Automatic Transmission Ring Gear Support Structure

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automatic transmissions have a longer overall length and higher manufacturing cost due to the structural configuration required to prevent axial movement of the ring gear, which increases weight and cost.

Innovation Solution

The automatic transmission design includes a supporting unit with a ring gear rotatably supported on the interior circumference of the case, utilizing a support flange and a bearing to guide rotation and prevent axial movement, reducing the need for a protruded support flange and thrust bearing, thereby minimizing overall length and weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a protruded support flange and thrust bearing are used to prevent axial movement of the ring gear, then the ring gear is securely supported, but the overall length of the automatic transmission increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial support stabilityVSAvoidoverall length

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the support flange and thrust bearing into an integrated supporting unit that combines axial support and radial rotation guidance functions into a single compact structure, eliminating the need for separate protruded components and reducing overall transmission length

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides axial support for the ring gear, guides radial rotation, and prevents axial movement, all within a compact integrated structure that reduces the overall length of the transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a protruded support flange and thrust bearing are used to prevent axial movement of the ring gear, then the ring gear is securely supported, but the weight of the automatic transmission increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial support stabilityVSAvoidoverall weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the support flange and thrust bearing into an integrated supporting unit that combines axial support and radial rotation guidance functions into a single compact structure, eliminating the need for separate protruded components and reducing overall transmission length

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides axial support for the ring gear, guides radial rotation, and prevents axial movement, all within a compact integrated structure that reduces the overall length of the transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a protruded support flange and thrust bearing are used to prevent axial movement of the ring gear, then the ring gear is securely supported, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial support stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the support flange and thrust bearing into an integrated supporting unit that combines axial support and radial rotation guidance functions into a single compact structure, eliminating the need for separate protruded components and reducing overall transmission length

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides axial support for the ring gear, guides radial rotation, and prevents axial movement, all within a compact integrated structure that reduces the overall length of the transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design reduces the overall length and weight of the automatic transmission, leading to lower manufacturing costs and improved efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a bearing that guides smooth rotation of the support flange

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS7651435B2Automatic transmission of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2010.01.26 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is an automatic of a vehicle comprising: a rotating shaft; a sun gear included at a circumference of the rotating shaft; a plurality of pinions engaged with the sun gear and rotated along an exterior circumference of the sun gear; a ring gear configured to be rotated as inscribed with an exterior circumference of the plurality of pinions; a case forming an exterior of the automatic transmission; and a supporting unit between the ring gear and an interior circumference of the case.