Differential-Free Balancing Unit With Unified Clutch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle balancing systems for all-wheel drive vehicles are complex, costly, and prone to faults, with high development and application expenses, particularly in vehicles below the premium segment where all-wheel drive mode is used infrequently.
Innovation Solution
A differential-free clutch-controlled balancing unit system where both clutches are actuated with the same manipulated parameter independently of the driving state, eliminating the need for complex control valves and separate actuator elements, using a single manipulated parameter unit such as a hydraulic pump to regulate pressure uniformly across both clutches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate control valves and actuators are used for each clutch to enable selective torque distribution, then torque distribution control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of both clutches into a single control valve that receives only one control pressure, eliminating the need for separate control valves and actuators for each clutch. This combining approach maintains the ability to distribute torque between wheels while significantly reducing system complexity and component count.
Solution Approach 2:
A single control valve and single actuator are designed to control both clutches simultaneously, making these components universal rather than dedicated to individual clutches. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve torque distribution control while using fewer components.
2Reliability
If complex control systems with multiple control valves are implemented, then driving performance in all-wheel drive mode is improved, but development and application costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the control functions into a single control valve and single actuator system, the patent reduces development costs, manufacturing complexity, and application expenses while maintaining satisfactory all-wheel drive performance through unified clutch control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate actuators with different manipulated parameters are used for each clutch, then selective torque transmission is improved, but system complexity and fault susceptibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single actuator to control both clutches, eliminating multiple independent actuator systems. This merging reduces the number of potential failure points while maintaining the ability to selectively transmit torque to different wheels through unified control of both clutches.
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 simplifies the system, reduces costs, and maintains satisfactory driving performance by allowing selective torque distribution between driven wheels, enabling a cost-effective all-wheel drive system suitable for vehicles below the premium segment.
Implementation Method 1
The manipulated parameter which is responsible for the transmissible coupling torque can be varied in such a way that the coupling torque which can be transmitted by the clutches can both be set
Data Source
AI summary
To reduce the complexity and the outlay involved in the development and implementation in a vehicle of systems and methods known from the prior art for operating a differential-free, clutch-controlled balancing unit having a first clutch and a second clutch, the invention provides for the first clutch and the second clutch to be controlled independently of the driving conditions, and always using the same variable controlled variable of the same value.