Auxiliary Transmission Oil Pump Draining for Faster Fluid Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for draining transmission fluid from a transmission are time-consuming and do not ensure complete drainage, leading to inefficiencies and potential performance issues.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing an electrically powered auxiliary transmission fluid pump to power flush the transmission fluid out of the drain hole, with the pump being controlled by a service computer to determine when sufficient fluid has been drained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gravity drainage method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and drainage completeness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary oil pump, originally designed for a single function (providing hydraulic pressure during gear shifts), is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its original clutch engagement function and the additional function of power-flushing transmission fluid during maintenance. This eliminates the need for separate drainage equipment while improving drainage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission system uses its own auxiliary oil pump to perform the drainage function, making the system self-sufficient. No external pumping equipment or additional complex drainage systems are required - the transmission serves its own maintenance needs using existing components.
2Loss of time
If gravity drainage method is used, then equipment cost is reduced, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary oil pump enables continuous, active circulation of transmission fluid through the system, maintaining constant flow velocity throughout the drainage process. This continuous active flushing action ensures complete fluid removal and eliminates the intermittent, passive nature of gravity drainage, reducing both time and improving completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes hydraulic principles by employing the auxiliary oil pump to generate fluid pressure and drive continuous circulation of transmission fluid. This hydraulic approach replaces passive gravitational flow with active pressure-driven flow, achieving faster and more complete drainage.
3Productivity
If auxiliary oil pump is used for power flushing, then productivity and drainage completeness improve, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary oil pump performs dual functions: normal hydraulic operation during vehicle operation and power-flushing during maintenance. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the patent avoids the energy and cost penalties of adding dedicated drainage equipment, making the energy expenditure a beneficial byutilization of existing system capacity.
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
This method allows for a more thorough and efficient drainage of transmission fluid, reducing time and ensuring that all fluid is removed, thereby improving maintenance efficiency and vehicle performance.
Implementation Method 1
The auxiliary oil pump is commanded on such that transmission fluid is pumped throughout the transmission and out of the drain hole
Implementation Method 2
determining, at a hydraulic control solenoid fluidly connected to the drain hole, that a load flow has reached a flow threshold corresponding to a sufficient fluid draining
Data Source
AI summary
A method of draining transmission fluid through a drain hole of a transmission having an electrically driven auxiliary oil pump therein is provided. The method includes enabling, at a service computer, an oil drain service. The auxiliary oil pump is commanded on such that transmission fluid is pumped throughout the transmission and out of the drain hole. A determination is made whether the transmission fluid has sufficiently been drained out of the drain hole. The auxiliary oil pump is commanded off based on a determination that sufficient transmission fluid has been sufficiently drained out of the drain hole.