Transfer Case Lubrication Guide for Splash Oil Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transfer case lubrication systems, particularly those with complex components like multi-plate friction clutches, face challenges in maintaining a steady lubrication supply without the need for a pump, which adds cost, complexity, and weight.
Innovation Solution
A lubrication guide is integrated into the transfer case, featuring an inlet, outlet, and an elongated tubular section, positioned to receive splash lubrication during operation, directing it to critical areas within the case, such as the clutch pack and actuator, ensuring consistent lubrication without a pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pump is used to provide pressurized lubrication, then lubrication reliability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the pump component from the lubrication system, replacing it with a passive lubrication gallery system that uses the natural motion of transfer case components to circulate lubricant, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining lubrication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The lubrication system is designed to be self-service by utilizing the rotational motion of existing transfer case components (such as the output shafts and clutch assemblies) to pick up and distribute lubricant through the lubrication galleries, eliminating the need for an external pump
2Device complexity
If sling lubrication is used to eliminate the pump, then device complexity is reduced, but lubrication steadiness deteriorates for complex components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces lubrication galleries as intermediary channels that collect lubricant from splash lubrication and systematically distribute it to specific lubrication points, ensuring steady and reliable lubrication delivery to complex components like the multi-plate clutch without requiring a pump
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the lubrication system by creating a three-dimensional network of lubrication galleries within the transfer case housing, allowing lubricant to be routed efficiently to multiple components simultaneously, thereby maintaining lubrication steadiness while keeping the system simple
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 solution effectively provides a cost-effective and weight-reduced lubrication system that maintains component longevity and reduces noise and vibration by utilizing splash lubrication, ensuring efficient lubrication distribution within the transfer case.
Implementation Method 1
The lubrication guide is coupled to the drive assembly such that the inlet is disposed proximate a first rotary component of the drive assembly to receive splash lubrication therefrom when rotary power is transmitted between the first and second output shafts
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer case having a lubrication guide with an inlet, an outlet and an elongated tubular portion that is disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The lubrication guide is coupled to a drive assembly that transmits rotary power between a pair of output shafts such that the inlet is disposed proximate a first rotary component of the drive assembly to receive splash lubrication (i.e., slung lubrication and/or surge lubrication) therefrom.