Hydraulic Clutch Actuator Air Detection by Motor Current Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no effective method to determine whether air is present inside a hydraulic cylinder of a clutch actuator in electronically controlled manual transmissions, making it difficult to check if air is discharged after an air bleeding operation.
Innovation Solution
A clutch actuator filling check method and apparatus that compares current value profiles obtained during the operation of a clutch actuator with and without air, and performs air bleeding when air is detected, using a controller to execute the method and an apparatus with a check performing unit, a result value checking unit, and an air bleeding performing unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydraulic piston is moved reciprocally to discharge air from the hydraulic cylinder, then air can be discharged from the system, but there is no method to determine whether air is still present inside the hydraulic cylinder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical air detection methods with an electrical measurement system. By measuring the current consumption profile of the hydraulic piston motor during operation, the system can detect the presence of air in the hydraulic fluid without requiring separate mechanical sensors or detection devices inside the hydraulic cylinder.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses current consumption data as an intermediary parameter to indirectly detect air presence. Instead of directly measuring air in the hydraulic fluid, the system measures the electrical current consumed by the motor driving the piston, which changes characteristically when air is present in the hydraulic system.
2Measurement precision
If separate air detection devices are installed in the hydraulic system, then air presence can be detected accurately, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing motor serve multiple functions: it not only drives the hydraulic piston but also acts as a sensor for air detection through its current consumption characteristics. This eliminates the need for separate detection devices while maintaining air presence detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational parameters (motor current consumption) to detect problems (air presence) within itself. The motor's electrical characteristics serve as the detection mechanism, allowing the system to self-diagnose air entrapment without external detection equipment.
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
Enables accurate detection of air presence in hydraulic clutch systems without the need for separate air detection devices, ensuring effective air discharge through the air bleeding process, thereby improving the reliability of clutch actuator operations.
Implementation Method 1
checking a current value profile obtained when a piston in the hydraulic clutch is driven, and determining air presence by comparing the current value profile to a normal current value profile
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method and apparatus for checking the oil filling of an electronic clutch provided in a vehicle transmission. This approach determines the presence of air inside a hydraulic cylinder or clutch tube based on the current value profile generated when a piston of a hydraulic actuator is driven, without a separate air detection device.