Transmission Filter Valve Assembly for Multi-Pump Fluid Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valves, such as ball check valves, face limitations in space-constrained environments and fail to efficiently supply fluid from multiple sources to components in multiple transmission operating modes, leading to complications in fluid flow demands.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly with a valve assembly that includes a spool movable between de-stroked and stroked positions, featuring spiraled slots for improved fluid flow, and a biasing element to manage fluid pressure, allowing efficient fluid supply from either a mechanically-driven or electrically-driven pump based on transmission mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional valves (e.g., ball check valves) are used to supply fluid in multiple transmission operating modes, then the valve structure is simple, but the valve fails to efficiently supply fluid from multiple sources and cannot meet space constraints and fluid flow demands
Solution Approach 1:
The spool valve is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a check valve to prevent backflow, a flow control valve to regulate fluid from multiple pumps, and a pressure control valve. The single spool component handles all these functions by moving between different positions (first position, second position, third position) to selectively connect different fluid paths, eliminating the need for multiple separate valves and seals.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple valves (check valve, flow control valve, pressure control valve) into a single spool valve assembly. The spool integrates multiple valve functions that would traditionally require separate components, reducing overall device complexity while improving adaptability to multiple operating modes.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional valves are used in space-constrained environments, then the valve design is straightforward, but the valve cannot meet the space constraints of the installation environment
Solution Approach 1:
The spool valve is nested within the filter element housing, utilizing the existing internal space of the filter assembly. The spool moves axially within a bore of the filter element, and the valve body is integrated with the filter housing structure, maximizing space utilization without requiring additional external space.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool valve utilizes the axial dimension (length) of the filter element by moving back and forth along the axis, rather than requiring additional radial or lateral space. This dimensional approach allows the valve to perform multiple functions within the constrained radial space of the filter assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional valves are used to supply fluid from multiple pumps, then the valve design is simple, but complications arise when supplying fluid from multiple sources to components in multiple operating modes
Solution Approach 1:
The spool valve is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a check valve to prevent backflow, a flow control valve to regulate fluid from multiple pumps, and a pressure control valve. The single spool component handles all these functions by moving between different positions (first position, second position, third position) to selectively connect different fluid paths, eliminating the need for multiple separate valves and seals.
4Device complexity
If conventional valves are used, then the valve structure is straightforward, but separate seals are required which increase complexity and operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The spool itself serves as the sealing surface through its tight-tolerance fit with the filter element bore. The precise machining of the spool and bore creates a metal-to-metal seal that eliminates the need for separate rubber seals or gaskets. The spool's own geometry and dimensional precision provide the sealing function, reducing component count while maintaining reliability.
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 solution ensures efficient fluid flow to fluid demand devices in various transmission modes without backflow, reducing complexity and operational costs by eliminating the need for separate seals, while maintaining a tight-tolerance fit to prevent leakage.
Implementation Method 1
a spool movable in the interior chamber between a de-stroked position, in which the spool permits fluid flow through the valve assembly to the one or more fluid demand devices substantially without application of fluid pressure to the spool by fluid passed through the filter element, and a stroked position, in which the spool permits fluid flow through the valve assembly to the one or more fluid demand devices in response to fluid pressure applied to the spool by fluid passed through the filter element
Implementation Method 2
The spool may be formed to include a plurality of spiraled slots shaped to conduct fluid therethrough when the spool is in the stroked position to improve fluid flow to the one or more fluid demand devices through the valve assembly
Implementation Method 3
a biasing element arranged in contact with the spool to apply a biasing force to the spool. The biasing force may urge the spool toward the de-stroked position
Implementation Method 4
An exterior of the annular body may be shaped for interaction with one or more interior walls of the housing that at least partially define the interior chamber to facilitate a tight-tolerance fit between the spool and the housing that resists leakage of fluid through the interior chamber around the spool
Data Source
AI summary
Transmissions, filter assemblies for transmissions, and valve assemblies for transmissions are disclosed herein. A transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and a hydraulic system. The input shaft is configured to receive rotational power supplied by a drive unit. The output shaft is coupled to the input shaft and configured to provide rotational power supplied to the input shaft to a load. The hydraulic system is configured to supply fluid to one or more fluid demand devices coupled between the input shaft and the output shaft in one or more operating modes of the transmission. The hydraulic system includes a filter assembly having a filter element and a valve assembly fluidly coupled to the filter element.