Conical CVT Oil Filter Structure for Lower Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing continuously variable transmission (CVT) oil filters suffer from premature failure due to significant flow impedance and pressure differentials, leading to operational issues such as jerking and bucking, especially as debris accumulates, necessitating costly and frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
A novel CVT oil filter design featuring a pliable, corrugated filter media and a conical configuration that reduces irreversible pressure losses by expanding the fluid flow path, combined with a resilient gasket and rigid frame to enhance structural support and sealing, thereby minimizing pressure differentials and improving fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional cylindrical filter with rigid frame is used, then structural support is provided, but flow impedance increases and pressure differential rises
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into multiple circumferential sections with radial slots that allow oil to pass through the rigid frame structure. This segmentation transforms the frame from a solid flow-blocking structure into a flow-facilitating structure, reducing pressure differential while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid frame is designed with radial slots and circumferential openings that create a porous-like flow path structure. This allows the frame to provide structural support while simultaneously facilitating oil flow through its openings, reducing flow impedance and energy loss.
2Reliability
If filter media accumulates debris, then filtration function is maintained, but flow through the filter decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter media is configured in a conical shape rather than a flat cylindrical form. This dimensional change creates a gradient in flow distribution, with the larger base area at the inlet providing greater flow capacity that compensates for debris accumulation, maintaining both filtration reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical filter media is nested within the cylindrical housing and supported by the segmented rigid frame structure. This nested configuration allows the filter media to be contained while the frame's radial slots provide additional flow paths that maintain productivity even as the media accumulates debris.
3Reliability
If the filter is designed with tight sealing, then leakage is prevented, but access and replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is designed as a removable unit that can be extracted from the housing through the access opening. The sealing function is integrated into the filter assembly itself rather than being fixed to the housing, allowing the filter to be removed and replaced without disassembling the entire housing structure.
4Loss of energy
If a conical filter media configuration is used, then pressure losses are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conical filter media, rigid frame support structure, and sealing elements are merged into a single integrated filter assembly that is molded or assembled as one unit. This combining of components simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of separate parts and assembly steps, while the conical configuration remains intact to reduce pressure losses.
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 new filter design significantly extends the lifespan of CVT transmissions by reducing pressure losses and preventing operational issues, ensuring smoother vehicle performance and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
Filter media 118 permits the flow of oil 112 therethrough, while capturing particulate debris
Implementation Method 2
an O-ring 128 is disposed around second end structure 124 to form a seal between second end structure 124 and housing 104
Data Source
AI summary
A filter configured to replace an original filter disposed in a cavity in a transmission, increases fluid flow rate through the filter. An example filter includes a bottom structure configured to mate with the bottom portion of the cavity, and the bottom structure defines an outlet through which oil passes from the cavity to the outlet of the housing. The filter also includes a filter media having a bottom portion and an opposite top portion, the bottom portion being coupled to the bottom structure of the filter. In the example filter system, the outer diameter of the bottom portion of the filter media is greater than the outer diameter of the top portion of the filter media.