Retarder Coupling Valve Layout for Lower Idle Lubrication Loss
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retarder arrangements in vehicles incur parasitic losses due to unnecessary lubrication when not in use, adding complexity and cost, which the proposed solution aims to alleviate by incorporating a valve mechanism that only lubricates the retarder transmission when needed.
Innovation Solution
A retarder arrangement with a lubricant feed conduit and an actuator-controlled valve that connects and disconnects the retarder rotor from the shaft, ensuring lubrication only when the retarder is engaged, thereby minimizing parasitic losses and simplifying the control system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the retarder transmission is continuously lubricated, then the lubrication system is simple and reliable, but parasitic losses increase when the retarder is not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is mechanically coupled to the actuator element, merging the lubrication control function with the coupling control mechanism. This integration allows a single actuator to simultaneously control both the mechanical coupling and the lubrication flow, reducing overall system complexity while eliminating unnecessary parasitic losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubrication system automatically activates and deactivates based on the operational state of the retarder coupling. When the actuator element moves to engage the coupling, it mechanically opens the valve to enable lubrication. When disengaged, the valve automatically closes. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for separate control systems.
2Loss of energy
If a separate valve control system is added to the retarder arrangement, then lubrication can be controlled precisely, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is mechanically integrated with the actuator element through a direct mechanical connection. The actuator element's linear movement serves dual purposes: engaging/disengaging the coupling and opening/closing the lubrication valve. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate valve control mechanisms, reducing complexity while maintaining precise lubrication control.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the coupling engagement mechanism and the valve actuator. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components required in the system, simplifying both the mechanical structure and the control system while achieving precise lubrication control.
3Ease of operation
If multiple actuators and position sensors are used to control the retarder and valve, then control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single actuator element that mechanically controls both the coupling engagement and the lubrication valve. This unified approach means only one position sensor is needed to monitor the actuator's position, thereby achieving sufficient control precision while minimizing the number of components and reducing overall system complexity.
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 solution reduces parasitic losses and costs by ensuring lubrication is only applied when the retarder is in use, allowing for a more efficient and cost-effective retarder arrangement that can be manufactured and assembled with fewer components.
Implementation Method 1
The lubricant feed conduit comprises a valve mechanically connected to the actuator element. The valve is arranged to assume an open position when the actuator element is in the actuated position and to assume a closed position when the actuator element is in the unactuated position.
Implementation Method 2
Such retarders utilize the viscous drag forces of a liquid in a work space between a rotor and a stator.
Implementation Method 3
a lubricant feed conduit arranged to conduct lubricant to the retarder transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A retarder arrangement (1) is configured to brake rotation of a shaft (3) of a vehicle (5). The arrangement (1) includes a retarder rotor (7), a retarder transmission (9), a lubricant feed conduit (11) arranged to conduct lubricant to the retarder transmission (9), a coupling device (13), and an actuator element (15). The actuator element (15) is moveable between an actuated position and an unactuated position to move the coupling device (13) between an engaged state and a disengaged state. The coupling device (13) is configured, in the engaged state, to connect the retarder rotor (7) to the shaft (3) via the retarder transmission (9), and in the disengaged state, to disconnect the retarder rotor (7) from the shaft (3). The lubricant teed conduit (11) includes a valve (17) mechanically connected to the actuator element (15). The present disclosure further relates to a transmission arrangement (40), a power train (50), and a vehicle (5).