Transmission Fluid Cooling Layout for Stable ATF Temperature
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling devices for vehicles with torque converterless transmissions face challenges in maintaining suitable temperatures for lubricating fluids, leading to excessive heat generation in friction engagement elements, which affects fuel efficiency by increasing friction loss in the internal combustion engine.
Innovation Solution
A cooling device with two heat exchangers and adjustable flow rate controllers for fluid circuits, allowing independent control of heat exchange to maintain optimal fluid temperatures, reducing friction engagement element heat and minimizing friction loss in the internal combustion engine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the conventional cooling device uses two heat exchangers to cool the ATF, then the cooling effect of the ATF is improved, but the temperature of the first coolant is excessively lowered, increasing friction loss in the internal combustion engine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable flow rate controllers (first and second adjusters) that dynamically regulate the flow of ATF through the first and second heat exchangers based on real-time temperature conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize heat exchange efficiency while preventing excessive cooling of the first coolant, thereby resolving the contradiction between ATF cooling effectiveness and friction loss prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the heat exchangers by independently controlling the flow rates through the first and second heat exchangers. By adjusting these flow parameters according to temperature conditions, the system achieves optimal balance between cooling the ATF and maintaining the temperature of the first coolant to minimize friction loss
2Stability of the object's composition
If the thermostat valve maintains ATF at suitable temperature by adjusting flow rate through the second heat exchanger, then the ATF temperature is stabilized, but the cooling capability for high-temperature conditions (off-road or towing) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling function by introducing a separate first heat exchanger parallel to the second heat exchanger, each with independent flow rate control. This segmentation allows the system to handle different cooling demands independently - the first heat exchanger for high-temperature conditions and the second for temperature stabilization - thereby resolving the contradiction between temperature stability and cooling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the ATF cooling system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both temperature stabilization (through the second heat exchanger with thermostat valve) and high-capacity cooling (through the first heat exchanger with adjustable flow rate). This universal design allows the same system to adapt to different operational conditions including normal travel, off-road, and towing scenarios
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 effectively maintains suitable fluid temperatures, improving fuel and electricity efficiency by reducing friction loss and heat generation in the transmission and internal combustion engine.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the fluid and the first coolant
Implementation Method 2
a second heat exchanger that is arranged in series with the first heat exchanger, and configured to exchange heat between the fluid and the second coolant
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling device of a vehicle is provided, which includes a transmission, a first coolant circuit where a first coolant which cools the internal combustion engine circulates, a second coolant circuit independent from the first coolant circuit, where a second coolant which cools the electric drive system circulates, and a fluid circuit where fluid which lubricates and cools friction engagement elements in the transmission circulates. The fluid circuit includes a first heat exchanger which exchanges heat between the fluid and the first coolant, a second heat exchanger in-series with the first heat exchanger which exchanges heat between the fluid and the second coolant, a first adjuster which changes a flow rate of the fluid passing through the first heat exchanger, and a second adjuster which changes a flow rate of the fluid passing through the second heat exchanger.