Vented Transmission Cover With Reed Valve Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transmission covers fail to effectively vent pressure within the oil system, leading to reduced engine and transmission efficiency and increased wear due to pressure buildup, while current venting solutions like the oil dipstick can result in oil loss.
Innovation Solution
A vented transmission cover with chambers and a valve system that allows controlled pressure release from the crankcase and oil tank, using a reed valve to open and close based on pressure differentials, maintaining optimal system pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional transmission cover is used, then the transmission housing is protected and sealed, but pressure builds up inside the oil system causing reduced efficiency and increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission cover is segmented into multiple functional chambers: a first chamber for receiving crankcase pressure, a second chamber for venting transmission pressure, and a third chamber housing the valve mechanism. This segmentation allows different pressure management functions to occur in separate zones, enabling effective pressure relief while maintaining system sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
A valve mechanism acts as an intermediary between the sealed transmission housing and the external environment. The valve selectively opens to allow pressure escape while closing to maintain sealing, mediating between the conflicting requirements of pressure containment and pressure relief.
2Stress or pressure
If venting is done through the oil dipstick, then pressure is released, but oil is lost through the vented dipstick and filter
Solution Approach 1:
The venting function is extracted from the oil dipstick system and relocated to a dedicated chamber (first chamber) in the transmission cover that interfaces with the crankcase. This separation allows pressure venting to occur independently from the oil sampling function, preventing oil loss through the dipstick while maintaining effective crankcase pressure management.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the transmission cover is sealed to protect internals, then debris is prevented from entering, but pressure cannot escape causing wear on gaskets and valves
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the transmission cover are assigned different functional qualities: the outer surfaces maintain sealing and protective properties to prevent debris entry, while internal chambers (first, second, and third chambers) provide localized pressure relief zones. The valve mechanism provides localized controlled access for pressure release without compromising overall system sealing.
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 effectively manages pressure within the transmission and crankcase, reducing wear and tear and maintaining efficient engine performance by allowing controlled venting without oil loss.
Implementation Method 1
using a reed valve to open and close based on pressure differentials
Implementation Method 2
A vented transmission cover with chambers and a valve system that allows controlled pressure release from the crankcase and oil tank, using a reed valve to open and close based on pressure differentials
Data Source
AI summary
A device configured to attach to a motor vehicle transmission housing enclosing the motor vehicle transmission is disclosed. The device includes a cover having an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface includes at least a first chamber and a second chamber, such that, once said cover is installed onto the motor vehicle transmission housing, the first chamber is in fluid communication with a motor vehicle crankcase and a motor vehicle oil tank, and the second chamber is in fluid communication with the motor vehicle transmission. The device includes a vent extending through the upper surface and the lower surface so as to vent pressure within said first chamber to the outside of said first chamber.