Pulsed Fluid Release Mechanism for Transmission Clutch Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic transmission systems face inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for complex hydraulic pumps and additional installation space to achieve a start-stop function, especially when the internal combustion engine is shut off, leading to prolonged transmission linkage establishment times.
Innovation Solution
A device with a piston and catch mechanism that allows for pulsed release of fluid, where catches are prepositioned for reliable engagement, minimizing installation space and parts, and utilizing an actuator system for efficient fluid delivery, ensuring immediate readiness for driving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a hydraulic pump driven by an electric motor is used to supply fluid pressure for clutch engagement, then the transmission can establish closed linkage quickly, but the efficiency of the transmission deteriorates and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid storage function from the main transmission hydraulic system by introducing a separate, small-capacity storage housing (V2) that is dynamically connected to the transmission. This storage housing is pre-filled with a specific amount of fluid (3) that can be rapidly dispensed for clutch engagement, eliminating the need for a continuously operating electric motor-driven pump and thus preserving transmission efficiency while enabling quick linkage establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage housing (V2) is pre-filled with a predetermined amount of fluid (3) before transmission operation. This preliminary action ensures that when clutch engagement is required, the fluid is already available and can be immediately supplied to the clutch piston (18), enabling rapid closed linkage establishment without waiting for pump delivery or pressure buildup.
2Speed
If a hydraulic pump driven by an electric motor is used to supply fluid pressure, then clutch engagement speed improves, but additional installation space and engineering effort are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid storage function from the main transmission hydraulic system by introducing a separate, small-capacity storage housing (V2) that is dynamically connected to the transmission. This storage housing is pre-filled with a specific amount of fluid (3) that can be rapidly dispensed for clutch engagement, eliminating the need for a continuously operating electric motor-driven pump and thus preserving transmission efficiency while enabling quick linkage establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage housing (V2) is pre-filled with a predetermined amount of fluid (3) before transmission operation. This preliminary action ensures that when clutch engagement is required, the fluid is already available and can be immediately supplied to the clutch piston (18), enabling rapid closed linkage establishment without waiting for pump delivery or pressure buildup.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the storage housing is dynamically connected for fluid replacement, then fluid supply flexibility improves, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The storage housing (V2) is designed with dynamic connection capability to the transmission hydraulic system. The housing can be selectively connected and disconnected from the transmission fluid circuit, allowing the system to adapt between different operating modes (engine running vs. engine stopped) and providing flexible fluid supply exactly when and where needed, thereby improving adaptability without requiring permanently complex infrastructure.
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
The device enables reliable, efficient, and durable pulsed fluid release, reducing the time to establish transmission linkage, minimizing installation space, and maintaining vehicle readiness over the engine's service life without significant adverse effects on the driver.
Implementation Method 1
a first energy storage device (4) with a capacity to move within the storage housing (2), and limits in conjunction with the storage housing the amount of fluid which can be held
Implementation Method 2
a second energy storage device (16) with a capacity to move the actuator plunger (15) for actuating the catch mechanism (8)
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the pulsed release of an amount (3) of fluid that is stored in a storage housing (2) includes a piston (5) biased by a first spring (4) and movable within the storage housing (2) to dispense the fluid by the spring bias, when triggered by an actuator (6) to release a lock holding the piston in place (7). The lock (7) has individual catches (8) keeping the piston (5) in its pretensioned position and, when actuated by the actuator (6), releases the piston (5).