Hydraulic Feed System Axial Fluid Passages Nested Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automatic transmissions, transferring hydraulic fluid between input and output shafts with different rotational speeds is challenging due to the need for radial alignment, which requires the output shaft to be smaller, causing stacking issues with seals and hydraulic fluid galleries.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic feed system design featuring a first rotating member with a bore and an annulus having fluid ports, allowing fluid to flow through interconnected passages between the input and output shafts, enabling fluid communication while maintaining near-identical shaft diameters and eliminating the need for seal stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the output shaft is radially aligned with the input shaft for fluid transfer, then fluid communication between shafts is achieved, but the output shaft must have a smaller outer diameter causing stacking issues with seals and hydraulic fluid galleries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from radial alignment to axial alignment of the fluid passages. The input shaft and output shaft are arranged coaxially with fluid passages extending axially through them, eliminating the need for radial alignment and allowing both shafts to have similar outer diameters without seal stacking issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The output shaft is positioned within the input shaft in a nested configuration, with both shafts sharing a common axis. This nesting arrangement allows axial fluid passages to connect between the shafts without requiring radial alignment, resolving the contradiction between fluid communication and shaft diameter constraints.
2Volume of moving object
If the input and output shafts have near identical diameters, then space utilization is improved, but it becomes difficult to transfer fluid between the shafts due to different rotational speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic sealing elements that can accommodate the relative motion between the input and output shafts. The seals are designed to maintain fluid tightness despite the different rotational speeds, enabling fluid transfer through the nested shaft configuration with identical diameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary fluid passage system that connects the input and output shafts axially. This intermediary pathway allows fluid to transfer between shafts rotating at different speeds without requiring direct radial alignment, enabling both shafts to maintain identical diameters.
3Ease of operation
If radial alignment of shafts is used for fluid feed, then fluid communication is achieved, but seal stacking and hydraulic fluid gallery space are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the fluid passages from radial to axial direction. The fluid passages extend axially through the nested shafts, perpendicular to the radial plane, thereby eliminating the need for radial alignment and maximizing the available radial space for seals and hydraulic fluid galleries.
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 design allows for efficient fluid transfer between input and output shafts with similar diameters, enhancing the hydraulic system's functionality and reducing the complexity of seal management, thereby improving the transmission's operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Fluid is able to flow from the port, through the first passage, through the second passage, and to the third passage to provide fluid to the second rotating member
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an assembly for use in a transmission that includes a first rotating member having a first portion and a second portion, the second portion having an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the first portion and having a bore with an open end. An annulus has a port for providing a fluid and is disposed proximate to the first portion. A second rotating member is at least partially located within the bore and extends from the open end. A first passage is connected to the port of the annulus and a second passage is connected to the first passage. The second passage is located through the second portion. A third passage is connected to the second passage and is located in the second rotating member. Fluid is able to flow from the port through the passages to provide fluid to the second rotating member.