Auxiliary Power Take-Off Coupling Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for coupling an auxiliary power take-off in commercial vehicle transmissions are complex and require the driver to manually establish conditions, leading to frustration and inefficiency when these conditions are not met upon command.

Innovation Solution

A control unit that automatically checks and fulfills the necessary conditions for coupling the auxiliary power take-off by actuating drive-train components, such as braking systems and gear disengagement, to simplify and expedite the coupling process, allowing the auxiliary power take-off to be connected quickly and reliably.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the driver manually establishes the conditions for coupling the auxiliary power take-off, then the coupling process can be controlled, but the process becomes complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling operation simplicityVSAvoidcoupling time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically checks and fulfills the necessary conditions for coupling (such as verifying gear position, brake status, and rotational speed) before the actual coupling action occurs. This preliminary automatic preparation eliminates the need for the driver to manually establish each condition, thereby simplifying the operation and reducing the time required for coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-checking and self-preparation for coupling through the control unit that automatically monitors system conditions and actuates components as needed. The driver simply needs to initiate the coupling command, while the system handles all preparatory actions autonomously, making the operation as simple as pressing a button while minimizing coupling time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If the auxiliary power take-off is coupled when conditions are not fulfilled, then the coupling command can be executed immediately, but the coupling may fail or cause damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling speedVSAvoidcoupling reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically verifies all necessary conditions (gear position, brake engagement, rotational speed within permissible range) before allowing the coupling to proceed. This preliminary check ensures that coupling only occurs when system conditions are appropriate, preventing failed couplings or damage while maintaining quick execution through automated preparation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit continuously monitors system conditions and provides feedback to determine whether coupling conditions are met. Based on this feedback, the control unit either proceeds with coupling or prevents it until conditions are satisfied, ensuring reliable coupling while maintaining rapid response through automated condition assessment and control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10259462B2Method for coupling a power take-off
Publication Date: 2019.04.16 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
  • US10259462B2 patent drawing
  • US10259462B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method, a control unit and a computer program product for coupling an auxiliary power take-off of a motor vehicle transmission, in which, after a command to couple the auxiliary power take-off, conditions required for the coupling of the auxiliary power take-off are checked and, if the conditions are satisfied, an actuator system for coupling the auxiliary power take-off is activated. If, after the command to couple the auxiliary power take-off, the conditions for coupling the auxiliary power take-off are not fulfilled, then a control unit acts upon drive-train components in order to produce the conditions required for the coupling of the auxiliary power take-off.