Drivetrain Lubrication Reservoir Layout for Lower Rotational Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle drivetrain assemblies experience energy efficiency losses due to lubricant resistance, especially at higher rotary speeds, as existing lubrication systems fail to effectively manage lubricant distribution and volume within the drivetrain components.
Innovation Solution
A lubrication system comprising a housing with a reservoir and conduit, where the conduit extends above the housing interior relative to gravity, routing lubricant displaced by a rotating ring gear from the housing to the reservoir, with strategically angled and sized outlets to optimize lubricant flow and reduce resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lubricant is provided within the housing for seals, bearings and gears, then component lubrication is improved, but resistance to rotation increases especially at higher rotary speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The housing interior is segmented into a lubricant bath region and a component region, with the lubricant bath containing a specific volume of lubricant that is sufficient for lubrication but minimized to reduce rotational resistance. The conduit system segments the lubricant circulation path into distinct injection and return pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the volume parameter of lubricant in the housing by providing only the minimum necessary amount in the lubricant bath, rather than filling the entire housing. This parameter optimization reduces the mass of lubricant that creates rotational resistance while maintaining adequate lubrication levels for component reliability.
2Ease of operation
If conduit extends above housing interior relative to gravity and is routed about exterior, then lubricant flow control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit is routed along the exterior of the housing rather than through the interior, utilizing the external surface as an equipotential path that simplifies installation and maintenance. The conduit extends above the housing interior relative to gravity to ensure proper drainage and flow control without requiring complex internal routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit acts as an intermediary element that connects the housing to the reservoir externally, mediating the lubricant transfer without requiring internal housing modifications. This external routing simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining effective lubricant flow control through gravity-assisted drainage.
3Productivity
If housing outlet is positioned above axis of opening and extends at angle, then lubricant drainage is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing outlet is positioned asymmetrically above the axis of the opening and extends at a specific angle (between 20-90 degrees) relative to the opening axis. This asymmetric positioning optimizes lubricant drainage by utilizing gravity and the angular orientation to direct flow toward the conduit, improving productivity while the specific angular range provides manufacturing tolerances that balance precision requirements with drainage effectiveness.
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 system reduces lubricant resistance and energy losses at higher rotary speeds by efficiently routing lubricant to where it is needed, maintaining adequate lubrication levels within the drivetrain while minimizing volume in the housing, thus enhancing energy efficiency and component lubrication.
Implementation Method 1
at least part of the conduit extends above the housing interior relative to gravity
Implementation Method 2
lubricant is displaced by the ring gear as the ring gear rotates relative to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
In at least some implementations, a vehicle drivetrain assembly includes a housing, a reservoir and a conduit. The housing has a housing interior, a housing inlet communicating with the housing interior, a housing outlet communicating with the housing interior, and an opening communicating with the housing interior and adapted to receive part of a shaft. The reservoir is carried by the housing and has a reservoir interior, a reservoir inlet communicating with the reservoir interior, and at least one reservoir outlet communicating with the reservoir interior. The conduit is coupled at a first end to the housing outlet and coupled at a second end to the reservoir inlet, wherein at least part of the conduit extends above the housing interior relative to gravity, and the conduit is routed about an exterior of the housing.