Bi-directional Pump Flow Controller for Transmission Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bi-directional pumps in vehicle transmissions require complex systems and additional components to maintain lubrication in both forward and reverse directions, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional pump design featuring a pump housing with a fluid pressurizer and a flow controller that selectively connects first and second passages to a pump outlet, allowing fluid flow in both directions while providing a uni-directional output, thus simplifying and cost-reducing the lubrication system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a second pump system with reverse gearing is implemented, then lubrication in reverse direction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single pump system is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating a flow controller with positions for both forward and reverse passages. The pump housing includes both a forward passage and a reverse passage that can be selectively connected to the pump outlet, allowing one pump to provide lubrication in both forward and reverse directions without requiring separate pump systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow controller is made movable between different positions to dynamically switch the connection between the pump outlet and either the forward passage or the reverse passage. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to different operating modes (forward or reverse) and ensures proper lubrication flow direction based on the current transmission mode.
2Reliability
If complex valve systems are added to reroute lubrication flow, then reverse direction lubrication is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow controller is integrated directly into the pump housing structure, merging the valve function with the pump body. The flow controller includes a ball element and seating surfaces that are part of the pump housing assembly, eliminating the need for separate, complex valve systems. The forward passage and reverse passage are both incorporated into the pump housing, and the flow controller selectively connects them to the pump outlet.
3Reliability
If a gear and clutch cluster are used to convert bi-directional input to unidirectional output, then pump operation reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is segmented into distinct functional components: a forward passage for forward direction flow, a reverse passage for reverse direction flow, and a flow controller with selectable positions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together in a coordinated manner, eliminating the need for complex gear and clutch mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A bi-directional pump, comprising: a pump housing, the pump housing comprising a pump outlet; a fluid pressurizer positioned in the pump housing and configured to provide fluid flow selectively in a first direction and a second direction; a first passage positioned in the pump housing and a second passage positioned in the pump housing; a junction fluidly positioned in the pump housing connecting the first and second passages to the pump outlet; and a flow controller positioned in the pump housing to move relative thereto.