actuator (306). The comparator (302) is configured to compare the
detected value with a value corresponding to the pre-determined quantity of oil,
and is further configured to generate a flag signal when the detected value is equal
to the pre-determined quantity of oil. The controller (304) is configured to
cooperate with the comparator (302) and the user interface (204). The controller
(302) is further configured to:
• receive the flag signal from the comparator (302) to generate the deactuation
signal; and
• receive the user input from the user interface (204) to generate the
actuation signal.
The actuator (306) is configured to cooperate with the controller (304), and is
configured to facilitate dispensation of oil from the filling gun (104) upon
receiving the actuation signal. The actuator (306) is further configured to stop
dispensation of oil from the filling gun (104) upon receiving the de-actuation
signal.
The stopping mechanism (109) is configured to cooperate with the control unit
(102), and is further configured to:
i. provide passage for transferring the steering sub-assembly (106) from the
platform (108a) to the conveyor (108b), upon receiving the control signal
generated by the control unit (102); and
ii. restrict the steering sub-assembly (106) from exiting the platform (108a)
until the control signal is received from the control unit (102).
In an embodiment, the stopping mechanism (109) comprises a stopper member
(110), at least one sensor (112), and a lifting unit (114). The stopper member
(110) is configured at the entrance of the conveyor (108b). The sensor (112) is
disposed downstream of the stopper member (110), and is configured to detect the
passage of the steering sub-assembly (106) through the stopper member (110).
Further, the sensor (112) is configured to generate a sensed signal upon detecting
the passage of the steering sub-assembly (106). The lifting unit (114) is
mechanically coupled to the stopper member (110), and is configured to displace
the stopper member (110) towards:
• a retracted position upon receiving the control signal to provide
passage for transferring the steering sub-assembly (106); and
• an extended position upon receiving the sensed signal to restrict the
steering sub-assembly (106) from exiting the platform (108a).
In an embodiment, the lifting unit (114) is configured to retain the extended
position of the stopper member (110) until the control signal is received from the
control unit (102), thereby restricting those steering sub-assemblies (106) which
are inadequately/partially filled or not filled with oil.
In an embodiment, the sensor (112) is selected from the group consisting of an
inductive proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a limit switch, an
optical sensor, an Infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and a hall effect sensor.
In another embodiment, the lifting unit (114) includes a pneumatic cylinder
configured to displace the stopper member (110).
In still another embodiment, the user interface (204) is selected from the group
consisting of push buttons, touch screen, toggle switch, and keypad.
Referring to Figure 6, the present disclosure also envisages a steering oil filling
method for the steering sub-assembly (106), wherein the steering sub-assembly
(106) is placed on the filling station (108). The method comprises:
At step 602: dispensing oil, from the filling gun (104), in the steering subassembly
(106);
At step 604: detecting, by the control unit (102), the quantity of oil dispensed by
the filling gun (104);
At step 606: generating, by the control unit (102), the control signal upon
dispensation of a pre-determined quantity of oil; and
At step 608: providing passage to transfer the steering sub-assembly (106), by the
stopping mechanism (109), from the platform (108a) to the conveyor (108b) upon
receiving the control signal.
In an embodiment, the step of generating the control signal by the control unit
(102) includes the further steps of:
• storing, by the memory (202), a value corresponding to the predetermined
quantity of oil;
• receiving at least one user input from an operator by the user interface
(204);
• detecting, by the flow detection unit (205), the quantity of oil
dispensed from the filling gun (104) in real time;
• generating, by the flow detection unit (205), a detected value based on
the detected quantity;
• cooperating, by the actuation unit (206), with the memory (202), the
flow detection unit (205), and the user interface (204), to receive the
pre-determined quantity of oil, the detected value, and the user input
respectively;
• generating the actuation signal, by the actuation unit (206), to dispense
oil from the filling gun (104) upon receiving the user input;
• generating the de-actuation signal, by the actuation unit (206), to stop
dispensation of oil from the filling gun (104), when the detected value
becomes equal to the value corresponding to the pre-determined
quantity of oil; and
• generating the control signal, by the processor (208), upon receiving
the de-actuation signal from the actuation unit (206).
In another embodiment, the step of providing passage to transfer the steering subassembly
(106) further includes the sub-steps of:
• displacing the stopper member (110), by the lifting unit (114), towards
the retracted position upon receiving the control signal to provide
passage for transferring the steering sub-assembly (106) towards the
conveyor (108b); and
• retaining extended position of the stopper member (110), by the lifting
unit (114), until the control signal is received to restrict the steering
sub-assembly (106) from exiting the platform (108a).
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of
illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual
components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular
embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a
departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to
be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages
including, but not limited to, the realization of a steering oil filling system and a
method thereof that:
• eliminates human error;
• ensures adequate filling of steering oil in a steering sub-assembly;
• prevents the partially oil filled steering sub-assemblies to proceed towards
next workstation/storage line; and
• is reliable.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof
are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following
description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques
are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The
examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways
in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of
skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples
should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general
nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge,
readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments
without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and
modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning
and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that
the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description
and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been
described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will
recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within
the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or
more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment
of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and
component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many
embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred
embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and
other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the
disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein,
whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to
be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

WE CLAIM:
1. A steering oil filling system (100) for a steering sub-assembly (106) placed
on a filling station (108) defined by a platform (108a) and a conveyor
(108b), said system (100) comprising:
• a filling gun (104) configured to dispense oil in said steering subassembly
(106);
• a control unit (102) coupled to said filling gun (104), said control
unit (102) configured to detect the quantity of oil dispensed by said
filling gun (104), and further configured to generate a control
signal upon dispensation of a pre-determined quantity of oil; and
• a stopping mechanism (109) cooperating with said control unit
(102), wherein said stopping mechanism (109) is configured to:
i. provide passage for transferring said steering sub-assembly
(106) from said platform (108a) to said conveyor (108b),
upon receiving said control signal; and
ii. restrict said steering sub-assembly (106) from exiting said
platform (108a) until said control signal is received.
