Axial Fluid Transfer Shaft for Automatic Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for transferring fluids axially along an elongated path to multiple components in automatic transmissions face challenges in efficiently routing fluid to various components, such as friction devices, while maintaining effective sealing and minimizing leakage.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an elongated shaft with a first fluid passageway and a second passageway from its outer surface, combined with an elongated tube member defining axial channels, allows for axial fluid transfer through multiple channels, including separate channels between the tube member and the shaft, enabling efficient fluid routing to multiple components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fluid passageway is used to transfer fluid axially, then the structure is simple, but it cannot efficiently route fluid to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid transfer system is segmented into multiple independent axial channels within the shaft, allowing fluid to be routed to different components through separate pathways. Each channel can be independently controlled, enabling versatile fluid distribution to multiple friction devices and other components along the axial path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single central passageway to multiple axial channels distributed across the shaft's cross-section. This dimensional redistribution allows fluid to reach multiple components at different radial positions while maintaining axial flow direction, thereby increasing routing versatility without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple fluid channels are created to serve multiple components, then fluid distribution is improved, but sealing becomes more difficult and leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible sealing elements such as O-rings, lip seals, or other elastomeric sealing films positioned at critical interfaces between fluid channels and the shaft exterior. These flexible seals conform to slight manufacturing variations and maintain reliable sealing across multiple axial channels, preventing leakage while allowing efficient fluid distribution to multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary sealing components and sealing lands between the fluid channels and the external environment. These intermediary elements act as barriers that isolate each fluid channel, ensuring that improved fluid distribution to multiple components does not compromise sealing integrity or increase leakage.
3Ease of operation
If fluid is transferred to multiple components along an elongated path, then component control is improved, but fluid loss and leakage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes continuous fluid pathways through each axial channel from the fluid source to the target components, eliminating dead zones and ensuring continuous fluid flow. This continuous action allows precise control of multiple components along the elongated axial path while minimizing fluid loss through proper channel design and sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and isolates each fluid channel as a separate, enclosed pathway within the shaft structure. By taking out each channel as an independent fluid transport route with dedicated sealing, the system achieves improved control over multiple components while preventing fluid loss through proper containment of each channel's fluid flow.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for axially transferring fluid may comprise an elongated shaft defining a first fluid passageway axially therethrough and a second fluid passageway from an outer surface thereof to the first fluid passageway. An elongated tube member defines an outer surface that is received within the first fluid passageway and a third fluid passageway axially therethrough. A plurality of axial channels are defined between the tube member and the first fluid passageway or along the tube member separately from the third fluid passageway. At least one of the plurality of axial channels define a first opening near one end thereof that receives fluid from a source of fluid and a second opening axially spaced apart from the first opening and that aligns with the second fluid passageway such that fluid may be transferred by the at least one fluid passageway from the source of fluid through the second fluid passageway.