Dual Clutch Device Cooling Oil Flow Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dual clutch transmissions face inefficiencies due to complex cooling circuits and insufficient lubrication, leading to deteriorated shift feel.

Innovation Solution

A dual clutch device that utilizes a drive motor's cooling mechanism to improve lubrication performance by forming a hydraulic line connecting the motor and clutch housings, with an inlet at the motor's upper portion and an outlet at its lower portion, and slanted connecting lines to facilitate cooling oil flow without additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a conventional dual clutch transmission uses a separate cooling circuit for the clutch, then the clutch can be cooled, but the cooling circuit becomes very complicated and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclutch coolingVSAvoidcooling circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the clutch cooling function with the drive motor cooling circuit. The cooling oil flowing unit integrates both cooling functions by forming a hydraulic line that supplies cooling oil to both the drive motor and the clutch through a unified system, eliminating the need for a separate clutch cooling circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling oil flowing unit performs multiple functions: it cools both the drive motor and the clutch simultaneously. The hydraulic line is designed to supply cooling oil to multiple components (drive motor and clutch) through a single integrated system, making the cooling circuit multi-functional.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If a conventional dual clutch transmission uses a complex cooling circuit, then cooling is provided, but lubrication performance becomes insufficient and shift feel deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling performanceVSAvoidlubrication performance

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cooling and lubrication functions into a single integrated system. The cooling oil flowing unit supplies cooling oil that serves both cooling and lubrication purposes to the clutch, eliminating the trade-off between cooling performance and lubrication performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clutch receives both cooling and lubrication from the same cooling oil flowing unit without requiring separate systems. The cooling oil automatically serves dual purposes, and the system self-regulates to provide both functions effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Temperature

If additional components are added to cool the clutch separately, then clutch cooling is improved, but the transmission layout must be altered and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclutch coolingVSAvoidtransmission layout compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the clutch cooling function with the existing drive motor cooling system, eliminating the need for additional separate cooling components. The cooling oil flowing unit utilizes the existing cooling infrastructure while extending it to cover the clutch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling oil flowing unit is designed to work with the existing transmission layout by performing multiple functions (cooling drive motor and clutch) through a single integrated system that adapts to the conventional transmission architecture without requiring fundamental layout changes.

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

This solution enhances lubrication performance, reduces clutch size and length, and improves shift feel without altering the conventional transmission layout.

Implementation Method 1

a cooling channel formed between the motor housing and the drive motor and fluid-connected to the inlet and the outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Convection

Implementation Method 2

the cooling oil is supplied in the cooling channel through the inlet, and wherein the cooling oil is discharged from the cooling channel and the clutch housing through the outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

The connecting line is formed slanted inwardly from the motor housing toward the clutch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity-driven flow: Gravitation

Implementation Method 4

a connecting line fluid-connecting the cooling channel with an inside of the clutch housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS9194442B2Dual clutch device for vehicle

Publication Date: 2015.11.24 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A dual clutch device for a vehicle may include a drive motor provided in a motor housing, a clutch housing connected to the motor housing wherein a clutch may be provided in the clutch housing, and a cooling oil flowing unit forming a hydraulic line fluid-connecting the motor housing and the clutch housing and supplying a cooling oil to the drive motor and the clutch through the hydraulic line.