Gearbox Oil Line Layout for Variant-Reduced Injection Lubrication

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transmission systems face challenges with limited installation space due to the use of pipelines for injection lubrication, which also require separate designs for each transmission variant, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity.

Innovation Solution

A transmission system with an oil line featuring two structurally identical outlet openings that can be selectively closed using a closure element, allowing for adaptable oil supply to lubrication points without the need for separate pipeline designs for each transmission variant.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pipelines are used for injection lubrication, then lubrication can be supplied to transmission components, but installation space is limited and separate pipeline designs are required for each transmission variant

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of oil supply to different transmission variantsVSAvoidcomplexity of separate pipeline designs for each variant
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The oil line is designed with multiple outlet openings that can be selectively closed using closure elements. This universal design allows a single oil line structure to serve multiple transmission variants by simply closing different outlet openings, eliminating the need for separate pipeline designs for each variant while maintaining adaptability to different lubrication requirements

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

Solution Approach 2:

The oil line is segmented into multiple outlet openings along its length. Each outlet opening can be independently controlled by a closure element, allowing selective activation of specific lubrication points based on the transmission variant. This segmentation enables flexible adaptation without requiring complete redesign of the pipeline system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If separate pipeline designs are implemented for each transmission variant, then each variant can be optimized, but manufacturing efficiency decreases and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiency of transmission seriesVSAvoidcustomization capability for different transmission variants
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A single universal oil line design with multiple outlet openings can be manufactured once and used across all transmission variants in a series. The adaptability to different variants is achieved through selective closure of outlet openings rather than through separate pipeline designs, significantly improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining customization capability

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows adaptation to different transmission variants by changing operational parameters (which outlet openings are closed) rather than changing the physical structure of the oil line. This parameter-based adaptation maintains manufacturing efficiency while providing versatility across different transmission configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple outlet openings are provided in the oil line, then adaptability to different transmission configurations is improved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of oil supply configurationVSAvoidstructural complexity of oil line with multiple outlets
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The oil line features multiple outlet openings positioned at different locations along its length, creating an asymmetric structure that can be adapted to different transmission configurations. This asymmetric design with selectively closable outlets provides flexibility in oil supply configuration while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to having completely separate pipelines for each variant

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 enables efficient lubrication of transmission systems by allowing the oil supply to be adapted to different transmission configurations without structural changes, ensuring effective lubrication of rotating components.

Implementation Method 1

The closure element can be used to close either the first or the second outlet opening in an oil-tight manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

The cavity conducts the oil from the inlet opening to the at least one outlet opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow through channel:

Data Source

PatentEP4286711B1Variant-reduced injection lubrication
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
  • EP4286711B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a gearbox with at least one rotatable component (101, 103) and at least one oil line (111). The gearbox has at least one closure element (121a) with which a first and a second outlet opening (119a, 119b) of the oil line (111) can be selectively closed; wherein one of the outlet openings (119a) is closed with the closure element (121a) and one of the outlet openings (119b) is open.