Transmission Spool Valve Mounting With Common Datum Machining
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing machining processes for spool valve cavities in automatic transmission valve bodies are time-consuming due to the need for individual datums for each spool valve, and there is a challenge in exhausting operating fluid efficiently to prevent pressure buildup around the solenoid head.
Innovation Solution
A valve body design with a common datum for machining all spool valve cavities and a spring biasing system that positions the solenoid assembly precisely against this datum, along with a spring clip to manage fluid exhaust and prevent pressure buildup around the solenoid head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If individual datums are used for each spool valve cavity, then machining precision for each valve is improved, but manufacturing time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a common datum structure that serves multiple spool valve cavities simultaneously. Instead of creating individual datums for each valve cavity, a single common datum is established on the valve body, from which all spool valve cavities are machined. This universal datum approach maintains machining precision while dramatically reducing manufacturing time and complexity, directly resolving the technical contradiction between precision and productivity.
2Volume of moving object
If the solenoid assembly is positioned close to the valve body, then space efficiency is improved, but fluid exhaust is blocked and pressure builds up around the solenoid head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spring clip as an intermediary component between the solenoid assembly and the valve body. This spring clip serves multiple functions: it positions the solenoid assembly at the optimal distance from the valve body, maintains sufficient gap for fluid exhaust pathways to function properly, and prevents pressure buildup around the solenoid head. The spring clip acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between space efficiency and proper fluid exhaust.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the solenoid assembly is positioned far from the valve body, then fluid exhaust is improved, but manufacturing precision and location accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with a spring-biased positioning mechanism. The spring clip, biased against the solenoid assembly, automatically maintains the optimal distance for fluid exhaust while ensuring consistent positioning accuracy. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for complex fixtures or multiple machining operations, achieving both good fluid exhaust and manufacturing precision through a simple spring-based system.
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 simplifies the machining process by using a common datum for all spool valves and ensures efficient fluid exhaust, reducing manufacturing time and preventing pressure issues around the solenoid head.
Implementation Method 1
a spring supplying a biasing force along a bias direction to bias the solenoid assembly toward the datum
Implementation Method 2
a solenoid assembly including an armature positioned to actuate the valve spool when the solenoid is energized
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a transmission spool valve/valve body arrangement facilitating the manufacturing of the valve body chambers accommodating the spool valves. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure provides a valve body having a common datum from which machining for each valve cavity formed through a particular face of a valve body can be referenced. In particular embodiments of the disclosure, a spring biases a solenoid assembly for each valve against a datum (common or otherwise). In more particular embodiments of the disclosure, the spring biases the solenoid assembly in a direction opposite to the direction of actuation of the spool valve upon actuation of the solenoid assembly. The spring bias positively displaces the solenoid assembly to the datum for precision location of the solenoid relative to the various hydraulic ports of the respective valve chamber. A variety of spring clip arrangements are provided to index the solenoid to the valve body.