Clutch Actuator Reset Control for Hydraulic Pressure Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric motor torque transmission systems face challenges in efficiently managing clutch actuator pressure fluctuations and detecting performance degradation, which can affect the engagement and disengagement of electric propulsion motors with gearsets.

Innovation Solution

A clutch control system that includes a reset module to initiate a reset operation of the clutch actuator, a target position module to set a target position following a predetermined position profile for the reset operation, and a clutch control module to actuate the clutch actuator based on the target position, thereby minimizing pressure fluctuations and detecting performance degradation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the clutch actuator operates without periodic reset, then the system maintains continuous engagement capability, but pressure fluctuations accumulate causing performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclutch actuator performanceVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic reset operations where the clutch actuator is selectively reset based on detected performance degradation or elapsed time since last reset. This periodic intervention prevents pressure fluctuation accumulation while maintaining overall system reliability without requiring continuous complex control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Speed

If the reset operation opens the orifice quickly, then the pressure equalization is faster, but pressure fluctuations increase causing vehicle jerk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereset operation speedVSAvoidpressure fluctuations

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the target position of the clutch actuator during reset operations based on real-time pressure feedback. The control module modifies the position profile to optimize the rate of pressure equalization, balancing speed of reset against minimization of pressure fluctuations that cause vehicle jerk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses pressure sensors to detect hydraulic fluid pressure during reset operations and feeds this information back to the clutch control module. This feedback enables real-time adjustment of the actuator position to minimize pressure fluctuations while maintaining acceptable reset speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the system continuously monitors clutch performance, then performance degradation is detected earlier, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance degradation detectionVSAvoidbattery energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements partial monitoring by selectively initiating reset operations based on detected performance degradation indicators rather than continuous monitoring. This approach detects performance issues early enough to maintain reliability while reducing energy consumption by avoiding constant sensor activation and processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 system effectively minimizes pressure fluctuations during the reset operation and detects performance degradation, ensuring efficient engagement and disengagement of the electric propulsion motor with the gearset, thereby maintaining optimal vehicle performance.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure chamber of the clutch actuator... opening an orifice between a hydraulic fluid reservoir and an pressure chamber of the clutch actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic fluid pressure: Pascal's Law

Data Source

PatentUS12234869B1Electric motor clutch actuator control systems and methods

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A clutch control system for a vehicle includes: a reset module configured to selectively start a reset operation of a clutch actuator of a clutch that engages and disengages an electric propulsion motor to and from a gearset; a target position module configured to perform the reset operation by setting a target position of the clutch actuator to follow a predetermined position profile for the reset operation, the reset operation including (a) opening an orifice between a hydraulic fluid reservoir and an pressure chamber of the clutch actuator (b) closing the orifice after the opening; and a clutch control module configured to actuate the clutch actuator based on the target position thereby performing the reset operation.