One-Way Clutch Fluid Routing for Strut Actuation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
One-way clutches in automotive transmissions face issues at high speeds due to inadvertent actuation of the strut, leading to engagement problems and reduced longevity.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a rocker mechanism with a fluid passage and notch configuration to manage fluid flow and pressure differentials, preventing inadvertent actuation and ensuring smooth operation by defining distinct cross-sectional areas to mitigate fluid pressure on the strut.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the strut moves to the engaged position at high speeds, then the one-way clutch can transfer torque between inner race and outer race, but the strut experiences inadvertent actuation leading to engagement problems and reduced longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid passage functionality from the traditional clutch design by creating a dedicated passage through the outer race that directs fluid flow away from the strut. This separation allows the fluid circulation system to operate independently without inadvertently actuating the strut, thereby improving actuation reliability while maintaining clutch longevity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluid as an intermediary substance that mediates between the spinning inner race and the outer race. The fluid carries lubrication to reduce wear and heat, while the controlled fluid passage ensures the intermediary substance does not cause harmful side effects like inadvertent strut actuation, thus protecting the clutch components for longer operation.
2Ease of operation
If fluid flows through the one-way clutch to facilitate smooth actuation, then the components achieve longevity, but fluid pressure differentials cause inadvertent strut actuation at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid flow path into distinct regions: an inlet region that receives fluid from the spinning inner race, a passage region that directs fluid flow, and an outlet region that discharges fluid away from the strut. This segmentation allows fluid to provide smooth actuation in its designated path while preventing pressure differentials from inadvertently actuating the strut by isolating it from the fluid flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific fluid passage geometry in the outer race that has different properties at different locations. The passage is positioned and sized to provide adequate lubrication where needed while creating a pressure gradient that directs fluid away from the strut, ensuring smooth actuation locally without compromising overall actuation control.
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 enhances the reliability and longevity of one-way clutches at high speeds by controlling fluid flow and pressure, reducing the likelihood of premature engagement and wear, thereby improving operational stability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The outer race may include a first end that may be adjacent to the trailing edge and a second end adjacent to the leading edge. The trailing edge may define a fluid passage.
Implementation Method 2
The design incorporates a rocker mechanism with a fluid passage and notch configuration to manage fluid flow and pressure differentials, preventing inadvertent actuation
Implementation Method 3
The one-way clutch generally includes a lubricant such as oil that flows through the one-way clutch to facilitate smooth actuation and longevity of the components of the one-way clutch.
Data Source
AI summary
A one-way clutch is provided. The one-way clutch may include an inner race and an outer race that may be provided with a pocket defining a leading edge and a trailing edge that may define a fluid passage. The one-way clutch may also include a rocker. The rocker may be disposed between the inner and outer races and include first and second ends. The first end may define first cross-sectional area and the second end, and the leading edge may define a second cross-sectional area that is less than the first.