Vehicle Drive-Force Transmission Oil Pump Inlet Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing drive-force transmitting apparatuses in vehicles face the risk of galling due to oil leakage or discharge through a drain hole, leading to an oil-less state within the casing, which can cause mechanical issues in the drive-force transmitting mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus is designed with a specific configuration where the inlet ports of the oil pumps are positioned relative to the drain hole such that the first oil pump can suck oil from lower portions even when the oil level is below the drain hole, ensuring continuous lubrication, and the second oil pump is unable to suck oil, allowing for early detection of an oil-less state to prevent galling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drain hole is provided at a certain height in the casing, then oil can be discharged to the exterior, but oil may leak or be discharged when the drain plug is removed, causing the vehicle to run in an oil-less state
Solution Approach 1:
The oil pump inlet is divided into multiple ports at different heights (first inlet port at lower height, second inlet port at higher height), allowing the system to selectively access oil at different levels. This segmentation enables the lower inlet port to continue drawing oil even when the oil level drops below the drain hole, preventing the oil-less state while maintaining the drain hole's functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution introduces a vertical height dimension to the inlet port configuration. By placing inlet ports at different vertical levels, the system creates a height-based hierarchy where the lower inlet port serves as a backup oil supply source when the main oil level decreases, thus adding a dimensional safeguard against oil leakage issues.
2Ease of repair
If the drain plug is removed from the drain hole, then oil can be changed to new oil, but oil may leak or be discharged to the exterior of the casing
Solution Approach 1:
The lower inlet port is pre-positioned below the drain hole level, creating a preliminary safeguard that ensures oil supply continuity even during oil change operations when the drain plug is removed. This preliminary configuration prevents the system from entering an oil-less state during maintenance activities.
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 configuration ensures that the drive-force transmitting mechanism remains lubricated, preventing galling and allowing for timely intervention when the oil level becomes critically low, thereby maintaining the operational integrity of the vehicle's drivetrain.
Implementation Method 1
first oil pump which is to be driven by the output portion and which is to suck, through an inlet port thereof, oil stored in a bottom portion of the casing
Implementation Method 2
second oil pump which is to be driven by the input portion and which is to suck, through an inlet port thereof, oil stored in a bottom portion of the casing
Implementation Method 3
such that the drive-force transmitting mechanism is lubricated by the oil pumped up by the first and second oil pumps
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle drive-force transmitting apparatus including: a casing; a drive-force transmitting mechanism disposed in the casing; and first and second oil pumps configured to suck, through respective inlet ports thereof, oil stored in a bottom portion of a casing, such that the drive-force transmitting mechanism is lubricated by the oil pumped up by the first and second oil pumps. The casing is provided with a drain hole through which the oil stored in the bottom portion of the casing is to be discharged to an exterior of the casing. A position of opening of the inlet port of the first oil pump is lower than a position of a lower end of the drain hole, and a position of opening of the inlet port of the second oil pump is higher than the position of the lower end of the drain hole.