Flotation-based valve to prevent oil from exiting a vehicle oil sump
US12378904B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 19, 2023 |
| Grant date | Aug 5, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 19, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF01M2011/0066
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An oil pan is attached to a motor to form an oil sump. An oil sump can have one or more valves. Oil can buoy a rotatably mounted valve member into a closed position, and gravity can rotate the valve into an open position. A valve can have a stadium shape. Valves can be placed symmetrically or asymmetrically with regard to a forward-reverse travel direction axis or to a left-right lateral acceleration axis. A bulbous portion of a valve member can enclose an air cavity and can extend into a valve opening. A valve can be placed at an oil pickup, wherein oil can buoy the valve to an open position and otherwise the valve member can be rotated to a closed position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.