The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 24, 2005
Filed:
Apr. 04, 2002
Mark M. Schneider, Royal Oak, MI (US);
Larry W. Bowman, Troy, MI (US);
Eric B. Ratts, Northville, MI (US);
Paul R. Sieber, Rochester Hills, MI (US);
Robert W. Hildebrand, Rochester Hills, MI (US);
Michael E. Johnson, Rochester, MI (US);
James R. Brichta, Highland, MI (US);
Mark M. Schneider, Royal Oak, MI (US);
Larry W. Bowman, Troy, MI (US);
Eric B. Ratts, Northville, MI (US);
Paul R. Sieber, Rochester Hills, MI (US);
Robert W. Hildebrand, Rochester Hills, MI (US);
Michael E. Johnson, Rochester, MI (US);
James R. Brichta, Highland, MI (US);
AxleTech International IP Holdings, LLC, Troy, MI (US);
Abstract
A system for controlling the temperature of a vehicle driveline component assembly includes using forced air to cool lubricant within the assembly. As heat builds up during braking applications, for example, a controller determines when additional cooling may be needed. An air source is activated to induce air flow through at least one flow passage supported relative to the housing so that the air flowing through the passage can absorb heat from the lubricant. In one example, the air flow passage is supported within the component housing. In another example, the air flow passage is associated with a heat exchanger supported external to the component housing in a strategic location on the vehicle or the housing, for example. A pump responsible for causing the air flow preferably also causes lubricant flow in a desired manner to facilitate heat dissipation.