Axle Assembly Ring Gear Lubrication System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional axle assemblies with splash lubrication systems and rotary fluid pumps are costly, necessitating an improved lubrication method for differential gearsets and support bearings.
Innovation Solution
An axle assembly with an auxiliary collecting means that includes a second sump and a scraper to collect and drain lubricant onto the pinion and ring gear teeth, enhancing lubrication efficiency without the need for a fluid pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotary fluid pump is used for lubrication, then lubrication effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring gear itself serves as the lubrication mechanism by collecting lubricant in the first sump and distributing it through its teeth during rotation, eliminating the need for a separate fluid pump. The system uses the natural rotation of the ring gear to achieve both lubrication collection and distribution functions
Solution Approach 2:
The ring gear performs multiple functions: it transmits power, reduces gear mesh noise, and distributes lubricant to the differential bearings. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated lubrication components like fluid pumps
2Device complexity
If splash lubrication is used, then device complexity is reduced, but lubrication distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ring gear acts as an intermediary between the lubricant reservoir and the differential bearings, collecting lubricant in its teeth and systematically distributing it to ensure uniform coverage of all bearing surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The ring gear pre-collects and stores lubricant in its teeth before distribution, ensuring that lubricant is readily available and uniformly applied to all bearing surfaces during rotation
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 solution provides effective lubrication for axle assemblies, reducing costs and improving lubrication distribution, thereby enhancing the durability and performance of the differential gearsets and support bearings.
Implementation Method 1
rotating the ring gear through the first sump to cause a lubricant in the first sump to cling to the ring gear
Implementation Method 2
The drain is configured to at least partly drain the second sump directly onto at least one of the teeth of the pinion and the teeth of the ring gear
Data Source
AI summary
An axle assembly having an axle assembly with first and second sumps for holding a lubricant. A rotating ring gear associated with a differential can rotate through the lubricant in the first sump to cause a portion of the lubricant to cling to the ring gear. A portion of the lubricant that has clung to the ring gear can be removed from the ring gear and transferred to the second sump. The lubricant in the second sump can be drained to lubricate teeth of a pinion that is in meshing engagement with the ring gear and/or to lubricate bearings that support the pinion. A related method is also provided.