Hydraulic Flow Limiting Valve for Motor Vehicle Drivetrain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic systems for motor vehicle drive trains are costly and complex due to the use of electrically operated valves and pumps with pivotable ring elements, which are expensive to manufacture and require external control, limiting the ability to efficiently set and distribute fluid volume flows between different consumers.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic arrangement featuring a fluid volume flow limiting valve that is purely hydraulically controlled, allowing for the division of total fluid volume flow into two branches with different hydraulic resistances, enabling adjustable distribution by switching the valve from a basic to a changeover position based on application pressure, thereby optimizing fluid flow distribution between an electric machine and a wet-running multi-plate clutch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrically operated valves are used to control fluid volume flow distribution, then the ability to adjust and control flow distribution is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrically operated valves with a purely hydraulic control system. The fluid volume flow limiting valve uses hydraulic pressure from the fluid supply device to automatically regulate flow distribution between branches, eliminating the need for electrical actuators, control units, and associated electronics. This mechanical-to-hydraulic substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining adaptability in flow distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic control system is self-regulating, using the fluid pressure itself to control the volume flow limiting valve. The valve automatically adjusts flow distribution based on hydraulic resistance changes in the branches, without requiring external control signals or power sources. This self-service mechanism simplifies the system by eliminating external control infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pumps with pivotable ring elements are used, then fluid volume flow control capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple pump design without expensive pivotable ring elements. Instead of using complex variable displacement pump mechanisms, the system uses a straightforward pump that provides fluid supply, with flow control achieved through the hydraulic volume flow limiting valve. This substitution of complex pump components with simpler alternatives reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate flow control capability.
3Measurement precision
If electrically operated valves are used, then precise fluid volume flow distribution is achieved, but the need for external control connections increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic control mechanisms to regulate fluid volume flow distribution. The volume flow limiting valve responds to hydraulic pressure conditions in the branches, using fluid mechanics principles to achieve precise flow control. This hydraulic approach eliminates the need for electrical control connections, sensors, and control units, reducing system complexity while maintaining precision through pressure-based feedback.
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 allows for cost-effective and efficient distribution of fluid volume flows, reducing manufacturing complexity and eliminating the need for external control, while ensuring that fluid flow is appropriately allocated to consumers based on hydraulic resistances, enhancing the overall hydraulic system's efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the first fluid volume flow is restricted to a value below that limiting volume flow when an application pressure exceeds a threshold value
Implementation Method 2
the total fluid volume flow is divided according to the hydraulic resistances in the branches that carry the first and the second fluid volume flow
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
A hydraulic arrangement (10) for a motor-vehicle drivetrain (40) which has a first hydraulic consumer (16; 52) and a second hydraulic consumer (18; 44), wherein the first consumer (16; 52) is provided for being supplied with a first fluid volume flow (Q1) as required, and wherein the second consumer (18; 44) is provided for being supplied with a second fluid volume flow (Q2) as required, wherein the hydraulic arrangement (10) has a fluid supply device (12), which is designed to provide an overall fluid volume flow (QG), and a distribution device (14), which is connected to the fluid supply device (12) and which is designed to distribute the overall fluid volume flow (QG), provided by the fluid supply device (12), such that the first consumer (16; 52) is supplied with the first fluid volume flow (Q1) and the second consumer (18; 44) is supplied with the second fluid volume flow (Q2). Here, the distribution device (14) has a fluid volume flow limiting valve (30).