Automatic Transmission Clutch Layout for Axial Downsizing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automatic transmissions with friction engaging elements have a large axial dimension due to the serial disposition of biasing members and hydraulic chambers, making them bulky and difficult to downsize while maintaining functionality.

Innovation Solution

The friction engaging element configuration includes a piston biased by a spring and a hydraulic chamber, where the hydraulic chamber overlaps radially with the spring, allowing for axial downsizing by positioning the hydraulic chamber at different radial positions relative to the biasing member, and utilizing a smaller diameter for the release chamber to optimize space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the hydraulic chamber and biasing member are disposed serially in the axial direction, then the brake structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the axial dimension becomes large making the automatic transmission bulky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial dimensionVSAvoidbrake structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by repositioning the hydraulic chamber from a serial axial arrangement to a radial overlap configuration with the biasing member. Specifically, the hydraulic chamber is positioned at a different radial position than the biasing member, causing them to overlap in the axial direction rather than extend sequentially. This spatial reconfiguration reduces the overall axial dimension of the brake assembly while maintaining the functional independence and manufacturing simplicity of each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of moving object

If the hydraulic chamber is positioned to overlap radially with the biasing member, then the automatic transmission can be axially downsized, but the structural arrangement becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial dimensionVSAvoidspatial arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nesting by positioning the hydraulic chamber within the radial envelope of the biasing member's axial projection. The hydraulic chamber is arranged concentrically or eccentrically within the same radial space occupied by the biasing member, allowing the two components to occupy overlapping axial spaces without interfering with each other's function. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization and achieves compact axial dimension while maintaining clear functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Length of moving object

If a smaller diameter is used for the release chamber, then space utilization is optimized and axial dimension is reduced, but the hydraulic pressure distribution becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial dimensionVSAvoidhydraulic pressure distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by designing the release chamber with a smaller diameter specifically at the region where radial overlap with the biasing member occurs, while maintaining adequate diameter in other regions to ensure proper hydraulic pressure distribution. The hydraulic chamber's cross-sectional area is varied locally to accommodate the spatial constraints imposed by the biasing member while preserving sufficient volume for effective brake release operation. This localized dimensional optimization reduces overall axial dimension without compromising hydraulic functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 configuration enables the automatic transmission to be axially downsized while maintaining sufficient response and accuracy in engaging and releasing the friction plates, preventing shocks and slowing responses, thus improving the transmission's efficiency and compactness.

Implementation Method 1

a piston (50) which causes a plurality of friction plates (40) to be engaged, a spring (81) which biases the piston (50)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a hydraulic chamber (60) to which hydraulic fluid which biases the piston (50) is supplied

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS11067135B2Automatic transmission
Publication Date: 2021.07.20 MAZDA MOTOR CORP
  • US11067135B2 patent drawing
  • US11067135B2 patent drawing
  • US11067135B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An automatic transmission is provided, which includes a friction engaging element. The friction engaging element includes a plurality of friction plates disposed inside a transmission case, a piston configured to cause the plurality of friction plates to be engaged with each other, a spring configured to bias the piston, and a hydraulic chamber to which hydraulic fluid is supplied, the hydraulic fluid biasing the piston. The hydraulic chamber is disposed so as to overlap with the spring in a radially internal and external relationship.