Limited Slip Differential Hydraulic Unit With Integrated Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Limited slip differentials face challenges in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces, as existing hydraulic control units for delivering hydraulic fluid are not efficient in managing fluid pressure and filtration, leading to potential loss of traction and reduced performance in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic control unit with a housing containing a manifold and accumulator portion, a gear pump, and a filter, which pumps fluid into an accumulator chamber, providing a distinct reservoir for filtration and minimizing contamination, and a solenoid valve for efficient hydraulic fluid delivery to the limited slip differential.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a remote hydraulic delivery device is used, then the limited slip differential can be actuated, but fluid pressure management and filtration efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reservoir, filter, pump, and accumulator into a single integrated hydraulic control unit housing. This merging eliminates the need for remote hydraulic delivery devices while maintaining all necessary functions, thereby improving fluid delivery efficiency and pressure management without compromising traction maintenance capability
2Stress or pressure
If fluid is pumped into the accumulator chamber, then hydraulic pressure is built for differential actuation, but fluid contamination increases without proper filtration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the filtration function by providing a dedicated filter assembly within the hydraulic control unit that specifically addresses fluid contamination before fluid enters the accumulator chamber. This extraction of the filtration function ensures that high hydraulic pressure can be built without introducing contamination into the system
3Device complexity
If the reservoir and accumulator chamber are combined, then device complexity is reduced, but filtration effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the internal structure by providing a dedicated filter assembly with a support structure that creates distinct flow paths within the unified housing. This segmentation allows the reservoir and accumulator chamber to share the same housing (reducing complexity) while maintaining effective filtration through the dedicated filter element that separates clean and dirty fluid paths
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
Enhances traction by efficiently delivering hydraulic fluid to the limited slip differential, reducing the risk of traction loss on slippery surfaces and improving vehicle performance by maintaining optimal fluid pressure and filtration.
Implementation Method 1
The pump is disposed on a second side of the manifold portion, opposite the first side. The pump is configured to pump fluid into the accumulator chamber of the accumulator housing portion.
Implementation Method 2
The accumulator housing portion houses an accumulator assembly having a biasing assembly and a piston. The accumulator housing portion and manifold housing portion cooperate to form an accumulator chamber that houses the biasing assembly.
Implementation Method 3
A filter is disposed in the reservoir that filters fluid flowing through the reservoir.
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic control unit that delivers hydraulic fluid to a limited slip differential includes a hydraulic control unit housing, a motor and a pump. The hydraulic control unit housing has a manifold housing portion and an accumulator housing portion. The manifold housing portion defines a fluid pathway arrangement for communicating fluid along at least a first fluid pathway. The accumulator housing portion houses an accumulator assembly having a biasing assembly and a piston. The accumulator housing portion and manifold housing portion cooperate to form an accumulator chamber that houses the biasing assembly. The motor is disposed on the first side of the manifold housing portion. The pump is disposed on a second side of the manifold portion, opposite the first side. The pump is configured to pump fluid into the accumulator chamber of the accumulator housing portion.