Externally Serviceable Transmission Sump Fill Pipe Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transmission fluid fill and drain systems in automotive vehicles have multiple sealing interfaces, leading to potential fluid leaks and inconsistencies in torque application, which can result in leakage and corrosion issues.
Innovation Solution
A fill pipe and drain plug assembly with a single sealing interface, made from thermoset or thermoplastic materials, where the fill pipe is secured by threads in the sump and the drain plug forms a plug sealing interface, allowing independent torque application and reducing weight and corrosion risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sealing interfaces are used in conventional fill pipe and drain plug assemblies, then the assembly can be secured to the sump, but fluid leaks become more likely due to multiple potential leak paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fill pipe and drain plug into a single integrated assembly with only one sealing interface. The fill pipe is formed as a single piece with an integrated drain plug, eliminating the need for separate seals at multiple interfaces. This merging of components directly reduces the number of sealing interfaces from multiple to one, thereby improving reliability by reducing potential leak paths while maintaining the functional capability of both filling and draining operations.
2Strength
If threaded connections are used for securing the fill pipe and plug, then the components can be firmly attached, but torque application becomes inconsistent due to overlapping torque windows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the attachment function into two distinct threaded connections: one for the fill pipe to the sump and another for the drain plug to the fill pipe. Each connection has its own independent torque specification and sealing interface, eliminating the overlapping torque window problem. This segmentation allows each threaded connection to be torqued independently according to its specific requirements, improving manufacturing precision while maintaining strong attachment.
3Ease of operation
If conventional drain plug and fill pipe assembly is used, then the sump can be drained and filled, but maintenance requires removal of the transmission pan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the drain plug and fill pipe assembly from the transmission pan structure, making it a separate, removable component. The integrated drain plug and fill pipe assembly can be removed from the exterior of the transmission pan without requiring pan removal. This extraction allows maintenance personnel to service the fluid system independently, greatly improving ease of operation while the modular design manages device complexity through standardized interfaces.
4Strength
If multiple threaded connections are used in the assembly, then components can be securely fastened, but corrosion at connections causes torque window differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction for the fill pipe and drain plug assembly, using materials resistant to corrosion from transmission fluid. The use of corrosion-resistant materials such as certain plastics or coated metals for the threaded connections prevents degradation over time, maintaining consistent torque characteristics and connection security. This material selection addresses the reliability issue by preventing the corrosion that would otherwise cause torque window differences and connection failure.
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission fluid sump for an automotive transmission comprising a reservoir portion, a threaded extension on the reservoir portion and a fill pipe threadably connected to the extension. A closure member seals a central opening in the extension independently of the fill pipe, thereby avoiding overlapping torque windows for the fill pipe and the closure member while providing a single leak flow path for the transmission fluid.