Integrated Oil Level Detection Member in Transmission Case

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for detecting oil levels in transmission cases require the use of oil level gauges, which can be cumbersome and costly, and do not prevent oil overflow when the level reaches the upper limit.

Innovation Solution

An oil level detection mechanism that includes an oil filler opening and an integrated oil level detection member protruding inward from the case's inner wall, featuring a notch or opening with a larger upper end surface area, allowing visual detection of oil levels without a separate gauge and preventing overflow by defining an oil supply upper limit between the member's surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an oil level gauge is used to detect oil level, then oil level can be detected, but the structure becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoil level detectionVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the oil level detection function from a separate oil level gauge component and integrates it into the case structure itself. The detection member is formed as an integral part of the case, eliminating the need for a separate gauge while maintaining the detection capability. This is achieved by forming the detection member with a specific shape that allows visual observation of oil level through the case wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the oil level detection function with the case structure by forming the detection member integratedly with the case. The detection member is created as a unified structure with the case body, combining the case's structural function with the detection function in a single integrated component, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If an oil level gauge is used to detect oil level, then oil level can be detected, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoil level detectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the oil level detection function with the case structure by forming the detection member integratedly with the case. The detection member is created as a unified structure with the case body, combining the case's structural function with the detection function in a single integrated component, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the oil level detection function from a separate oil level gauge component and integrates it into the case structure itself. The detection member is formed as an integral part of the case, eliminating the need for a separate gauge while maintaining the detection capability. This is achieved by forming the detection member with a specific shape that allows visual observation of oil level through the case wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Quantity of substance

If oil is supplied to the upper limit, then the case is fully filled, but oil overflow occurs through the filler opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoil quantityVSAvoidoil overflow

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies preliminary action by providing visual indication of the oil supply upper limit before overflow can occur. The detection member with its specific shape allows the operator to see when the oil level reaches the upper limit through the case wall, enabling timely cessation of oil supply and preventing overflow through the filler opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements feedback by providing continuous visual information about the oil level through the detection member. The operator can observe the oil level in real-time through the case wall via the detection member's shape, receiving immediate feedback on whether the oil supply is approaching the upper limit and adjusting accordingly to prevent overflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9376944B2Oil level detection mechanism

Publication Date: 2016.06.28 KAWASAKI MOTORS LTD

AI summary

An oil level detection mechanism for detecting an oil level in the inside of a case 91, comprising: an oil filler opening 92 through which oil is supplied into the case 91; and an oil level detection member 93 that is located below a lower end of the oil filler opening 92 in the inside of the case 91 and that protrudes inward from an inner wall 91a of the case 91 so that a tip part 93a thereof is located in a region visually recognizable from the outside of the oil filler opening 92.