Park-Actuated Lubrication Valve for EV Drivetrain Flow Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubrication systems in electrified powertrain systems of motor vehicles face challenges in efficiently managing lubricant flow to various components based on vehicle status, particularly during parking and operational modes, which affects temperature regulation and energy distribution.
Innovation Solution
A lubrication system with a park actuator assembly that includes a park actuated valve, which moves between parking and release positions to control lubricant flow through multiple circuits, allowing selective distribution to stator, rotor, gearbox, and auxiliary components based on the vehicle's status, utilizing a park actuated valve and rooster comb mechanism to block or allow flow through different outlet branches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If lubricant flow is continuously directed to all components including during parking, then all components are adequately lubricated and cooled, but energy is wasted lubricating components that do not require it during parking
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system dynamically adjusts lubricant flow distribution based on vehicle operational state. A park actuated valve changes position according to whether the vehicle is parked or operating, directing lubricant flow to appropriate components. During parking, the valve blocks flow to gearbox and auxiliary circuits while allowing flow to stator and rotor, adapting the system to current needs and preventing energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The park actuated valve is mechanically integrated with the park actuator assembly, allowing the lubrication system to automatically respond to parking state changes without requiring separate sensors or control logic. The mechanical linkage directly couples the park actuator's position to the valve position, enabling self-regulating flow distribution based on vehicle state.
2Ease of operation
If a park actuated valve with additional actuators and control logic is used, then precise control of lubricant flow is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The park actuated valve is merged with the existing park actuator assembly, combining two functions (parking control and lubrication flow control) into a single integrated mechanism. The valve utilizes the mechanical movement already produced by the park actuator, eliminating the need for separate actuators and control systems while achieving precise flow control based on parking state.
Solution Approach 2:
The park actuator assembly serves dual functions: mechanically engaging/disengaging the parking pawl to control vehicle movement and simultaneously actuating the park actuated valve to control lubricant flow distribution. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating redundant control mechanisms.
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 temperature regulation and energy distribution by optimizing lubricant flow to critical components, ensuring efficient warming up of the vehicle during parking and enabling efficient energy usage by directing current to stators and rotors.
Implementation Method 1
a lubrication system circulates a lubricant to the various components to perform at least one of a cooling or lubricating function
Implementation Method 2
a park actuated valve configured to move into a first position blocking lubricant flow through the second outlet branch when the parking pawl is in the parking position and into a second position allowing lubricant flow through the second outlet branch when the parking pawl is in the release position
Data Source
AI summary
A lubrication system for a vehicle includes a heat exchanger having a lubricant inlet and a lubricant outlet with the lubricant outlet having a first outlet branch and a second outlet branch. The lubrication system also includes a stator lubrication circuit, a rotor lubrication circuit, and a gearbox lubrication circuit fluidly connected between the lubricant inlet and the first outlet branch. The gearbox, stator, and rotor lubrication circuits are connected fluidly in parallel with each other. The system also includes a park actuator assembly having a parking pawl configured to move between a parking position and a release position allowing movement of the drivetrain gear and a park actuated valve configured to move into a first position blocking lubricant flow through the second outlet branch when in the parking position and into a second position allowing lubricant flow through the second outlet branch when in the release position.