Lubrication system and method for reducing dip lubrication power loss
US9360103B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jun 7, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 2, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H57/0483
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Energy loss in a dip lubrication system is reduced by reducing the immersion depth of the gear within a pool of oil. This can be accomplished by increasing the pressure within the dip lubrication system which effectively reduces the flow rate of the oil so that the oil remains separated from the oil pool for a longer period of time thereby reducing the oil level and the immersion depth of the gear within the oil pool. Alternately, this can be accomplished by substituting a higher density gas for air which has the same effect. In a third embodiment the immersed gear includes wind vanes that direct air against the oil pool creating a trough which effectively reduces the immersion depth of the gear within the oil pool.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.