Dynamic Clutch Pack Lubrication for Powershift Transmission Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional work vehicle powershift transmissions (PSTs) face inefficiencies in lubricant distribution, leading to suboptimal cooling and increased energy losses due to constant lubricant flow rates, which can result in excessive heat generation and reduced clutch pack lifespan.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent clutch lubrication system that dynamically varies lubricant flow through dynamically-lubricated clutch packs using a controller architecture and lubricant control valves, temporarily boosting lubricant flow during clutch engagement based on real-time cooling demands and operational conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If constant lubricant flow rate is used through clutch packs, then lubrication system simplicity is maintained, but heat dissipation efficiency deteriorates and energy losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic lubricant flow control by varying the flow rate through clutch packs based on real-time operational conditions. The system transitions from constant flow to variable flow, adjusting lubricant delivery according to clutch engagement state, load conditions, and temperature requirements, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency while adapting to changing operational demands
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the lubricant flow rate parameter dynamically based on operational conditions. By adjusting flow rate as a variable parameter rather than maintaining a constant value, the system optimizes cooling efficiency during high-load operations while reducing energy consumption during low-demand periods, directly addressing the heat dissipation versus system complexity contradiction
2Temperature
If high lubricant flow rate is maintained continuously, then cooling efficiency is improved, but energy losses and windage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies periodic or pulsed lubricant flow rather than continuous flow. By delivering lubricant in controlled bursts or at specific intervals based on clutch engagement and operational needs, the system maintains adequate cooling efficiency while significantly reducing overall energy losses and windage effects that occur with continuous high-flow operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies lubricant flow selectively and partially rather than continuously at full rate. By providing adequate lubrication and cooling only when and where needed based on real-time conditions, the system achieves sufficient cooling efficiency while minimizing excessive energy consumption and windage losses associated with maintaining high flow rates during all operational phases
3Temperature
If increased lubricant volume is used for cooling, then heat dissipation is improved, but lubricant consumption and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the lubricant flow rate parameter dynamically based on operational conditions. By adjusting flow rate as a variable parameter rather than maintaining a constant value, the system optimizes cooling efficiency during high-load operations while reducing energy consumption during low-demand periods, directly addressing the heat dissipation versus system complexity contradiction
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
Enhances heat dissipation, reduces lubricant volume usage, and minimizes energy losses and windage within the PST clutch packs, potentially allowing for downsizing of the lubricant supply pump.
Implementation Method 1
a supply pump to move lubricant through the lubricant flow circuit and the clutch lubrication loop
Implementation Method 2
a first lubricant control (LC) valve positioned in the clutch lubrication loop at a location upstream of the first clutch pack... control the first LC valve to temporarily boost lubricant flow to the first DL clutch pack
Implementation Method 3
temporarily boosting lubricant flow to the first DL clutch pack when initially moved into the engaged position... Enhances heat dissipation
Implementation Method 4
lubricant flow through clutch packs... suboptimal cooling and increased energy losses... Enhances heat dissipation
Implementation Method 5
excessive heat generation... minimized energy losses and windage within the PST clutch packs
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent clutch lubrication system includes a first dynamically-lubricated clutch pack, a supply pump, a first lubricant control (LC) valve, and a lubricant flow circuit having a clutch lubrication loop in which the first clutch pack is positioned. When active, the supply pump urges lubricant flow about the lubricant flow circuit and through the clutch lubrication loop. The first LC valve is positioned in the clutch lubrication loop at a location upstream of the first clutch pack, while a controller architecture is operably coupled to the first LC valve. the controller architecture is configured to control the first LC valve to temporarily boost lubricant flow to the first DL clutch pack when moving into an engaged position during operation of the intelligent clutch lubrication system.