2. The steering oil filling system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
control unit (102) comprises:
• a memory (202) configured to store a value corresponding to said
pre-determined quantity of oil;
• a user interface (204) configured to facilitate an operator to provide
at least one user input;
• a flow detection unit (205) configured to detect the quantity of oil
dispensed from said filling gun (104) in real time, and further
configured to generate a detected value based on said detected
quantity;
• an actuation unit (206) configured to cooperate with said memory
(202), said flow detection unit (205), and said user interface (204),
said actuation unit (206) configured to:
i. generate an actuation signal to dispense oil from said filling
gun (104) upon receiving said user input; and
ii. generate a de-actuation signal to stop dispensation of oil
from said filling gun (104), when said detected value is
equal to the value corresponding to said pre-determined
quantity of oil; and
• a processor (208) configured to cooperate with said actuation unit
(206) to receive said de-actuation signal, and further configured to
generate said control signal upon receiving said de-actuation
signal.
3. The steering oil filling system (100) as claimed in claim 1, said stopping
mechanism (109) comprises:
• a stopper member (110) configured at the entrance of said
conveyor (108b);
• at least one sensor (112) disposed downstream of said stopper
member (110), said sensor (112) configured to detect the passage
of said steering sub-assembly (106) through said stopper member
(110), and further configured to generate a sensed signal based on
detection of passage of said steering sub-assembly (106); and
• a lifting unit (114) mechanically coupled to said stopper member
(110), said lifting unit (114) configured to displace said stopper
member (110) towards:
i. a retracted position upon receiving said control signal to
provide passage for transferring said steering sub-assembly
(106); and
ii. an extended position upon receiving said sensed signal to
restrict said steering sub-assembly (106) from exiting said
platform (108a).
4. The steering oil filling system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said
lifting unit (114) is configured to retain the extended position of said
stopper member (110) until said control signal is received from said
control unit (102).
5. The steering oil filling system (100) as claimed in claim 2, said actuation
unit (206) includes:
• a comparator (302) configured to compare the detected value with
a value corresponding to said pre-determined quantity of oil, and
further configured to generate a flag signal when said detected
value is equal to said pre-determined quantity of oil;
• a controller (304) configured to cooperate with said comparator
(302) and said user interface (204), said controller further
configured to:
i. receive said flag signal from said comparator (302) to
generate said de-actuation signal; and
ii. receive said user input from said user interface (204) to
generate said actuation signal; and
• an actuator (306) configured to cooperate with said controller
(304), said actuator (306) configured to facilitate dispensation of
oil from said filling gun (104) upon receiving said actuation signal,
and further configured to stop dispensation of oil from said filling
gun (104) upon receiving said de-actuation signal.
6. The steering oil filling system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said
sensor (112) is selected from the group consisting of an inductive
proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a limit switch, an optical
sensor, an Infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and a hall effect sensor.
7. The steering oil filling system (100) as claimed in claim 3, said lifting unit
(114) includes a pneumatic cylinder configured to displace said stopper
member (110).
8. The steering oil filling system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said
user interface (204) is selected from the group consisting of push buttons,
touch screen, toggle switch, and keypad.
9. A method for filling steering oil in a steering sub-assembly (106), wherein
said steering sub-assembly (106) is placed on a filling station (108) having
a platform (108a) and a conveyor (108b) extending from said platform
(108a), said method comprising the steps of:
• dispensing oil, from a filling gun (104), in said steering subassembly
(106);
• detecting, by a control unit (102), the quantity of oil dispensed by
said filling gun (104);
• generating, by said control unit (102), a control signal upon
dispensation of a pre-determined quantity of oil; and
• providing passage to transfer said steering sub-assembly (106), by
a stopping mechanism (109), from said platform (108a) to said
conveyor (108b) upon receiving said control signal.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the step of generating said
control signal by said control unit (102) includes the further steps of:
• storing, by a memory (202), a value corresponding to said predetermined
quantity of oil;
• receiving at least one user input from an operator by a user
interface (204);
• detecting, by a flow detection unit (205), the quantity of oil
dispensed from said filling gun (104) in real time;
• generating, by said flow detection unit (205), a detected value
based on said detected quantity;
• cooperating, by an actuation unit (206), with said memory (202),
said flow detection unit (205), and said user interface (204), to
receive said pre-determined quantity of oil, said detected value,
and said user input respectively;
• generating an actuation signal, by said actuation unit (206), to
dispense oil from said filling gun (104) upon receiving said user
input;
• generating a de-actuation signal, by said actuation unit (206), to
stop dispensation of oil from said filling gun (104), when said
detected value becomes equal to the value corresponding to said
pre-determined quantity of oil; and
• generating said control signal, by a processor (208), upon receiving
said de-actuation signal from said actuation unit (206).
11. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the step of providing passage
to transfer said steering sub-assembly (106) further includes the sub-step
of:
• displacing a stopper member (110), by a lifting unit (114), towards
a retracted position upon receiving said control signal to provide
passage for transferring said steering sub-assembly (106) towards
said conveyor (108b); and
• retaining extended position of said stopper member (110), by said
lifting unit (114), until said control signal is received to restrict said
steering sub-assembly (106) from exiting said platform (108a).