Gear Lubrication Plate Layout for Simpler Power Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power transmission devices have a complex arrangement of parts such as baffle plates, catch tanks, and pipes to control lubricating liquid flow, which increases the number of components and complicates the system.

Innovation Solution

A power transmission device with a simplified configuration that includes a housing with integrated gear components and a plate member with a catch tank and tray to efficiently direct lubricating liquid to meshing gear portions, reducing the overall number of parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate parts (baffle plate, catch tank, pipe) are provided to control lubricating liquid flow, then the lubrication control function is improved, but the number of parts and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication control functionVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the baffle plate, catch tank, and pipe into a single integrated plate member with a unified structure. The plate member includes a baffle portion, catch tank portion, and tray portion that work together as one component to control lubricating liquid flow, thereby maintaining the lubrication control function while reducing the number of parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The plate member serves multiple functions simultaneously: the baffle portion directs lubricating liquid flow, the catch tank portion collects excess lubricating liquid, and the tray portion guides lubricating liquid to the meshing portion. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate parts are provided inside the housing, then the lubricating liquid flow control is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubricating liquid flow controlVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The plate member is manufactured as a single integrated component that incorporates the baffle plate, catch tank, and pipe functions. This unified structure simplifies manufacturing processes and assembly operations compared to producing and assembling multiple separate parts, while maintaining effective lubricating liquid flow control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the catch tank and tray are made as an integrated plate member, then the number of parts is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidintegration precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The plate member integrates the catch tank and tray as unified structural elements with continuous surfaces and smooth transitions. The tray extends continuously from the catch tank, and the baffle portion connects seamlessly to form an integrated flow control structure, reducing the need for high-precision joints between separate parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

While integrated, the plate member is designed with distinct functional zones (baffle portion, catch tank portion, tray portion) that can be independently optimized during manufacturing. The structure allows for modular tooling and manufacturing approaches that reduce the overall precision requirements compared to tight-tolerance assemblies of separate parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 controls the flow of lubricating liquid to gear meshing areas from two directions, enhancing lubrication and cooling while reducing the number of parts, thus simplifying the device.

Implementation Method 1

a fourth gear (28) that meshes with the third gear (26)... receives the lubricating liquid drawn up by the fourth gear (28)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear pumping action: Gear

Implementation Method 2

the tray extending from the catch tank along the second gear into the lubricating liquid... guides the lubricating liquid to a meshing portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity-driven flow: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

the lubricating liquid is supplied from two directions to the meshing portions between the first gear and the second gear, thereby effectively lubricating and cooling the meshing portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS12264735B2Power transmission device and power unit equipped with same

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A power transmission device includes a first gear, a second gear meshing with the first gear, a third gear that rotates integrally with the second gear, a fourth gear meshing with the third gear, a housing accommodating the first gear, the second gear, the third gear, and the fourth gear, and a plate member mounted in the housing. A lubricating liquid is stored in the housing so that a part of the second gear and a part of the fourth gear are immersed therein. The plate member includes a catch tank arranged adjacent to the first gear, and a tray extending from the catch tank along the second gear into the lubricating liquid. The catch tank receives the lubricating liquid drawn up by the fourth gear and guides the lubricating liquid to the meshing portion between the first gear and the second gear.