Transmission Accumulator Plate Hooks Against Bending Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accumulator plates in automotive transmission systems are prone to bending or breaking due to the activation pressure from accumulator pistons and springs, especially in modern high-performance transmission systems.
Innovation Solution
The improved accumulator plate device features an elongated plate body with increased cross-sectional area, high-grade materials, and formed-in hooks that wrap around a lip on the valve body, providing additional securing features to resist bending and breaking forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If standard accumulator plates are used in modern high-performance transmission systems, then the transmission system can operate, but the accumulator plate is prone to bending or breaking due to high activation pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the accumulator plate by increasing its thickness and modifying its geometric dimensions. The plate is designed with a thickness of 0.060 inches to 0.125 inches (increased from standard 0.030 inches to 0.060 inches), and the cross-sectional area is increased by 100% or more in certain areas. These parameter changes directly address the strength issue by making the plate capable of withstanding higher activation pressures without bending or breaking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies the use of high-grade materials with enhanced mechanical properties. The accumulator plate is made from materials with a minimum yield strength of 30,000 PSI and a minimum ultimate tensile strength of 60,000 PSI (compared to standard materials with 20,000 PSI yield strength). This material upgrade creates a composite solution that combines increased thickness with superior material strength, ensuring the plate can withstand modern high-performance transmission pressures.
2Strength
If the accumulator plate is made thicker and stronger, then it can withstand higher pressures, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the accumulator plate into distinct functional zones with different thicknesses and structural characteristics. The plate includes a first portion with a first thickness and a second portion with a second thickness greater than the first thickness. This segmentation allows the plate to have increased strength where needed (in areas subject to higher pressures) while maintaining simpler geometry in less critical areas, thus balancing strength requirements with manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the increased thickness and structural reinforcement in specific areas of the plate where activation pressures are highest. The cross-sectional area is increased by 100% or more in certain localized regions rather than uniformly throughout the entire plate. This approach provides the necessary strength enhancement only where required, avoiding unnecessary complexity in areas that don't require additional reinforcement.
3Strength
If the accumulator plate cross-sectional area is increased, then it can absorb more pressure, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates reinforcement features directly into the plate manufacturing process rather than adding them as separate post-processing steps. The increased cross-sectional area and varying thickness profiles are built-in during the initial plate formation process. This preliminary action approach allows the complex geometry to be manufactured in a single operation, avoiding the need for additional welding, bonding, or assembly steps that would increase manufacturing complexity and cost.
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 enhanced accumulator plate device is stronger and less prone to bending or breaking, effectively absorbing applied pressures from accumulator piston and spring impacts, thereby improving the durability and reliability of the transmission system.
Implementation Method 1
The accumulator plate device is configured to attach to the valve body and absorb applied pressure from accumulator piston and spring impact to the elongated plate body
Data Source
AI summary
An accumulator plate device attachable to a transmission valve body. The accumulator plate device is stronger than existing accumulator plates and is able to resist bending and breaking forces from valve and spring activation pressures. The accumulator plate device employs novel securing features integrated into or attached to the accumulator plate device at various locations designed to resist the higher pressures. The securing features are designed to engage specific locations on a lip of a lateral edge of the transmission valve body to prevent damage to the accumulator plate device from mechanical stress on the accumulator plate device from the hydraulic pressure inside the transmission valve body.