Reversible Pump Hydraulic System for Powertrain Mode Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle powertrain hydraulic systems lack efficient and responsive mechanisms for mode changes and torque distribution between wheels, particularly in transitioning between 2WD and 4WD modes, and adjusting range settings, which affects the overall efficiency and responsiveness of the powertrain.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle powertrain hydraulic system incorporating a clutch, shift selector, piston and cylinder assembly, and a hydraulic pump and regulator apparatus with reversible pumps and centrifugal regulators, which utilize fluid pressure lines to control the shift selector and clutch activation, enabling efficient mode changes and torque distribution through precise fluid flow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hydraulic systems use separate valves and spool valves for mode changes and torque distribution, then the system can achieve mode transitions, but the device complexity increases and responsiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated piston valve assembly. The piston valve simultaneously controls fluid flow to the clutch and mode selection, eliminating the need for separate electromechanical valves and spool valves. This merging of functions reduces the number of components while maintaining full control capability for mode changes and torque distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston valve serves multiple functions: it acts as a mode selection valve, a clutch control valve, and a fluid distribution valve all in one component. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve complex control tasks with a single versatile component, reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability through fewer potential failure points.
2Speed
If traditional systems use electromechanical valves for clutch activation, then the system can control torque distribution, but the responsiveness and efficiency of mode changes are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical valves with a purely hydraulic piston valve system. The piston valve uses hydraulic pressure from the pump to directly control clutch activation and mode selection, eliminating mechanical conversion steps and electromagnetic actuation delays. This hydraulic-direct-actuation approach significantly improves responsiveness and reduces energy consumption by eliminating intermediate conversion processes.
3Productivity
If the system uses a reversible pump with centrifugal regulator, then the productivity and mode transition speed improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a reversible pump with centrifugal regulator that can dynamically change rotation direction and speed based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability allows the pump to rapidly switch between different fluid flow directions and pressures, enabling fast mode transitions. The centrifugal regulator automatically adjusts pump characteristics based on system demand, providing adaptive performance without requiring complex external 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
The system enhances powertrain efficiency and responsiveness by enabling seamless transitions between drivetrain modes and torque distribution, reducing the need for additional components like electromechanical valves and spool valves, thereby improving operational reliability and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a reversible pump in fluid communication with the fluid supply to pressurize fluid from the fluid supply
Implementation Method 2
the piston is also a valve to control fluid flow through the third fluid pressure line from the cylinder to the clutch
Implementation Method 3
a centrifugal regulator coupled to the motor
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle powertrain hydraulic system (10) includes a clutch (12), a piston (62) disposed in a cylinder (60) to drive a shift selector (14), a pump (82) in fluid communication with a fluid supply (86) to pressurize fluid, and first and second fluid pressure lines (91, 92) from the pump to first and second sides of the piston. A third fluid pressure line (93) may extend to the clutch from the cylinder in a location between the first and second sides of the piston, such that the piston also may be a valve to control fluid flow to the clutch. The pump may be reversible and coupled to an electric motor (80), and a centrifugal regulator (84) may be coupled to the motor and in fluid communication with the first and second pump pressure lines to regulate fluid pressure therein. A related operational method is also disclosed.