Off-Axis Hydraulic Pump with Integrated Chain Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic pumps for automatic motor vehicle transmissions face challenges in rapid and proper assembly, complexity in manufacturing, weight, and fluid management, particularly due to the need for axial alignment and additional machining operations in the torque converter housing.
Innovation Solution
An off-axis hydraulic pump with an integrated chain and sprocket assembly, where a chain drive sprocket is mounted within the pump structure and driven by the torque converter input, and a driven chain sprocket is attached to a stub shaft, simplifying assembly and reducing the torque converter housing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional axial alignment pump configuration is used, then the pump can be driven directly by the torque converter, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring precise axial alignment and additional machining operations
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is merged with the torque converter housing to create an integrated unit. The pump drive shaft is directly coupled to the torque converter input shaft through the housing, eliminating the need for separate alignment procedures and reducing assembly complexity. This integration allows the pump to be positioned off-axis while maintaining direct mechanical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump is repositioned from an axial alignment configuration to an off-axis configuration. By changing the spatial dimension of pump placement relative to the torque converter input, the design eliminates the need for precise axial alignment while maintaining efficient power transmission through the integrated housing structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional machining operations are performed on the torque converter housing, then the pump can be properly positioned, but the weight and complexity of the housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mounting features are merged into the torque converter housing design itself. The housing incorporates integrated mounting surfaces and structural elements that provide precise pump positioning without requiring additional machining operations. This integration maintains housing weight efficiency while achieving accurate pump placement.
3Volume of stationary object
If the pump is positioned off-axis, then the sump capacity can be increased, but the pump structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pump structure is merged with the torque converter housing to form an integrated assembly. The off-axis pump is directly coupled to the housing through integrated mounting features, eliminating the need for separate complex support structures. This integration allows the sump capacity to be maximized while keeping the overall pump structure simple and manufacturable.
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 configuration facilitates easier assembly, reduces the weight and complexity of the torque converter housing, and increases the hydraulic fluid sump capacity, leading to improved manufacturing and reduced energy losses.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-link chain encircles the sprockets and transfers drive torque from the torque converter input to the stub shaft
Data Source
AI summary
An off axis hydraulic pump for an automatic motor vehicle transmission includes an integrated chain and sprocket assembly. A first, chain drive sprocket is mounted on a shaft driven by an input to a torque converter and a second, driven chain sprocket is attached to a stub shaft which drives the pump. A multi-link chain encircles the sprockets and transfers drive torque from the torque converter input to the stub shaft. The first, chain drive sprocket is retained on the input shaft by a retainer cap which includes seals between both the shaft and a torque converter housing. The second, driven chain sprocket is retained on the stub shaft by a snap ring or similar component.