Transmission Fluid Gap Surfaces for Lower Churning Losses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid guidance systems in motor vehicle transmissions face challenges in reducing churning losses, fluid efficiency, and targeted lubrication, leading to increased costs, weight, and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A fluid guidance device with axially extending channels and circular arc-shaped fluid gap surfaces is designed to guide fluid axially and radially within the transmission housing, reducing fluid volume, minimizing splashing losses, and directing fluid to specific areas for lubrication and cooling, while also incorporating differential fluid guide devices to manage fluid flow around the differential gear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional fluid expansion tank is used to accommodate fluid volume changes, then the fluid level can be maintained, but splashing losses increase and fluid efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fluid expansion function from a separate expansion tank and integrates it directly into the gear wheel structure. The gear wheel's axial bore and associated channels provide the expansion capacity directly at the source, eliminating the need for a separate tank and reducing fluid splashing losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid expansion channels are nested within the gear wheel structure itself. The axial bore and radial channels are integrated into the gear wheel's internal geometry, creating a compact nested arrangement that combines lubrication delivery and fluid expansion functions in a single component.
2Reliability
If more fluid is used to ensure adequate lubrication, then lubrication reliability improves, but churning losses and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gear wheel structure itself serves the dual function of both lubrication delivery and fluid expansion accommodation. The axial bore and radial channels automatically manage fluid distribution and volume changes without requiring external control systems, enabling the system to self-regulate fluid management.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different functional qualities to different regions of the gear wheel. The axial bore provides expansion capacity, while the radial channels provide targeted lubrication delivery to specific gear meshing zones, creating localized fluid management that reduces overall fluid requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If a separate fluid expansion tank is added to the transmission system, then fluid volume management is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the fluid expansion tank function with the gear wheel structure. The axial bore and radial channels of the gear wheel combine to provide both lubrication delivery and fluid expansion accommodation, eliminating the need for a separate expansion tank and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear wheel is given multiple functions: it serves as both the driving element and the fluid management system. The axial bore and radial channels enable the gear wheel to simultaneously deliver lubrication and accommodate fluid volume changes, creating a multi-functional component that reduces overall system complexity.
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 reduces churning losses, minimizes fluid requirements, enhances lubrication and cooling efficiency, and decreases the carbon footprint of the transmission system, leading to cost and weight savings, improved efficiency, and optimized fluid management.
Implementation Method 1
at least one fluid gap surface which has a circular arc cross-section with respect to a longitudinal axis, so that a fluid gap can be formed between the fluid gap surface and an associated gear
Implementation Method 2
it has at least one axially extending channel which can be filled with fluid from above and is designed to guide the fluid received in an axial direction
Implementation Method 3
reduces churning losses, minimizes fluid requirements, enhances lubrication and cooling efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a fluid conducting device (10) for a motor vehicle transmission (5), comprising at least one fluid gap surface (30-40) which, in a cross-sectional view, is circular arc-shaped in relation to a longitudinal axis (14) so that a fluid gap (112) can form between the fluid gap surface (30-40) and an associated gear (110) of a motor vehicle transmission (5). The fluid conducting device (10) further comprises at least one axially extending groove (84; 94) which can be filled with fluid (113) from the top and which is designed to conduct accepted fluid in the axial direction.