Actuator Reference Position Initialization in Automated Manual Transmissions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for setting the reference position of actuators in automated manual transmissions require gear engagement, leading to noise and increased time due to the need for position recognition using separate position sensors, which are costly and unfavorable in terms of packaging and weight.
Innovation Solution
A method involving Hall signal comparison and controlled movements of the actuator finger to initialize the reference position without gear engagement, using Hall sensors to adjust the finger's position based on a pre-stored reference signal value, reducing noise and time by avoiding gear engagement during the initialization process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gear engagement is performed during initialization to set reference position, then accurate position recognition is achieved, but noise increases and time delay occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the gear engagement operation from the initialization process. Instead of engaging gears to move the finger to reference positions, the system uses a different mechanism (motor rotation with Hall sensor detection) to achieve position initialization, thereby eliminating the harmful noise while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical gear engagement system with an electromagnetic control system using motors and Hall sensors. The motor rotates the shaft to position the finger, and Hall sensors detect the position without requiring gear engagement, thus substituting a noisy mechanical process with a quieter electromagnetic one.
2Measurement precision
If separate position sensors are used for motor operation, then finger position recognition is accurate, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the Hall sensors serve multiple functions: they are used both for detecting the finger position during initialization and for continuous position recognition during motor operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate position sensors, reducing production cost while maintaining accurate position recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the initialization detection function and the operational position recognition function into a single Hall sensor system. By combining these functions, the system avoids the cost of additional sensors while achieving both initialization accuracy and operational precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If full stroke movement is performed to check selecting operation, then reference position is accurately determined, but time delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses partial action by moving the finger only to specific predetermined positions (first end and second end of the shifting direction) rather than performing a full stroke movement. These partial movements are sufficient to determine the reference position accurately, thereby reducing the time required for initialization while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary positioning by moving the finger to predetermined positions before final reference position determination. The controller moves the finger to the first end, checks selecting operation, then to the second end, and finally determines the reference position based on these preliminary actions, streamlining the process and reducing overall initialization time.
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
This method reduces the time required to set the reference position of the actuator and minimizes noise caused by gear engagement, allowing for accurate initialization without the need for separate position sensors.
Implementation Method 1
performing Hall signal comparison by comparing, by a controller, a signal value of Hall sensors with a reference signal value
Data Source
AI summary
A method of setting a reference position of an actuator in an automated manual transmission includes: performing Hall signal comparison by comparing, by a controller, a signal value of Hall sensors with a reference signal value; performing first movement by moving, by the controller, a finger of the actuator to a first end in a shifting direction by a preset distance if the signal values are identical; performing a first selection checking by checking whether selecting operation is enabled; performing a second movement by moving the finger to a second end in the shifting direction by a distance that is twice the preset distance if selecting operation is not enabled; performing a second selection checking by checking whether selecting operation is enabled; and performing a third movement by moving the finger to the first end in the shifting direction by the preset distance if selecting operation is not enabled.