Gear Case Ribs for Self-Lubricating Power Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power transmission devices require a separate oil pump for lubrication, increasing the number of components and device size.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a gear mechanism where the driving gear is immersed in lubricating oil, and a scooping up gear that guides oil to meshing sections, allowing self-lubrication without a dedicated oil pump, with a case member storing and guiding lubricating oil to ensure continuous lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate oil pump is provided for lubrication, then reliable lubrication of all parts can be ensured, but the number of components increases and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the oil pump function with the driving gear by making the driving gear itself act as a screw-type pump. The gear structure is designed with helical teeth that automatically pump lubricating oil along the shaft during rotation, eliminating the need for a separate oil pump component while ensuring reliable lubrication of all parts including bearings and meshing sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving gear performs multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits power from the input shaft to the output shaft, provides lubrication through its screw-type pumping action, and seals the lubricating oil within the housing. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining reliable lubrication.
2Reliability
If a separate oil pump is provided for lubrication, then reliable lubrication of all parts can be ensured, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oil pump function is integrated into the driving gear structure, eliminating the need for a separate pump housing and components. The helical gear teeth themselves create the pumping chambers and channels, significantly reducing the overall device volume while maintaining effective lubrication of all moving parts.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for lubrication system, then effective lubrication can be ensured, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is manufactured as an integrated part of the driving gear assembly rather than as separate components. The helical gear structure is produced in a single manufacturing process that creates both the power transmission function and the lubrication pumping function, simplifying manufacturing and assembly while ensuring effective lubrication.
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 configuration reduces the number of components and device size while ensuring effective lubrication of all parts, regardless of engine or motor operation, without the need for a separate oil pump.
Implementation Method 1
a driving gear configured to be at least partially kept immersed in the lubricating oil stored in the case member, and to scoop up the lubricating oil; and a scooping up gear configured to scoop up lubricating oil held in the holding portion
Implementation Method 2
The case member is configured to store lubricating oil. Furthermore, the second gear mechanism includes a driving gear configured to be at least partially kept immersed in the lubricating oil stored in the case member
Data Source
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AI summary
Object: To provide a technique which ensures lubrication of each part of a device while enabling a reduction in the number of parts and in the size of the device. Resolution means: A power transmission device (20) is provided with: a power transmission path on an engine (2) side; a power transmission path on a motor (4) side; and a gear case (30) for accommodating the power transmission paths. A housing (32) and a case body (34), which form the gear case (30), are provided with: breather forming wall sections (32b, 34b); a second oblique rib (72b); an oblique rib (92); vertically extending ribs (76, 96); and circular arc ribs (74, 94). A region (S), which is closed except for one side in the direction in which the power transmission path on the engine (2) side is disposed, is formed by the breather forming wall sections (32b, 34b), the second oblique rib (72b), the oblique rib (92), the vertically extending ribs (76, 96), and the circular arc ribs (74, 94). Consequently, lubricating oil scooped up by a first idler gear (46) can be circulated within the region (S). Thus, the lubrication of each part of the device can be ensured without the use of an oil pump, etc.