Automatic Transmission Fluid Exchange With Filter Clog Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for replacing transmission fluid in automatic gear shifts of motor vehicles do not automatically determine if the filter needs replacement, leading to empirical decisions based on mileage thresholds, which may not account for filter clogging due to wear and tear.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a first and second tube connectable to the gear shift, a first tank for fresh fluid, a second tank for exhausted fluid, three-way electro valves, pressure gauges, a temperature sensor, and weighing means to detect fluid pressure, flow direction, and quantity, allowing the system to determine if the filter needs replacement based on flow characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator decides on filter replacement based on empirical mileage thresholds, then the decision process is simple, but the accuracy of determining actual filter condition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/empirical decision-making process (mileage-based filter replacement) with an electronic sensing and control system. Pressure sensors detect actual fluid pressure conditions, and a control unit processes this data to automatically determine when filter replacement is needed, substituting empirical judgment with precise electronic measurement and logic-based decision making
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring transmission fluid pressure through sensors and using this real-time data to assess filter condition. The control unit receives pressure information, compares it against threshold values, and automatically determines replacement timing, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to actual operating conditions rather than relying on predetermined mileage schedules
2Productivity
If the cooling circuit is interrupted for connection to the replacement station, then the fluid exchange can be performed, but the operational time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-heating the transmission fluid using the vehicle's operating temperature before fluid exchange begins. The control unit monitors temperature and prepares the fluid in advance, ensuring optimal viscosity and flow conditions are established before the actual replacement process starts, thereby reducing overall service time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by keeping the cooling circuit connected and operational throughout the fluid exchange process. The system allows fluid exchange to occur while the circuit remains intact and functional, eliminating complete interruptions and enabling the process to proceed without stopping the vehicle's cooling system operation
3Ease of operation
If pressure gauges are used to detect ATF pressure for automatic flow direction control, then the connection process is simplified, but the system cannot determine filter clogging condition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control unit that processes pressure sensor data and translates it into meaningful diagnostic information. The control unit acts as a mediator between the raw pressure measurements and the decision-making process, analyzing pressure differentials across the filter to determine clogging conditions while maintaining the automated connection benefits
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
Enables automatic determination of filter replacement needs by analyzing fluid flow and pressure, ensuring timely filter replacement and optimizing fluid exchange processes by minimizing circuit length and ensuring accurate temperature-based measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a first pressure gauge and a second pressure gauge which are operatively active respectively on the first tube and on the second tube so as to detect the pressure of the transmission fluid
Implementation Method 2
a first three-way electro valve configured to establish a selective communication between the first tube and the first tank or between the first tube and the second tank; a second three-way electro valve configured to establish a selective communication between the second tube and the first tank or between the first tube and the second tank
Implementation Method 3
a temperature sensor, ensuring accurate temperature-based measurements
Implementation Method 4
weighing means to detect fluid pressure, flow direction, and quantity
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (1) for replacing an exhausted transmission fluid of an automatic gear shift (200) of a motor vehicle with a fresh transmission fluid, comprising: a first tube (2) and a second tube (3), respectively connectable to two different access points of the automatic gear shift (200), a corresponding pressure gauge (8, 9) being active on each of the tubes (2, 3); a first tank (4) for the fresh transmission fluid; a second tank (6) for the exhausted transmission fluid; a first three-way electro valve (14) configured to establish a selective communication between the first tube (2) and the first tank (4) or between the first tube (2) and the second tank (6); a second three-way electro valve (15) configured to establish a selective communication between the second tube (3) and the first tank (4) or between said second tube (3) and said second tank (6); an oleodynamic manifold (16) having a box-like casing housing the three-way electro valve (14, 15) and the pressure gauges (8, 9), a first calibrated throttling (112) being present between the first pressure gauge (8) and the first three-way electro valve (14) and a second calibrated throttling (113) being present between said second pressure gauge (9) and said second three-way electro valve (15).