Automatic Transmission Clutch Valve Pressure Limiting for Faster Shifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hydraulic circuitry in factory-installed automatic transmissions, such as the 6L80, is slow in applying the 2-6 clutch regulator valve, which hinders the engine's ability to maintain increased engine power during shifts.
Innovation Solution
A check ball and spring arrangement is introduced to limit balance oil pressure to a predetermined value, allowing the clutch regulator valve to quickly move by exhausting excess oil pressure, reducing shift time to 0.2-0.3 seconds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If balance oil pressure is applied to the second end of the clutch regulator valve to oppose the apply pressure, then the shift time is extended to allow smooth clutch engagement, but the shift completion time becomes too slow to maintain increased engine power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter of the balance oil by introducing a check ball and spring mechanism that limits balance oil pressure to a predetermined value (preferably 42 psi). This parameter change allows the balance oil to provide sufficient opposition for smooth engagement while preventing excessive pressure that would slow down shift completion, thereby resolving the contradiction between extended shift time and power maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the uncontrolled balance oil pressure system with a mechanically regulated system using a check ball and spring. This substitution creates a pressure-limiting mechanism that automatically regulates the balance oil pressure, enabling the system to achieve both smooth engagement and fast shift completion without manual intervention or complex electronic control.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the clutch regulator valve is designed to slowly move in a first direction to complete shifts, then smooth clutch engagement is achieved, but the valve response speed becomes too slow to hold increased engine power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic pressure regulation by allowing the balance oil pressure to change during the shift process. The check ball and spring mechanism enables the balance oil to initially oppose the apply pressure for smooth engagement, then automatically releases when the apply pressure exceeds the predetermined limit, creating a dynamic response that adapts to the shifting conditions and achieves both smoothness and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The check ball and spring mechanism provides automatic feedback control for the balance oil pressure. When the apply pressure exceeds the predetermined limit, the check ball is displaced and unseated, automatically releasing the balance oil. This feedback mechanism ensures the valve responds appropriately to pressure changes, achieving both smooth engagement and fast response without external control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If no limit is placed on balance oil pressure, then the clutch can be engaged under various load conditions, but the balance oil pressure opposes the apply pressure excessively, slowing down the shift completion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a predetermined pressure parameter (preferably 42 psi) for the balance oil using the check ball and spring mechanism. This parameter setting allows the system to adapt to various load conditions while preventing excessive balance oil pressure that would slow down shift completion. The fixed pressure limit provides a optimal balance between adaptability and shift speed.
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
The modification enables faster clutch regulator valve shifts, allowing the transmission to maintain increased engine power during shifts.
Implementation Method 1
Oil pressure applied to one end of the valve is opposed by balance oil pressure and the resilient force of a spring applied to the other end of the valve
Implementation Method 2
the resilient force of a spring applied to the other end of the valve
Implementation Method 3
resulting in the exhaust or leaking of the balance oil applied to the second end of the clutch regulator valve
Data Source
AI summary
The hydraulic circuitry of a factory installed automatic automotive transmission is modified to include a check ball and spring to limit balance oil to a predetermined pressure applied to first end of the clutch regulator valve. When the onboard automobile computer ramps up solenoid oil pressure applied to the clutch regulator valve through a gain valve that acts on a first end of the clutch regulator valve, this pressure is opposed by a spring as well as clutch balance oil pressure that is routed and applied to a second opposite end of the clutch regulator valve. The arrangement limits the balance oil pressure applied to the second end of the clutch regulator valve to a predetermined maximum value so the onboard computer regulates the clutch up to that predetermined value. When the pressure/force applied to the second end of the clutch regulator valve exceeds the predetermined maximum value, a check ball disposed at the second end of the clutch regulator valve, held in place by a spring, is displaced and unseated from a seat in a valve bore, resulting in the exhaust or leaking of the balance oil applied to the second end of the clutch regulator valve so that the oil pressure applied to the first end of the clutch regulator valve is no longer opposed by the balance oil applied to the second end of the clutch regulator valve, thereby enabling the clutch regulator valve to quickly move in a direction to complete the shift and to hold added engine power during the shift.