Transmission Filter Baffle Valve Air Ingestion Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transmission systems face issues with air ingestion during vehicle acceleration, deceleration, or changes in grade, which can lead to noise, unstable line pressure, and potential damage due to the inability to maintain an optimal fluid level that prevents air from entering the filter while avoiding parasitic drag from excessive fluid levels.
Innovation Solution
A transmission filter design featuring a baffle and valve system that alternately seals off the front and rear openings to the filter inlet based on the weight of fluid, ensuring that air is prevented from entering the filter by sliding plates that adjust positions in response to fluid levels, allowing fluid flow from either opening when the other is elevated, thus maintaining efficient fluid flow without ingesting air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fluid level is increased to prevent air ingestion, then air ingestion is prevented, but parasitic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable baffle that dynamically adjusts its position based on fluid level and flow conditions. The baffle can shift between positions to either block or allow fluid passage, enabling the system to adapt to varying operating conditions such as acceleration, deceleration, and grade changes, thus preventing air ingestion without requiring a consistently high fluid level that would cause parasitic drag
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle system is designed to be self-regulating, using the weight and pressure of the transmission fluid itself to control baffle position. When fluid level is sufficient, the weight of the fluid automatically positions the baffle to prevent air ingestion. When fluid level drops, the baffle naturally shifts to allow fluid intake, eliminating the need for external sensors or actuators
2Loss of energy
If the fluid level is decreased to reduce parasitic drag, then parasitic drag is reduced, but air ingestion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The movable baffle responds dynamically to changing fluid levels and flow conditions. During deceleration or when ascending grades, the baffle shifts to a position that prevents air ingestion even at lower fluid levels. During acceleration or descending grades, the baffle adjusts to allow fluid intake, enabling the system to maintain reliability across varying operating conditions without requiring excessive fluid levels
3Reliability
If a fixed baffle is used to prevent air ingestion, then air ingestion is prevented, but fluid flow efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a fixed baffle with a movable baffle that can shift between multiple positions. In the first position, the baffle prevents air ingestion by blocking the fluid passage. In the second position, the baffle allows efficient fluid flow into the pump. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing both air ingestion prevention and fluid flow efficiency at different operating conditions
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 design allows for a lower minimum fluid level, reducing parasitic drag and preventing air ingestion during various vehicle conditions, ensuring stable transmission operation and minimizing damage from air ingress while maintaining efficient fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
The valve is configured to prevent air ingestion into the inlet. Specifically, the valve prevents flow from the front opening to the inlet in response to weight of fluid on a front side of the valve when the front opening is elevated relative to the rear opening
Implementation Method 2
The valve also prevents flow from the rear opening to the inlet in response to weight of fluid on a rear side of the valve when the rear opening is elevated relative to the front opening
Implementation Method 3
The front and rear plates may be supported to slide in unison in response to the weight of fluid on a higher side of the valve between a first position in which the front plate prevents flow through the front bulkhead and a second position in which the rear plate prevents flow through the rear bulkhead
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission filter includes a baffle with a valve. The baffle defines front and rear openings. When a vehicle climbs or descends a hill, the valve moves in response to the weight of fluid on a higher side of the baffle. The valve prevents flow from the higher of the front and rear openings preventing air ingestion into the filter.