Centralized Hydraulic Manifold Pressure Sensor Package
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transmission systems with electronically controlled solenoid operated valves require costly calibration and are sensitive to valve wear and fluid viscosity changes, leading to reduced shifting performance due to the complexity and noise issues associated with piezoelectric pressure transducers.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic manifold assembly with a centralized package containing pressure transducers and a microprocessor, which directs fluid to a central location for pressure monitoring, reducing the need for multiple sensors and minimizing noise sensitivity by grouping transducers and processors in a single unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If piezoelectric pressure transducers are used for pressure sensing, then low cost is achieved, but noise sensitivity increases and signal errors become unacceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pressure transducers and signal processing electronics into a single integrated sensor package. This merging allows the low-cost piezoelectric transducers to be used while providing on-package signal conditioning that filters noise and corrects non-linearities, resolving the contradiction between cost and noise sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary signal conditioning circuitry within the sensor package that acts as a buffer between the piezoelectric transducers and the transmission control unit. This intermediary processes and cleans the signals, preventing noise from affecting the control system while maintaining the use of inexpensive piezoelectric sensors.
2Measurement precision
If discrete pressure transducers are placed throughout the transmission system, then pressure monitoring capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple pressure transducers and their associated electronics into a single integrated sensor package that can be mounted at one location on the transmission. This merging maintains the ability to monitor pressures at multiple points while dramatically reducing system complexity by eliminating the need for multiple discrete sensor installations throughout the transmission system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a multi-port sensor package design that allows a single physical package to interface with multiple hydraulic circuits simultaneously. This dimensional approach enables one package to perform the function of multiple discrete sensors, reducing complexity while maintaining comprehensive pressure monitoring capability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple discrete transducers are used, then pressure sensing coverage is improved, but manufacturing cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple pressure transducers into a single manufactured package, achieving economies of scale in production. This merging allows comprehensive pressure sensing coverage through multiple ports while reducing overall manufacturing cost compared to producing and installing multiple separate transducer units.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor package is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can monitor pressures in multiple hydraulic circuits simultaneously. This multi-functionality provides comprehensive pressure sensing coverage while simplifying manufacturing and installation, as a single universal package replaces the need for multiple specialized sensors.
4Measurement precision
If transducers are positioned remotely from the control unit, then pressure measurement points are increased, but signal transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressure sensing function with the control unit by integrating multiple transducers and signal processing electronics into a single package mounted at or near the transmission control unit. This eliminates the need for complex signal transmission over long distances, as all sensing and processing is centralized in one location.
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 simplifies the system, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances noise resistance, allowing for effective fluid pressure monitoring and control without the need for complex signal transmission, thereby maintaining smooth transmission shifting operations despite valve wear and fluid changes.
Implementation Method 1
Piezoelectric pressure transducers are often a preferred choice in many sensing applications
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic manifold assembly includes a manifold containing a plurality of hydraulic channels that direct fluid to a centralized location and a package disposed at the centralized location to measure fluid pressure at pressure ports corresponding to the hydraulic channels. The manifold assembly directs fluid to the single package rather than scattering fluid outputs to multiple sensor locations, simplifying the overall assembly configuration.