Automatic Transmission Lubricant Guide Wall for Aerated Oil Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automatic transmissions, the movement of lubricant containing air bubbles from the driven sprocket to the oil pan is not effectively controlled, leading to inefficiencies and the need for costly rubber sealing plates to manage the flow.
Innovation Solution
A lubricant guiding structure is introduced, featuring a baffle plate with an inclined guide wall that redirects the lubricant along the chain, preventing it from colliding with the division wall and allowing it to flow into the clearance between the drive sprocket and the division wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a baffle plate is provided between the driven sprocket and the oil pump to regulate lubricant movement, then the movement of lubricant containing air bubbles toward the oil pan is controlled, but the lubricant movement toward the drive sprocket is blocked by the division wall, requiring an additional sealing plate to control the flow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the baffle plate and sealing function into a single integrated component. The baffle plate is designed with a specific structure that simultaneously performs both the flow regulation function and the sealing function, eliminating the need for a separate sealing plate and reducing component complexity while maintaining reliable lubricant flow control
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle plate is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a flow regulator to control lubricant movement and as a sealing element to prevent lubricant leakage past the division wall. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components needed in the system
2Reliability
If a rubber sealing plate is provided to seal the gap between the division wall and the baffle plate, then the moving direction of lubricant is controlled, but the cost increases due to expensive rubber materials and additional working costs for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the expensive rubber sealing plate with a more cost-effective sealing structure that can be integrated into the baffle plate design. The solution uses simpler, cheaper materials or structural features that achieve the same sealing function without requiring costly rubber components or additional installation processes
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is merged into the baffle plate structure itself, eliminating the need for a separate rubber sealing plate. The baffle plate is designed with integrated sealing features that achieve the same flow control function using more cost-effective materials and manufacturing methods
3Reliability
If the baffle plate is disposed inside the space S to prevent lubricant from moving toward the oil pan, then the lubricant flow to the oil pan is controlled, but the lubricant cannot move toward the drive sprocket along the chain due to the division wall blocking the path
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the flow control function into distinct zones within the baffle plate structure. The baffle plate is designed with specific openings or passages that separate the function of blocking lubricant toward the oil pan from the function of allowing lubricant to reach the drive sprocket, enabling both functions to coexist without interference
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 effectively suppresses the movement of lubricant with air bubbles toward the oil pan, reducing the need for costly sealing materials and improving lubricant return efficiency, even at low temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a baffle plate provided on one side in a rotational axis of the driven-side gear, and configured to regulate a movement of lubricant agitated by the driven-side gear to the one side
Implementation Method 2
the baffle plate is provided with a wall portion extending toward the drive-side gear along a torque transmission-side chain of the chain wound on the driven-side gear
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a lubricant guiding structure in an automatic transmission in which a baffle plate configured to regulate the movement of a lubricant agitated by a driven sprocket is provided at one side, where an oil pump is located, in the direction of a rotational axis of the driven sprocket. As viewed from the rotational axis direction, a division wall disposed to extend across a chain is provided closer to the chain than a base of the baffle plate. As viewed from the rotational axis direction, the baffle plate is provided with a guide wall extending along a torque transmission-side chain of the chain wound on the driven sprocket. As viewed from the rotational axis-direction, the guide wall includes an inclined portion inclined in the direction coming closer to the chain as the distance to the distal end side decreases.