Slotted Bushing for Lubrication Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bushing designs require expensive machining and careful indexing during installation to ensure proper fluid transfer between a carrier member and a kinetic member, which can be difficult and costly, and may lead to misalignment and overheating due to inadequate lubrication.

Innovation Solution

A bushing with a cylindrical sleeve featuring an inner groove and radially spaced openings that are fluidly coupled with the carrier and kinetic member's passageways, allowing for fluid transfer without the need for an external annulus groove or indexed position, thereby simplifying installation and maintaining structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional bushing designs use through-holes for fluid transfer, then fluid transfer is enabled, but expensive machining and careful indexing are required during installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid transfer reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bushing is segmented into multiple functional zones: an outer annular groove for fluid distribution, multiple radially spaced openings for fluid transfer, and an inner cylindrical bore for kinetic member passage. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently, eliminating the need for precise indexing during installation while ensuring reliable fluid transfer to multiple locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bushing design integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support as a bearing surface, enables fluid transfer through the annular groove and openings, and eliminates the need for separate indexing mechanisms or alignment features. This multi-functionality simplifies installation while maintaining reliable fluid transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional bushing designs require indexed position for proper fluid transfer, then fluid transfer alignment is ensured, but installation becomes difficult and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid transfer alignmentVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bushing's annular groove and radially spaced openings are designed to automatically align with the carrier member's fluid passage and kinetic member's requirements through the natural flow distribution pattern. The groove receives fluid from the carrier member and automatically distributes it through the openings without requiring precise external indexing or alignment features, making installation straightforward while ensuring proper fluid transfer alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If conventional bushing designs lack proper fluid transfer, then simpler structure is achieved, but misalignment and overheating occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebushing structureVSAvoidlubrication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The design transitions from traditional linear through-holes to a two-dimensional annular groove with radially spaced openings. This dimensional change creates a distributed fluid transfer system that maintains reliable lubrication across multiple points simultaneously, preventing misalignment and overheating while adding minimal structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Manufacturing precision

If expensive machining is used for conventional bushings, then precise fluid transfer passages are created, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid passage precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The design changes the geometric parameters of fluid transfer from precise cylindrical through-holes to an annular groove with radially spaced openings. This parameter change allows for simpler machining operations while maintaining precise fluid transfer control through the groove's geometry and the radial spacing of the openings, reducing manufacturing cost without sacrificing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This design enables effective fluid transfer and lubrication between the carrier and kinetic members without expensive machining or indexing, ensuring reliable operation and preventing overheating, while maintaining structural integrity and simplifying the installation process.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of openings defined in the groove; wherein, the plurality of openings is radially spaced from one another

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow through openings:

Implementation Method 2

the inner surface comprises a friction-reducing coating or layer of material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS9206839B2Slotted bushing for transferring lubrication

Publication Date: 2015.12.08 ALLISON TRANSMISSION INC

AI summary

A bushing for promoting fluid transfer between a first body and a second body. The bushing includes a cylindrical sleeve including an inner surface and an outer surface. A groove is formed in the inner surface and defined by a first wall and a second wall. A plurality of openings is defined in the groove, such that the plurality of openings is radially spaced from one another.