In-Line Transmission Brake Layout Without Splined Interfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional splined interfaces in transmission brake systems are costly, complex, and interfere with hydraulic fluid flow, leading to increased weight and less compact designs.
Innovation Solution
An in-line brake system with a first and second brake aligned along the transmission's longitudinal axis, secured by pins, and an end plate between them, eliminating the need for splined interfaces and allowing unimpeded hydraulic fluid drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If splined interfaces are used to secure brake and clutch components to the transmission housing, then the components can be maintained in place, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase due to costly and complex milling of splines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the splined interface feature from the transmission housing, replacing it with a simpler mounting structure. By removing the complex splined geometry requirement, the manufacturing process becomes less costly and complex while still achieving secure component positioning through alternative means such as simplified mounting surfaces or attachment features.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of securing brake and clutch components to the rotating drum via splines, the invention inverts the approach by securing the drum itself to the housing in a different manner, or by using a stationary mounting structure that eliminates the need for splined interfaces on rotating components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If splined interfaces are used for brake and clutch components, then components can be secured to the housing, but the transmission footprint increases and becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions brake and clutch components along the longitudinal axis of the transmission rather than radially outward, utilizing the axial dimension for component arrangement. This dimensional reorganization allows components to be stacked or aligned in sequence along the length of the transmission, reducing the radial footprint while maintaining secure component positioning.
3Stability of the object's composition
If splined interfaces are used to secure brake components, then components can be held in place, but hydraulic fluid drainage is interfered with requiring additional holes and channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the splined interface feature that was interfering with fluid drainage pathways. By eliminating the splined geometry on brake and clutch components, the hydraulic fluid can flow freely through the transmission without requiring additional drainage holes or complex external fluid channels, simplifying the overall fluid management system.
4Ease of manufacture
If a steel drum is used to satisfy splined interfacing requirements, then the splined interface can be achieved, but the transmission weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the heavy steel drum with lighter alternative materials or structures that achieve the same functional purpose of securing brake and clutch components. This substitution uses less dense materials or simplified structural designs that eliminate the need for heavy steel construction while maintaining adequate strength and positioning capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for a transmission. In one example, the transmission may include a brake system arranged in-line with a second brake along a longitudinal axis of the transmission. Each brake may have a plurality of separator plates which may be secured to a housing of the transmission by at least one pin. The brake system may further include an end plate positioned between the first brake and the second brake, the end plate secured to the housing by a plurality of dowel pins.