Gearwheel Lubrication Ring Assembly for Leak-Controlled Oil Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lubrication systems for gearwheels in transmissions face challenges such as unwanted lubricant leakage and inefficient distribution, which can lead to inadequate lubrication of gear teeth, particularly in heavy-duty vehicles like trucks and construction equipment.

Innovation Solution

An assembly comprising a shaft, a gearwheel with gear teeth, a first ring member, and a lubricant distribution ring member, where the lubricant distribution ring member is axially press-fitted between the gearwheel and the first ring member, forming a radial gap and radially extending openings to facilitate lubricant flow to gear valleys, with configurations that enhance concentricity and reduce leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional lubrication systems are used for gearwheels, then the structure is simple, but lubricant leakage occurs and distribution is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication effectivenessVSAvoidassembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lubrication system is segmented into distinct functional components: a lubricant distribution ring member with multiple radially extending openings for targeted distribution, a first ring member defining a containment space, and a gearwheel with gear valleys. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while preventing leakage through proper spatial separation and containment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If strict tolerance levels are applied to assembly parts, then lubrication precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetolerance levelsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the critical parameters from dimensional tolerances to geometric relationships. The lubricant distribution ring member is designed with radially extending openings that rely on radial positioning rather than axial tolerance. The press-fit connection establishes a predetermined radial gap that ensures proper lubricant flow paths without requiring tight axial tolerances on the gearwheel or ring members, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining lubrication effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If lubricant distribution is improved to gear valleys, then gear tooth lubrication is enhanced, but lubricant leakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegear lubricationVSAvoidlubricant leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The first ring member acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the lubricant supply and the gearwheel. It defines a containment space that directs lubricant flow through controlled paths to the gear valleys while preventing uncontrolled leakage. The radially extending openings in the distribution ring member serve as intermediaries that channel lubricant precisely to where it is needed without allowing it to escape elsewhere.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The lubrication system implements local quality by providing lubricant precisely where it is needed - in the gear valleys between adjacent gear teeth - rather than applying it generally. The radially extending openings are positioned to deliver lubricant locally to specific gear valleys, ensuring effective lubrication of gear teeth while preventing leakage in other areas of the assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 assembly provides improved lubrication by reducing leakage and ensuring consistent lubricant distribution to gear valleys, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of gearwheel operation, while allowing for cost-effective manufacturing with less stringent tolerance requirements.

Implementation Method 1

The inner peripheral surface of the circumferential portion and the first radially outer peripheral surface of the lubricant distribution ring member are configured such that a radial gap is formed therebetween, wherein the radial gap is arranged to provide lubricant to the gear valleys

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial flow:

Implementation Method 2

the axial press-fit of the lubricant distribution ring member prevents unwanted leakage of lubricant in the vicinity of the first ring member and the gearwheel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPress-fit constraint:

Implementation Method 3

the circumferential portion of the first ring member is in axial contact with the gear teeth of the gearwheel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAxial contact:

Data Source

PatentUS12429129B2Assembly for lubricating a gearwheel of a transmission, a transmission and a vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 VOLVO TRUCK CORP

AI summary

An assembly for lubricating a gearwheel of a transmission includes a shaft arranged to rotate about a rotational axis extending in an axial direction, the gearwheel arranged rotationally fixed on the shaft, a first ring member arranged coaxially and rotationally fixed on the shaft adjacent the gearwheel, and a lubricant distribution ring member for providing lubricant to gear valleys between respective adjacent gear teeth of the gearwheel.