Gear Transmission Lubrication Boxes for Bottom Bearing Feed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gear transmission units face issues with proper and controllable lubrication of all components, particularly those located in the bottom part, as conventional forced lubrication systems do not ensure consistent delivery due to reliance on gravity for lower components, leading to inefficiencies and complexity in channel network configurations.

Innovation Solution

The integration of lubricant distribution boxes, which are hollow bodies connected to the casing and equipped with inlet and outlet channels, allows for direct forced lubrication of all components, including those in the lowermost parts, by distributing lubricant under pressure through a simplified network of channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If forced lubrication is provided only for uppermost components, then the complexity of the channel network is reduced, but the reliability of lubrication for bottom components deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel network complexityVSAvoidlubrication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution box acts as an intermediary component that receives lubricant from the channel network and redistributes it to multiple components including bottom components. This mediator enables reliable lubrication of bottom components without requiring complex direct channel routing to each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The lubrication system is segmented into centralized supply (pump and main channels) and decentralized distribution (distribution boxes at various locations). This segmentation allows the main channel network to remain simple while local distribution boxes handle the complexity of reaching all components including bottom ones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If gravity-based lubrication is used for bottom components, then the channel network complexity is reduced, but the controllability of lubrication deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel network complexityVSAvoidlubrication controllability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution box serves as a controlled intermediary that receives pressurized lubricant and actively directs it to bottom components through its own outlet channels. This provides controllability over lubrication delivery to bottom components while keeping the main channel network simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses hydraulic pressure from the pump to force lubricant through the distribution box and its outlets to bottom components. This pressurized fluid delivery provides controllability and reliability without relying on gravity, while the distribution box simplifies the overall channel configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Reliability

If forced lubrication is extended to all components including bottom ones, then the reliability of lubrication is improved, but the channel network complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubrication reliabilityVSAvoidchannel network complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lubrication system is divided into centralized supply functions (pump and main channels) and decentralized distribution functions (distribution boxes). This segmentation allows reliable lubrication of all components including bottom ones while keeping the main channel network simple, as the distribution boxes handle local complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution boxes serve as multi-functional components that perform both reception of lubricant from the main network and active distribution to multiple components including bottom components. This universality allows a single component type to address multiple lubrication needs without increasing overall system complexity.

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

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 solution simplifies and enhances the lubrication process, ensuring all components receive a controllable and proper lubrication, reducing operational complexity and costs while maintaining efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a supply pump for delivering a flow of lubricant under pressure to a network of channels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

said hollow body defines an inner lubricant distribution chamber and has an inlet connected to said respective channel outlet and two or more outlets connected to further conduits or channels, for supplying a flow of lubricant under pressure in parallel to various components to be lubricated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid distribution under pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3835623B1Gear transmission unit with a forced lubrication system including one or more lubricant distribution boxes
Publication Date: 2022.03.16 FCA ITALY SPA
  • EP3835623B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3835623B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3835623B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A gear transmission unit, particularly for a motor-vehicle, is provided with a forced lubrication system (3) for lubricating the rolling bearings (B1, B2, B3) and/or further inner components of the transmission unit. The unit is provided with one or more accessory elements in the form of lubricant distribution boxes (S). Each distribution box (S) has a hollow body rigidly connected to the casing (2) of the unit adjacent to a respective channel outlet (5A) which supplies a flow of lubricant under pressure. The hollow body defines an inner lubricant distribution chamber (C) and has an inlet (8) connected to the channel outlet (5A) and two or more outlets (8) connected to further conduits for channels (5B) or chambers, for supplying a flow of lubricant under pressure in parallel to various components to be lubricated inside the transmission casing (2).