CVT Gerotor Pump Integration for Lubrication and Cooling Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toroidal Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) require separate systems for lubrication and cooling, which can be inefficient and complex, lacking an integrated solution for fluid management.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a gerotor pump within the CVT to pump lubrication and cooling fluid through a radiator and into the hollow shaft, utilizing a rotation blocker/pump assembly with intake, send, and return arms to manage fluid flow efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate systems are used for lubrication and cooling in toroidal CVTs, then each function can be independently optimized, but the overall system complexity increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate lubrication and cooling fluid management systems into a single integrated gerotor pump system. The gerotor pump simultaneously handles both lubrication fluid delivery to the toroidal surfaces and cooling fluid circulation through the radiator, reducing the number of separate pumps, fluid passages, and control mechanisms while maintaining reliable lubrication and cooling functions.
2Productivity
If a gerotor pump is integrated into the CVT, then fluid management is simplified and efficiency improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gerotor pump assembly is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs fluid pumping, rotation blocking, and structural support functions within the CVT. The pump housing serves both as a fluid containment structure and as a mounting framework for the gerotor mechanism, while the pump shaft provides both rotational drive and positional constraint functions, thereby consolidating multiple functions into a single integrated assembly that improves fluid management efficiency without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
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 integration simplifies fluid management, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of lubrication and cooling within the CVT by directly pumping fluid where needed, reducing complexity and improving performance.
Implementation Method 1
Integration of a gerotor pump within the CVT to pump lubrication and cooling fluid through a radiator and into the hollow shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
A continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided with an integrated gerotor pump that also acts as a rotation blocker is described herein. In one illustrated embodiment, the gerotor pump is used to pump lubrication and cooling fluid through a radiator and into the hollow shaft of the CVT.