CAN-Bus Solenoid Valve Control for Transmission Fluid Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid control valves, such as wax valves, struggle to accurately regulate transmission fluid temperature due to location constraints and high hysteresis, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity in wiring and ECU workload when controlled by electronic systems.
Innovation Solution
A solenoid fluid control valve connected to a CAN bus, which receives temperature signals from the TCU, decodes them, and controls a driver circuit to move an armature, directing coolant flow based on pre-determined thresholds, reducing the need for direct connections and simplifying wiring by using a microcontroller and transceiver to manage electrical signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical valve is used to control fluid flow, then the system is simple and does not require electrical control signaling, but the valve cannot be remotely controlled and lacks temperature regulation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid valve incorporates an integrated microcontroller unit that autonomously monitors temperature via a sensor and controls fluid flow based on pre-programmed logic, eliminating the need for external ECU control and complex wiring while maintaining remote controllability through the CAN bus
2Ease of operation
If wires are connected from the device's ECU to the fluid control valve for remote control, then the valve can be controlled remotely, but this adds complexity to the wiring of the system
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid valve uses the CAN bus as an intermediary communication medium, allowing the valve to receive temperature data and control commands from the transmission control unit without requiring direct physical wiring connections, thereby simplifying the overall wiring architecture
3Measurement precision
If the ECU controls the fluid control valve directly, then the temperature regulation is precise, but this increases the workload on the control unit
Solution Approach 1:
The control functionality is segmented by integrating a dedicated microcontroller unit within the solenoid valve itself, which handles temperature monitoring and control decisions locally, thereby reducing the computational workload on the main ECU while maintaining precise temperature regulation
4Device complexity
If a mechanical valve with high hysteresis is used, then the device structure is simple, but the temperature regulation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical valve actuation mechanism with an electromagnetic solenoid system controlled by a microcontroller, eliminating mechanical hysteresis and enabling precise, responsive temperature regulation through electronic control while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure
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
The solenoid fluid control valve effectively regulates transmission fluid temperature with reduced hysteresis and complexity, allowing for efficient temperature management without the need for direct ECU control, thus optimizing transmission efficiency and reducing workload on control units.
Implementation Method 1
The driver circuit sends a current through a coil in response to the signal received from the micro controller unit, wherein an armature moves in response to the current through the coil
Data Source
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AI summary
A solenoid fluid control valve is disclosed for controlling fluid flow. The solenoid fluid control valve may comprise a transceiver that receives a signal via a controller area network (CAN) bus, and a micro controller unit that decodes the signal to determine a temperature. The micro controller unit may send a signal to a driver circuit based on the temperature. The driver circuit may send a current through a coil in response to the signal, wherein an armature moves in response to the current through the coil. The movement of the armature may direct a cooling fluid flow.