Three-Compartment Fluid Sump for Low-Splash Transmission Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low cost transmissions using splash lubrication face power losses due to oil splashing, which are not reduced by viscosity changes and can lead to lubricant starvation at steep slopes, requiring a solution that minimizes splashing without frequent oil replenishment and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A fluid sump with three compartments and a floating element acts as a valve to maintain a constant low lubricant level in the second compartment, reducing splashing while storing enough oil to dilute contaminants and replenish as needed, ensuring consistent lubrication and extended service intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the oil level is reduced to minimize splashing, then kinetic energy losses are reduced, but lubricant starvation occurs at steep slopes
Solution Approach 1:
The sump is divided into three separate compartments: a first compartment for collecting lubricating fluid, a second compartment for bringing lubricating fluid into contact with rotating members, and an intermediate compartment with a floating element valve. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a small oil level in the second compartment (reducing splashing) while storing sufficient lubricant in the first compartment (ensuring reliable lubrication at all slopes).
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate compartment with the floating element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the first and second compartments. The floating element automatically regulates lubricant flow based on the oil level in the second compartment, ensuring that lubrication is maintained at steep slopes while minimizing the overall oil volume required, thus reducing splashing losses.
2Loss of energy
If the oil level is reduced to minimize splashing, then power losses are reduced, but service intervals are shortened due to rapid contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The three-compartment design separates the lubricant storage function (first compartment) from the lubrication delivery function (second compartment). The intermediate compartment with the floating element valve controls the transfer of lubricant between these functions. This allows a large volume of lubricant to be stored in the first compartment for diluting contaminants, while only a minimal amount is present in the second compartment to reduce splashing and power losses, thereby extending service intervals.
3Reliability
If the sump envelops the lowest gear wheel to prevent oil starvation, then lubrication reliability is improved, but the amount of lubricant required increases leading to more splashing
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large sump that envelops the gear wheel (which would cause excessive splashing), the invention segments the lubricant storage and delivery functions into separate compartments. The first compartment stores sufficient lubricant to prevent starvation, while the second compartment provides targeted lubrication to the gear wheel with minimal oil volume, significantly reducing splashing and power losses.
4Loss of energy
If a small amount of lubricant is used in the sump, then splashing losses are reduced, but contamination occurs rapidly requiring frequent replenishment
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented three-compartment design allows the system to maintain a large reservoir of clean lubricant in the first compartment while using only a minimal amount in the second compartment where contamination occurs. The floating element valve in the intermediate compartment automatically replenishes the second compartment from the first, effectively isolating the contamination zone and reducing the overall rate of lubricant degradation.
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 solution effectively reduces kinetic energy losses from splashing and prevents rapid contamination, maintaining consistent lubrication levels and extending service intervals without the need for frequent oil replenishment.
Implementation Method 1
a floating element, wherein the first opening can be opened and closed by the floating element
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid sump for accommodating a lubricating fluid and transmission housing for a vehicle comprising such a fluid sump. The fluid sump may comprise a first compartment for collecting the lubricating fluid, a second compartment in which the lubricating fluid can be brought in contact with a rotating member, and an intermediate compartment having a first opening for introducing the lubricating fluid from the first compartment into the intermediate compartment, a second opening for introducing the lubricating fluid from the intermediate compartment into the second compartment, and a floating element. In one or more examples, the first opening can be opened and closed by the floating element, and the first compartment, the intermediate compartment and the second compartment are provided with ambient pressure.