Self-Regulating Valve for Lubricant Filling and Draining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling and draining systems for lubricants in transmission housings face challenges in managing different volume flows during filling and draining, requiring additional components like diaphragms that increase production complexity and potential errors.
Innovation Solution
A valve system within the lubricant line that automatically adjusts aperture width based on flow direction, allowing for larger volume flow during filling and smaller flow during draining without closing the line, using a metal ball valve element that contacts different stops for each flow direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a diaphragm is used in the lubricant line to reduce volume flow for PTO draining, then the volume flow for PTO is reduced to appropriate levels, but the device complexity increases due to additional production steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the aperture width parameter of the valve based on flow direction. The valve adopts a first aperture width during filling for large volume flow and a second aperture width during draining for smaller volume flow, eliminating the need for additional components like diaphragms
Solution Approach 2:
The valve dynamically adjusts its aperture width according to the flow direction of the lubricant. The valve element moves between different positions (contacting different stops) depending on whether lubricant is flowing in or out, automatically adapting the flow cross-section to the current operational requirement
2Productivity
If a valve with different aperture widths is used to enable rapid filling and controlled draining, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to valve mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is self-regulating and automatically adjusts its aperture width based on the flow direction without requiring external control mechanisms. The lubricant flow itself actuates the valve element to move between different stops, making the system self-service and minimizing additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve performs multiple functions: it enables both rapid filling (first aperture width) and controlled draining (second aperture width) through its ability to adopt different aperture widths. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for filling and draining control
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
Enables rapid filling and controlled draining with reduced lubricant volume, eliminating the need for additional components and minimizing errors, while maintaining a robust and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
The valve element (62) can be moved by the flow of lubricant in the valve, in particular moved axially
Data Source
AI summary
A filling and draining device for filling lubricant into and draining lubricant out of a housing (1), having a lubricant line (2, 21, 22) through which the lubricant passes into the housing (1), during filling, and through which the lubricant passes when the lubricant is drained from the housing (1). The housing (1) has a valve (6) through which the lubricant flows during filling and draining such that, for filling, the valve (6) adopts a first aperture width for the lubricant and, for draining, the valve (6) adopts a second aperture width for the lubricant.