Adaptive Clutch Engagement Control via Torque Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic transmission systems face challenges in efficiently engaging and disengaging clutches due to fluctuations in torque, which can lead to inefficiencies and disturbances during gear shifts, affecting fuel economy and transmission performance.
Innovation Solution
A controller is programmed to adjust the pressure and torque rates of clutches based on measured drag torque distributions, increasing the rate when the clutch torque exceeds the median value by a predetermined multiple of the standard deviation, allowing for more precise and efficient engagement and disengagement of clutches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a constant pressure rate is used to engage the clutch, then the control system is simple, but torque fluctuations cause inefficiencies and disturbances during gear shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static constant pressure rate to a dynamic adaptive pressure rate that changes based on real-time torque measurements. The controller continuously monitors clutch torque and adjusts the pressure rate accordingly, making the system responsive to fluctuating torque conditions during clutch engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using measured clutch torque values to adjust the pressure application rate. The controller compares the measured torque against target values and modifies the pressure rate in response, creating a closed-loop control system that reduces energy absorption and minimizes disturbances during gear shifts.
2Productivity
If the pressure rate is increased to speed up clutch engagement, then productivity improves, but torque fluctuations increase causing disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic adjustment of the pressure rate based on real-time torque measurements. When torque fluctuations are detected, the controller automatically reduces the pressure rate to maintain stability, and increases it when conditions permit faster engagement, thus adapting to changing conditions throughout the engagement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure rate parameter dynamically during clutch engagement based on measured torque values. The controller adjusts this critical parameter in response to torque fluctuations, allowing the system to optimize both engagement speed and torque stability by modifying operational parameters in real-time.
3Device complexity
If traditional clutch control is used, then device complexity is low, but fuel economy deteriorates due to inefficient engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control where the controller continuously monitors clutch torque and uses this information to adjust the pressure rate. This closed-loop approach optimizes clutch engagement efficiency, reducing energy losses and improving fuel economy without requiring a complete redesign of the transmission system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical clutch control with an electronically controlled system that uses sensors and a controller to adjust pressure rates. This substitution of mechanical control with electronic control enables more precise and efficient clutch engagement, improving fuel economy while maintaining acceptable system complexity.
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 approach enhances clutch engagement efficiency, reduces energy absorption, and improves fuel economy by optimizing clutch engagement and disengagement processes, leading to smoother gear shifts and better transmission performance.
Implementation Method 1
The clutches may comprise alternating friction plates and separator plates that are configured to selectively couple two rotating elements (shafts, gears, etc.).
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a transmission and a controller. The transmission has clutches that are configured to establish multiple speed ratios, including a first clutch. The first clutch has a measured drag torque distribution. The measured drag torque distribution has a median and a standard deviation. The controller is programmed to increase a pressure at a rate to engage the first clutch and to increase the rate in response to a measured first clutch torque exceeding the median by a predetermined multiple of the standard deviation.