Double Clutch Transmission Oil Collecting Ring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transmission devices face challenges in implementing dry sump lubrication efficiently, leading to splashing losses and increased energy requirements due to the need for separate pumps and additional components.

Innovation Solution

A dual clutch transmission with a lubricant reservoir and an oil collecting ring that surrounds the clutch chamber, featuring an oil guiding surface to catch and redirect lubricant thrown off during operation, eliminating the need for separate pumps and reducing component count and energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate pump and additional components are used to convey lubricant back into the lubricant reservoir, then effective lubricant circulation is achieved, but device complexity and energy requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubricant circulationVSAvoidcomponent count
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The oil collecting ring autonomously collects and conveys lubricant back to the lubricant reservoir using its own structure and the natural motion of the transmission components, without requiring external pumps or control systems. The ring's rotation and integrated conveyance channels enable self-powered lubricant return.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The oil collecting ring combines multiple functions into a single component: it collects lubricant from the clutch housing, conveys it through integrated channels, and returns it to the lubricant reservoir. This merging eliminates the need for separate pumps, valves, and control units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a separate pump and additional components are used to convey lubricant back into the lubricant reservoir, then effective lubricant circulation is achieved, but energy requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubricant circulationVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the natural rotational motion of the transmission components to drive the oil collecting ring, which in turn powers the lubricant conveyance process. No additional energy input from external pumps or motors is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces an active mechanical pump system with a passive conveyance mechanism that utilizes the existing mechanical motion in the transmission to move lubricant, thereby eliminating the energy consumption associated with dedicated pumping equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If the side of the oil collecting ring facing the clutch housing has protruding components such as ribs, then structural strength is improved, but smooth guidance of lubricant is hindered and foaming increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidfoaming losses
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The oil collecting ring features locally differentiated surfaces: the side facing the clutch housing has a smooth oil guide surface for efficient lubricant flow, while other areas may have different characteristics. This localized quality optimization balances structural needs with fluid guidance requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of adding protruding components to strengthen the structure, the patent inverts the approach by using a smooth, recessed surface that naturally guides lubricant flow. The strength is achieved through the overall ring structure and material selection rather than surface protrusions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Reliability

If additional conveying devices and control units are added to implement dry sump lubrication, then lubrication efficiency is improved, but installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubrication efficiencyVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The oil collecting ring integrates collection, conveyance, and return functions into a single compact component that fits within the existing transmission housing space. No additional external devices or expanded installation space is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The oil collecting ring serves multiple purposes: it acts as a structural component of the transmission, a lubricant collection device, and a conveyance mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components that would increase space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution achieves low churning losses and efficient lubrication with reduced equipment and energy requirements, minimizing splashing and foaming while maintaining effective lubricant circulation and heat dissipation.

Implementation Method 1

a side 34 facing the clutch housing 11, which is designed essentially as an oil guide surface 35 and which has at least one recess 36 for guiding lubricant into the lubricant reservoir 20

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

the side facing the clutch housing is intended to catch lubricant thrown off the clutch housing and feed it to the lubricant reservoir

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface tension and adhesion: Wetting

Data Source

PatentEP3146241B1Double clutch transmission
Publication Date: 2018.04.18 MERCEDES BENZ GROUP AG
  • EP3146241B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3146241B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3146241B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a transmission device (10a; 10b; 10c), in particular a double clutch transmission device, having a transmission housing (43c), having a clutch housing (11a; 11c) which is arranged within the transmission housing (43c), and having a lubricant reservoir (20a; 20b; 20c) for receiving a lubricant for the transmission device (10a; 10b; 10c), which lubricant reservoir (20a; 20b; 20c) comprises an oil trap ring (21a; 21b; 21c) which is connected at least indirectly to the transmission housing and surrounds the clutch housing (11a; 11c) at least partially, wherein the oil trap ring (21a; 21b; 21c) has a side (34a; 34b; 34c) which faces the clutch housing (11a; 11c), is configured substantially as an oil guiding surface (35a; 35b; 35c) and has at least one cut-out (36a; 36b; 36c) which is provided for guiding lubricant into the lubricant reservoir (20a; 20b; 20c), and a double clutch transmission having a gearwheel set, having a dry sump for lubricating the gearwheel set, and having a transmission device (10a; 10b) according to the invention.