Solenoid Stabilizer Insert for Valve Body Retainer Collapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solenoids in vehicle automatic transmission and torque converter hydraulic systems experience instability due to spring retainer collapse, leading to improper valve operation, which results in issues like wobble, flared shifts, and clutch degradation, as the spring-like properties of the retainer are lost over time.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizer is introduced, which is designed to prevent the collapse of the spring retainer by using a U-shaped body made from stiff but compressible low carbon steel, with tapered ends and a configuration that fits within the retainer, maintaining the spring function and securing the solenoid in place without additional tools or modifications to the valve casing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring retainer is used to secure the solenoid in the valve body, then the solenoid is initially held in place, but the spring retainer collapses over time and loses its spring-like properties, causing the solenoid to become loose and wobble
Solution Approach 1:
The solution divides the retainer system into two separate components: a stabilizer inserted into the solenoid body and a retainer securing the solenoid in the valve body. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the stabilizer maintains solenoid structural integrity while the retainer provides positioning, resolving the contradiction between initial stability and long-term durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer is nested inside the solenoid body, with the stabilizer's U-shaped structure fitting within the solenoid's internal geometry. This nesting approach allows the stabilizer to reinforce the solenoid's neck and body connection without interfering with the retainer's external positioning function, thereby extending the overall system service life while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the solenoid is secured with a spring retainer, then the solenoid is held in place, but the retainer may collapse causing the solenoid to push out of the bore and become off-center
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer is installed into the solenoid body before the retainer is applied. This preliminary action ensures that the solenoid's structural weak points are reinforced beforehand, preventing collapse and misalignment during operation. The stabilizer prepares the solenoid to maintain its composition stability throughout the retainer's service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer is made from low carbon steel, a composite material that combines stiffness with compressibility. This material property allows the stabilizer to resist collapse forces while still allowing controlled deformation, maintaining solenoid alignment stability without compromising the simplicity of the mounting process.
3Strength
If the solenoid head is pressed against the valve body wall by the spring retainer, then the solenoid is secured, but the solenoid head may mushroom the bore at the outboard end of the control valve
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer acts as a cushioning element by distributing the retainer's securing force along the solenoid body and neck rather than concentrating it at the head. This beforehand cushioning prevents the solenoid head from exerting excessive localized pressure on the valve bore, eliminating the harmful mushrooming effect while maintaining adequate securing strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer changes the force distribution parameters within the solenoid structure. By providing internal reinforcement, it transforms the concentrated point load at the solenoid head into a distributed load along the solenoid body, reducing the pressure intensity on the valve bore and preventing material deformation.
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 stabilizer effectively maintains the solenoid's position, preventing mushrooming of the valve bore and ensuring proper transmission and torque converter operation by maintaining the spring retainer's functionality, thus reducing issues related to clutch engagement and gear ratio errors.
Implementation Method 1
The stabilizer is formed from a relatively stiff but somewhat compressible material such as low carbon steel
Implementation Method 2
The bends provide a spring-like action or spring function between the front and rear walls of the retainer
Data Source
AI summary
A spring retainer and a stabilizer for securing a solenoid in a transmission fluid valve body, the valve body having a pair of bores therein collinear with one another and collinear with a movable valve stem, and a slot in the valve body between the bores. The retainer has an inverted U-shaped body having front and rear walls each having a top and a pair of depending legs defining free ends. The front and rear walls are connected at their free ends at a bend. The stabilizer has an inverted U-shaped body corresponding to the spring retainer body and is positioned in the spring retainer between the front and rear walls. A method for stabilizing a solenoid in a valve body is also disclosed.