Automatic Transmission Control Unit Cooling via Hydraulic Fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reliability of automatic transmission control units is compromised due to increased signal wire length and heat buildup when the control unit is separated from the hydraulic pressure supply unit, leading to decreased control signal reliability and potential overheating.
Innovation Solution
Integrating the control unit and hydraulic pressure supply unit within the automatic transmission case, with a storage portion to temporarily store hydraulic fluid for cooling the control unit, eliminating the need for a signal wire and reducing temperature increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the control unit is arranged outside the case, then the heat generation from the gear train does not affect the control unit, but the signal wire length increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is merged with the hydraulic pressure supply unit and arranged inside the case together with the gear train. This eliminates the need for long signal wires by placing the control unit close to the hydraulic pressure supply unit, thereby improving signal transmission reliability while managing heat through the cooling system.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydraulic fluid serves as an intermediary cooling medium. The storage portion temporarily stores hydraulic fluid that is supplied to the gear train, and this hydraulic fluid cools the control unit by heat exchange, allowing the control unit to be positioned inside the case without overheating.
2Reliability
If the control unit is arranged inside the case, then the signal wire length decreases and connection reliability improves, but the control unit overheats from radiant heat and heat buildup
Solution Approach 1:
Hydraulic fluid acts as a thermal intermediary. The storage portion holds hydraulic fluid that absorbs heat from the control unit through heat exchange, preventing the control unit from overheating while maintaining its position inside the case for reliable electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the hydraulic fluid system already present in the automatic transmission. The storage portion temporarily stores hydraulic fluid supplied to the gear train, and this hydraulic fluid is used to cool the control unit through heat exchange, leveraging the existing hydraulic system for thermal management.
3Ease of operation
If a long signal wire is used to connect the control unit and hydraulic pressure supply unit, then the control unit can be placed outside the case, but noise interference increases and control signal reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit and hydraulic pressure supply unit are merged into the same spatial location inside the case. This eliminates the need for long signal wires by placing both components close together, thereby eliminating noise interference and improving control signal reliability while maintaining ease of operation through integrated design.
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 maintains a reliable electrical connection and prevents overheating of the control unit while reducing signal wire issues and heat-related problems, ensuring effective operation of the automatic transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a storage portion which is provided in the case and temporarily stores hydraulic fluid supplied to the gear train, and cools the control unit by the stored hydraulic fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic transmission according to the invention includes: a hydraulic pressure supply unit which is disposed, together with a gear train, inside a case and switches a shift state (gear ratio) of the gear train based on a supply of hydraulic pressure from hydraulic fluid; a control unit which is disposed in the case and detachably connected to the hydraulic pressure supply unit, and electrically controls the hydraulic pressure supply unit; and a storage portion which is provided in the case and temporarily stores hydraulic fluid supplied to the gear train, and cools the control unit by the stored hydraulic fluid.