Solenoid Clip Valve Assembly for Axial Float Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve assemblies for transmissions face issues due to design constraints and manufacturing tolerances, leading to undesirable movement of components and performance inconsistencies, necessitating a solution that stabilizes the solenoid relative to the valve body.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly design incorporating a solenoid, a valve body with a groove and shoulder, and a clip that abuts the solenoid to constrain its movement, utilizing a clip with C-shaped tangs and stiffener features to securely engage the solenoid and valve body, minimizing axial float and manufacturing tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional retainers are used to locate components, then component positioning is achieved, but manufacturing tolerances and design constraints cause undesirable movement and performance inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The clip design changes the retention mechanism from conventional retainers to a spring-loaded configuration with optimized geometric parameters. The C-shaped tangs with specific curvature radii and the angled tabs create a retention system that compensates for manufacturing tolerances through elastic deformation, maintaining consistent component positioning despite variations in manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip incorporates dynamic elements through its spring-loaded structure that can elastically deform to accommodate component positioning variations. The flexible tangs and tabs allow the retention system to adapt to manufacturing tolerances while maintaining reliable component location, transforming a static retention problem into a dynamically adaptive solution.
2Strength
If forces are applied to retainers to secure components, then component retention is achieved, but undesirable movement occurs due to force distribution issues
Solution Approach 1:
The clip design applies retention forces through localized contact points on the tabs and tangs rather than distributed forces. The C-shaped tangs concentrate forces at specific engagement points with the valve body, while the angled tabs provide localized retention on the solenoid, creating stable component positioning through strategically placed force application zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention system is segmented into multiple independent functional elements: C-shaped tangs for valve body engagement, angled tabs for solenoid retention, and a spring-loaded spine for force application. This segmentation allows each element to independently manage specific retention functions, improving overall component position stability through distributed retention mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If manufacturing tolerances are reduced to improve component location precision, then positioning accuracy improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design changes manufacturing parameters from tight tolerance requirements to relaxed tolerance ranges by incorporating the elastic clip retention system. The spring-loaded tangs and tabs compensate for dimensional variations, allowing components to be manufactured within standard tolerance ranges while achieving precise component location through the mechanical compliance of the clip structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip acts as an intermediary element between the valve body and solenoid, providing a compliance mechanism that absorbs manufacturing tolerance variations. Rather than requiring precise direct fitment between components, the clip mediates the connection, allowing standard manufacturing tolerances to be used while maintaining accurate component positioning through its elastic deformation capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Valve assemblies, clips adapted for use in valve assemblies, and methods of assembling valve assemblies are disclosed herein. A valve assembly includes a solenoid, a valve body, and a clip. The valve body is coupled to the solenoid and extends along a valve body axis. The valve body includes a first inner surface that defines an interior passage, a second inner surface that defines a groove in fluid communication with the interior passage, and a shoulder defined at an interface between the first inner surface and the second inner surface. The clip is coupled to the solenoid and the valve body.