Clutch Actuation Assembly with Nested Automatic Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clutch actuation arrangements for manual transmissions do not allow for comfortable shifting while still enabling driver intervention, as they either require manual operation or rely solely on automatic systems, lacking flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A clutch actuation arrangement with a master cylinder, a slave cylinder, and an intermediate cylinder connected hydraulically, featuring an automatic actuator that can actuate the clutch automatically or manually, allowing for seamless integration with existing designs and enabling both automatic and manual operation modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an automatic actuator is added to enable automatic clutch actuation, then driving comfort and automation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic actuator is arranged concentrically inside the ring cylinder, with the ring piston guided in the ring cylinder and capable of engaging on the intermediate piston. This nested configuration allows the automatic actuation system to be integrated within the existing hydraulic clutch actuation arrangement without requiring separate external components, thereby improving automation while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate cylinder with an intermediate piston is introduced as a mediator between the master cylinder and the slave cylinder. The automatic actuator acts on the intermediate piston, which then transmits force through the hydraulic medium to the slave cylinder. This intermediary mechanism enables automatic clutch actuation while maintaining compatibility with the existing master-slave cylinder hydraulic system
2Volume of moving object
If an intermediate cylinder and automatic actuator are integrated concentrically, then space utilization and compactness are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic actuator and ring cylinder are arranged concentrically around the intermediate piston, creating a compact nested structure where the ring piston can engage on the intermediate piston. This concentric integration maximizes space utilization by utilizing the radial space around the intermediate piston, reducing the overall volume required for the actuator assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate piston serves multiple functions: it is actuated by the master cylinder through hydraulic pressure, it can be engaged by the ring piston of the automatic actuator, and it transmits force to the slave cylinder. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the concentric integration
3Power
If the automatic actuator acts directly on the intermediate piston, then actuation efficiency is improved, but the risk of interfering with manual operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between manual and automatic actuation modes. When the driver operates the clutch pedal, the master piston moves and increases hydraulic pressure in the intermediate cylinder, which moves the intermediate piston. The automatic actuator is designed to disengage from the intermediate piston during manual operation, allowing pure manual actuation. When automatic mode is activated, the automatic actuator engages with the intermediate piston to provide assisted or automatic clutch actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate piston acts as a mediator that can receive force from either the master cylinder (manual operation) or the automatic actuator (automatic operation). The hydraulic coupling between the master cylinder and intermediate piston ensures that manual operation through the clutch pedal is transmitted effectively, while the automatic actuator can independently actuate the intermediate piston when needed, without permanently interfering with manual operation
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 solution provides a compact, efficient, and comfortable shifting experience by allowing automatic actuation in certain conditions while allowing the driver to manually intervene, maintaining the flexibility of manual transmission operation without significant efficiency losses.
Implementation Method 1
a master cylinder that can be foot-operated via a clutch pedal for applying hydraulic and/or pneumatic pressure
Implementation Method 2
The servo cylinder contains at least one piston that is used to generate an auxiliary force
Implementation Method 3
a slave cylinder that is hydraulically connected to the master cylinder for opening and/or or closing the clutch
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Clutch actuation arrangement for actuating a clutch for coupling a drive shaft of a motor vehicle engine with at least one transmission input shaft of a motor vehicle transmission, provided with a master cylinder (12) that can be foot-operated via a clutch pedal for applying hydraulic and/or pneumatic pressure, a slave cylinder (16) hydraulically connected to the master cylinder for opening and/or closing the clutch, an intermediate cylinder (20) hydraulically arranged between the master cylinder and the slave cylinder for applying hydraulic and/or pneumatic actuation pressure for actuating the clutch, an intermediate piston (22) guided in the intermediate cylinder (20), wherein the master cylinder hydraulically acts on the intermediate piston, and an automatic actuator (32) acting on the intermediate piston for displacing the intermediate piston in the intermediate cylinder.If the driver desires comfortable shifting without pressing the clutch pedal, the automatic actuator can automatically engage the clutch and, if necessary, initiate a shifting process, while simultaneously retaining the option of manually engaging the clutch pedal independently of the automatic actuator. Thus, a comfortable shifting of a manual transmission is made possible through a structurally simple arrangement of the intermediate cylinder and the automatic actuator, without depriving the driver of the ability to intervene.