Flow-Restricting Plug With Indented Rim for Differential Drive Pinion Lubrication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plugs for differential drive pinions require multiple manufacturing steps, increasing costs and weight, and often block lubricating fluid flow due to aperture positioning, leading to inefficiencies in lubrication distribution.
Innovation Solution
A plug with a plate member and rim, where the rim has an indented portion that allows fluid to bypass the plug, reducing manufacturing complexity and weight, and ensuring effective lubrication by positioning the indented passages to allow fluid flow around the plug, preventing blockage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plug with multiple apertures is used to restrict fluid flow, then lubrication is provided to bearings, but the plug blocks a portion of the lubricating fluid flow due to aperture positioning spaced from the interior surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional plate with apertures to a three-dimensional structure by adding a rim that extends radially outward. This dimensional change creates a new flow path around the plug that complements the apertures, allowing fluid to reach bearings through both aperture flow and rim peripheral flow, thereby eliminating flow blockage while maintaining lubrication delivery.
2Reliability
If a rim extends the entire perimeter of the plate to retain the plug, then the plug is securely retained in the passageway, but the diameter of the blank is larger increasing material cost and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing the rim only at specific locations where retention is needed, rather than extending it across the entire perimeter. The rim is positioned to engage with the passageway wall at critical retention points, providing sufficient plug retention while minimizing material usage and reducing both weight and manufacturing cost.
3Reliability
If a rim extends the entire perimeter of the plate, then the plug is retained in the passageway, but the overall cost is increased due to large blank size and reduced nesting efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing cost by applying the rim only where retention functionality is required, rather than across the entire perimeter. This localized approach decreases the blank diameter, allowing more blanks to be nested on a single sheet during manufacturing, thereby reducing material waste and overall production cost while maintaining adequate plug retention.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple manufacturing steps are used to form the plug including stamping, drilling, and bending, then the plug structure is achieved, but the overall cost and manufacturing time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple manufacturing operations into a single stamping process. The plug is formed with integrated apertures and rim features directly during the stamping operation, eliminating the need for separate drilling and bending steps. This consolidation maintains structural precision while significantly improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing production time.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug for restricting a flow of fluid within a passageway having an interior surface with a predetermined inner diameter is provided. The plug includes a plate member having an outer edge and a rim bounding the outer edge of the plate member. The rim extends generally normal from the plate member. The rim has a contact portion and an indented portion. The contact portion contacts the interior surface of the passageway to retain the position of the plug within the passageway. The indented portion is spaced apart from the interior surface on the passageway to allow fluid to bypass the plug when the plug is located within the passageway.