Dual-Clutch Transmission Oil Circuit with Parallel Pump Cooling Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dual-clutch automatic transmission systems face issues with heat dissipation and lubrication due to mechanical pumps causing large displacement and inefficiency, and existing cooling control structures lack variability to adapt to operating temperatures, leading to high R&D costs and poor practicability.

Innovation Solution

A dual-clutch automatic transmission cooling and lubrication hydraulic control system featuring a mechanical pump and electronic pump in parallel, with clutch and gear lubrication control valves, a cooler connected to the engine cooling system, and a bypass valve to manage oil flow and pressure, allowing for adaptable working modes and efficient lubrication and cooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical pump is used for oil supply, then the transmission can be cooled and lubricated, but the mechanical pump displacement becomes large and fuel economy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling and lubrication capabilityVSAvoidfuel economy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single pump system into two separate pumps: a mechanical pump and an electronic pump. Each pump is optimized for specific operating conditions, allowing the system to achieve reliable cooling and lubrication while improving fuel economy by using the smaller electronic pump when sufficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic pump selection and coordination through control valves. The system can dynamically switch between mechanical pump-only mode, electronic pump-only mode, or combined mode based on operating temperature and cooling requirements, optimizing fuel economy while maintaining reliable cooling and lubrication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a mechanical pump alone is used, then the system is simple, but the working mode is not suitable for hybrid transmission structure and R&D cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structure simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to hybrid transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the dual-pump system with universal applicability to both traditional automatic transmissions and hybrid transmissions. The mechanical pump handles high-flow requirements while the electronic pump provides precise flow control, making the system adaptable to various transmission types without requiring complete redesign.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the electronic pump to provide partial cooling and lubrication flow when full mechanical pump capacity is not needed. This partial action approach allows the system to meet hybrid transmission requirements with reduced mechanical pump displacement, lowering R&D costs while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If the cooling control structure is fixed, then the system is simple, but it cannot be adjusted according to operating temperature and practicability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling control structure simplicityVSAvoidpracticability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic cooling control through temperature-sensitive valves and control mechanisms. The system automatically adjusts the cooling flow distribution between the mechanical pump and electronic pump based on real-time operating temperature, improving practicability while maintaining relatively simple system structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates temperature feedback mechanisms that monitor operating conditions and automatically adjust pump operation and cooling flow distribution. This feedback control enables the system to adapt to varying temperature conditions, significantly improving ease of operation and practicability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 system reduces mechanical pump displacement, enhances oil control, and improves practicability by allowing different working modes and adaptive cooling, resulting in improved fuel economy and reduced R&D costs.

Implementation Method 1

a cooler, connected in series between the first common end and the second common end

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

a cold source conduit of the cooler is connected in a loop with an engine cooling system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

a mechanical pump, the inlet end being connected to the oil tank, and the outlet end of the mechanical pump being connected with the first control valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 4

an electronic pump, the inlet end being connected to the oil tank, the outlet end of the electronic pump being connected with the second control valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Implementation Method 5

a bypass valve that operates in response to a pressure difference across the cooler is connected in parallel at both ends of the cooler

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11255423B2Dual-clutch automatic transmission cooling and lubrication hydraulic control system and vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.02.22 GREAT WALL MOTOR CO LTD
  • US11255423B2 patent drawing
  • US11255423B2 patent drawing
  • US11255423B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention discloses a dual-clutch automatic transmission cooling and lubrication hydraulic control system and a vehicle. The dual-clutch automatic transmission cooling and lubrication hydraulic control system comprises a clutch lubrication control valve whose outlet end is connected with a clutch lubricating oil circuit, a gear lubrication control valve whose outlet end is connected with a gear and bearing lubricating oil circuit, the inlet end of the gear lubrication control valve being connected with the inlet end of the clutch lubrication control valve in parallel at the first common end, further comprises a mechanical pump and an electronic pump whose inlet ends are connected to an oil tank respectively. The outlet end of the mechanical pump and the outlet end of the electronic pump are connected in the second common end in parallel, and a cooler disposed between the first common end and the second common end. The dual-clutch automatic transmission cooling and lubrication hydraulic control system disclosed herein have a variety of working modes, reducing the defects such as large displacement of the mechanical pump when working alone.