Gear-Change Selector Plug-In Sealing for Low Mounting Force

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gear-change selector modules are costly to produce due to the high requirements for tightness and complexity in connecting hydraulic fluid channels, leading to unreliable function if leaks occur.

Innovation Solution

A gear-change selector module design featuring a pipeline module with pipes connected to a gear-change selector housing via plug-in connections, utilizing seals at multiple levels to ensure tightness while reducing mounting force, thereby simplifying production and maintaining high tightness standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If seals are arranged at a single level in plug-in connections, then the connection is simple, but the mounting force is high and tightness requirements are difficult to meet

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetightnessVSAvoidmounting force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The seal arrangement is segmented into multiple levels (at least two different levels) along the plug-in direction. This segmentation distributes the sealing function across different positions, reducing the concentration of mounting force at any single point while maintaining overall tightness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The seal arrangement transitions from a single-plane (2D) configuration to a multi-level (3D) configuration along the plug-in direction. This dimensional change allows seals to be distributed at different positions, effectively reducing mounting force while ensuring tightness through multiple sealing contact points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Force

If multiple seals are arranged at different levels, then mounting force is reduced, but the plug-in connection becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting forceVSAvoidplug-in connection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plug-in connection is segmented into multiple sealing levels, with each level containing seals at specific positions. This segmentation allows the complex sealing function to be divided into manageable sections, reducing mounting force while organizing complexity in a structured manner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different levels of seals are positioned at specific locations within the plug-in connection based on local requirements. This local quality approach ensures that complexity is introduced only where necessary for force distribution, rather than uniformly throughout the entire connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Length of stationary object

If seals are arranged closely together, then the plug-in connection is compact, but mounting force concentrates and causes tilt moments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplug-in connection lengthVSAvoidmounting force distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

Seals are arranged in multiple levels along the plug-in direction rather than being confined to a single plane. This dimensional arrangement distributes mounting force across different positions, preventing concentration and tilt moments while maintaining a compact overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-level seal arrangement acts as a counterbalancing mechanism against tilt moments. By distributing seals at different levels, the system creates opposing forces that counteract potential tilting, ensuring even force distribution without requiring a longer connection structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Data Source

PatentEP4448986B1Gear-change selector module
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 VALEO POWERTRAIN GMBH
  • EP4448986B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4448986B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4448986B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A gear-change selector module has a pipeline module (14) comprising a plurality of pipes (22) for providing a working fluid, and a gear-change selector housing (12) having a plurality of channels (20) which are each assigned to one of the pipes (22). The pipes (22) are coupled to the channels (20) via a respective plug-in connection (24). Each plug-in connection (24) has a seal (30). Viewed in the plug-in direction (S), the seals (30) are arranged at different levels (31, 32, 33).