Synchronizer Ring Cam Grooves for Oil Circulation in Tight Gaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

In synchronizers for vehicle transmissions, the small gap between the axial surfaces of cams and components can lead to oil being stuck and dried, resulting in inadequate lubrication, which affects the synchronization process.

Innovation Solution

The synchronizing ring features a plurality of cams with grooves on their inner radial surfaces to facilitate oil circulation, allowing oil to be transported from one axial surface to the opposite side of the cam, thereby improving lubrication by creating channels for oil drainage from the gap formed between the cams and the hub.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the gap between the axial surfaces of the cams and the hub is kept small to save space, then the packing space is improved, but the oil circulation is worsened causing oil to be stuck and dried

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacking spaceVSAvoidoil circulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cam surface is segmented by introducing multiple grooves that divide the continuous surface into separate zones. These grooves create discrete oil circulation channels that allow oil to flow through the gap between the cam and hub, preventing oil stagnation while maintaining the compact design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The grooves act as intermediary channels that facilitate oil flow between the cam and hub. By introducing these intermediate structures, oil can be transported across the gap without requiring a larger clearance, thus resolving the contradiction between compact space and adequate lubrication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the grooves are added to the inner radial surface of each cam to improve oil circulation, then the lubrication is improved, but the device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovelubricationVSAvoidcam structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cam surface is modified with groove structures that create a porous-like configuration. These grooves allow oil to penetrate and circulate through the cam-hub interface, improving lubrication without requiring complex external lubrication systems or additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The solution moves from addressing lubrication in the radial dimension to introducing flow paths in the axial dimension through the grooves. By utilizing the axial dimension for oil circulation, the design achieves improved lubrication without increasing radial complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 grooves enhance oil circulation within the synchronizer, reducing the likelihood of oil being stuck and improving lubrication, ensuring effective synchronization and torque transfer during gear shifting.

Implementation Method 1

an inner radial surface of each cam is provided with a plurality of grooves for transportation of oil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid transport through grooves:

Data Source

PatentUS11796011B2Synchronizing ring

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 NINGBO GEELY AUTOMOBILE RES & DEV CO LTD

AI summary

A synchronizing ring for a synchronizer of a transmission. The inside of the synchronizing ring being provided with a plurality of cams and corresponding recesses between the cams for receiving a plurality of axial protrusions of a further synchronizing ring. An inner radial surface of each cam is provided with a plurality of grooves for transportation of oil.