Power Transmission Lubricating Structure Partitioning

Solution Overview

Problem

In power transmission devices, the existing lubricating structures face challenges in balancing the amount of lubricating fluid to minimize resistance on rotation bodies while preventing air from being sucked into the fluid reservoir, leading to mixed lubricating fluid and reduced hydraulic pressure.

Innovation Solution

A lubricating structure that divides the casing into two fluid reservoirs using a partition member, where the rotation body is immersed in one reservoir and the strainer is in another, communicating at the upper portion, allowing the lubricating fluid to be raised and supplied to the strainer room, reducing the fluid level in the rotation body's reservoir and maintaining a high level in the strainer room, thus minimizing resistance and preventing air exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the amount of lubricating fluid in the fluid reservoir is increased, then the suction port of the strainer remains immersed and air is prevented from being sucked, but resistance applied from the lubricating fluid to the rotation body increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of air suctionVSAvoidresistance to rotation body

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid reservoir is divided into two separate reservoirs: a first fluid reservoir for the rotation body and a second fluid reservoir for the strainer. This segmentation allows independent control of fluid levels in each reservoir, enabling the strainer room to maintain a high fluid level for reliable suction while the rotation body room maintains a low fluid level to minimize resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Force

If the amount of lubricating fluid in the fluid reservoir is decreased, then resistance applied to the rotation body is reduced, but the suction port of the strainer is exposed and air is sucked together with lubricating fluid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to rotation bodyVSAvoidprevention of air suction

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid reservoir is divided into two separate reservoirs: a first fluid reservoir for the rotation body and a second fluid reservoir for the strainer. This segmentation allows independent control of fluid levels in each reservoir, enabling the strainer room to maintain a high fluid level for reliable suction while the rotation body room maintains a low fluid level to minimize resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the fluid level in the rotation body reservoir is maintained high, then lubrication is ensured, but resistance from lubricating fluid to rotation body increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication efficiencyVSAvoidresistance to rotation body

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid reservoir is divided into two separate reservoirs: a first fluid reservoir for the rotation body and a second fluid reservoir for the strainer. This segmentation allows independent control of fluid levels in each reservoir, enabling the strainer room to maintain a high fluid level for reliable suction while the rotation body room maintains a low fluid level to minimize resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation body is partially immersed in the lubricating fluid rather than being fully submerged. This partial immersion provides sufficient lubrication for the rotating surfaces while minimizing the amount of fluid that creates resistance during rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 reduces the immersed portion of the rotation body, minimizing resistance and preventing air from mixing with the lubricating fluid, ensuring consistent hydraulic pressure and efficient lubrication.

Implementation Method 1

the partition member divides the inner space of the casing to define a first room accommodating the rotation body and a second room accommodating the strainer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid separation through partition:

Implementation Method 2

the lubricating fluid is raised by the rotation body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 3

a suction port which sucks the lubricating fluid from the fluid reservoir

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10563750B2Power transmission device lubricating structure and gasket

Publication Date: 2020.02.18 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a power transmission device lubricating structure capable of preventing air from being mixed with a lubricating fluid while suppressing a resistance applied from the lubricating fluid to a rotation body in a casing. A lubricating structure includes a strainer which includes a suction port and partition members which divide an inner space of a transmission casing. The partition members define a differential room accommodating a final driven gear and a strainer room accommodating the strainer and communicating with the differential room at an upper portion thereof.