Synchronizing Ring Cam Grooves for Oil Circulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

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

Innovation Solution

The synchronizing ring features axial cams with grooves that extend radially, enhancing oil circulation by transporting oil from the axial surface between the outer and inner radial surfaces, thereby improving lubrication and reducing oil stagnation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the gap between axial surfaces of cams and hub is kept small to save packing space, then the synchronizer structure is more compact, but oil gets trapped in the gap and dries out leading to poor lubrication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacking spaceVSAvoidlubrication effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies the porous materials principle by creating groove structures on the axial surfaces of the cams. These grooves act as porous channels that actively drain trapped oil from the gap between the cam axial surfaces and the hub, preventing oil stagnation and drying. The grooves provide a controlled pathway for oil circulation, transforming the problematic small gap into an effective lubrication system while maintaining compact packaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

2Reliability

If grooves are added to axial cams for oil drainage, then lubrication is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubrication effectivenessVSAvoidcam structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies segmentation by dividing the axial surface of each cam into multiple grooved regions. Instead of adding complex external drainage systems, the cam surface itself is segmented into functional zones - the grooves create multiple small drainage channels that collectively handle oil removal. This segmentation approach improves lubrication while keeping the overall structure simple and integrated into the existing cam geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 on the axial cams significantly enhance lubrication within the synchronizer, ensuring improved synchronization and torque transfer by maintaining effective oil circulation and reducing the risk of oil drying on components.

Implementation Method 1

The axial surface of each axial cam is provided with a plurality of grooves for transportation of oil from a gap formed between the axial surface and a component of the synchronizer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid transport through grooves:

Data Source

PatentEP3748184B1A synchronizing ring
Publication Date: 2023.01.25 NINGBO GEELY AUTOMOBILE RES & DEV CO LTD
  • EP3748184B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3748184B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3748184B1 patent drawingFigure 2c

AI summary

The invention relates to a synchronizing ring (11) for a synchronizer (2) of a transmission (1). The synchronizing ring (11) is provided with a plurality of axially extending cams (13) for engagement with a further synchronizing ring (12). An axial surface (18) of each axial cam (13) is provided with at least one groove (19) for transportation of oil.