Drive Assembly Passive Lubrication for Remote Brake Chamber Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drive assemblies in work vehicles face challenges in adequately lubricating components, especially those at remote or confined locations, due to the increased cost, weight, and complexity of active lubrication systems, and lack of control in passive lubrication techniques which can lead to excessive frictional losses.
Innovation Solution
A drive assembly with passive pump lubrication that utilizes existing components to pump lubricating fluid from a lower reservoir to higher elevations or remote locations without dedicated pumps, valves, or plumbing, using meshed gears and a friction pack to communicate fluid through metering orifices for controlled distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active lubrication systems with dedicated pumps, valves, and plumbing are used, then lubrication control and delivery to remote areas is improved, but device complexity, cost, and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing moving components (gears and friction pack) within the drive assembly to perform the lubrication function. These components automatically pump lubricating fluid from the reservoir to targeted areas without requiring external pumps, valves, or control systems. The lubrication service is provided by the system's own operational components during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Existing components serve multiple functions: the meshed gears both transmit mechanical power and pump lubricating fluid to the brake chamber, while the rotating friction pack both provides braking force and pumps lubricating fluid to the upper shaft bearing. This eliminates the need for dedicated lubrication system components.
2Device complexity
If passive lubrication techniques like splash lubrication are used, then device complexity is reduced, but lubrication control and effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes hydraulic principles by employing the pressure generated during the meshing operation of gears and the rotation of the friction pack to pump lubricating fluid through metering orifices to specific lubrication points. This controlled fluid delivery ensures adequate lubrication without requiring complex active pump systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls lubrication delivery by incorporating metering orifices that regulate fluid flow based on operational parameters. The lubrication rate is automatically adjusted according to the speed and load conditions of the drive assembly, providing controlled lubrication effectiveness without complex control systems.
3Reliability
If lubricating fluid is delivered to remote or confined locations, then component lubrication is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The meshed gears and rotating friction pack act as intermediary pumping mechanisms that transfer lubricating fluid from the reservoir to remote lubrication points (brake chamber and upper shaft bearing) that would be difficult or expensive to reach with traditional lubrication systems. These existing components mediate the fluid delivery without requiring additional dedicated delivery mechanisms.
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 solution provides effective lubrication to drive assembly components without additional components, reducing frictional losses and operational inefficiencies while maintaining adequate lubrication levels, thus extending component life and improving drive assembly performance.
Implementation Method 1
The pair of meshed gears is driven to rotate by one or more of the upper and lower shafts, and the gears communicate lubricating fluid from the receptacle to the lower portion of the brake chamber through the metering orifice
Implementation Method 2
The friction pack is within the brake chamber and driven to rotate by the upper shaft. Rotation of the friction pack pumps lubricating fluid to the exit port at the upper portion of the brake chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A drive assembly includes a housing, upper and lower shafts, a friction pack, and a pair of meshed gears. The housing defines a receptacle containing a volume of lubricating fluid, a brake chamber with a metering orifice in a lower portion of the brake chamber, and an exit port at an upper portion of the brake chamber. The upper and lower shafts are within the housing at different elevations and configured for rotation. The friction pack is within the brake chamber and driven to rotate by the upper shaft. The pair of meshed gears is driven to rotate by one or more of the upper and lower shafts, and the gears communicate lubricating fluid from the receptacle to the lower portion of the brake chamber through the metering orifice. Rotation of the friction pack pumps lubricating fluid to the exit port at the upper portion of the brake chamber.