Fluid Retention Element for Hydraulic Transfer Case Pump Starvation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle transfer cases, pump starvation occurs due to fluid movement caused by vehicle forces, leading to insufficient lubrication and hydraulic actuation, as the hydraulic fluid fails to maintain a constant flow into the pump inlet.
Innovation Solution
A lubrication and hydraulic actuation system featuring a pump sump with a fluid retention element that includes baffle structures to allow fluid entry while preventing exit, ensuring consistent fluid supply to the pump despite vehicle motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pump inlet is directly open to the transfer case interior, then fluid can freely enter the pump sump, but fluid cannot be retained in the sump during vehicle motion causing pump starvation
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is segmented into multiple smaller openings distributed across the fluid retention element, allowing fluid to enter the sump while the element's geometry retains fluid during vehicle motion. This segmentation enables the pump to reliably receive fluid without requiring a complex closed enclosure
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid retention element acts as an intermediary component between the transfer case interior and the pump sump. It mediates fluid flow by allowing entry while preventing exit during dynamic vehicle conditions, solving the contradiction between free fluid access and fluid retention without complex structures
2Reliability
If the pump sump is completely enclosed, then fluid is retained effectively, but fluid cannot enter the sump from the transfer case interior
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid retention element exhibits different properties at different locations: it has openings that allow fluid entry from the transfer case interior, while its overall geometry and baffle structures create local retention zones that prevent fluid exit during vehicle motion. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between fluid entry and retention
3Adaptability or versatility
If vehicle forces cause fluid to move freely, then fluid circulation occurs, but fluid cannot maintain constant flow to pump inlet causing starvation
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid retention element is designed to dynamically adapt to vehicle motion forces. Its geometry allows it to retain fluid effectively during various vehicle dynamics (acceleration, deceleration, turning) while still permitting fluid entry to the pump, maintaining pump productivity despite external forces
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 effectively retains fluid within the pump sump, preventing pump starvation and ensuring adequate lubrication and hydraulic actuation of transfer case components, even under dynamic vehicle conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid retention element has a body portion with a baffle structure that defines an obstructed flow path that allows fluids to enter the interior space of the body portion but that prevents fluids from exiting the interior space of the body portion
Implementation Method 2
The fluid is directed to an inlet of the pump, where it is pressurized by the pump. The pressurized fluid is supplied to the components of the transfer case
Data Source
AI summary
A lubrication and hydraulic actuation system for a transfer case (120) includes a pump (220), a pump sump (210) formed in the transfer case (120), and having an opening (430) in communication with an interior of the transfer case (120), and a fluid retention element (510, 710). The fluid retention element (510, 710) is disposed in the opening (430) of the pump sump (210) and has at least one baffle structure (550) to allow fluids to enter the pump sump (210) through the fluid retention element (510, 710) and restrain fluids from exiting the pump sump (210) through the fluid retention element (510, 710).