Clutch Actuator Ramp Control for Noise and Vibration Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator devices for motor vehicle clutches generate audible noises and perceptible operating forces due to high acceleration and rotational speeds, leading to knocking noises, undershooting, and vibrations during braking and engagement/disengagement processes.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling an electromechanical actuator with a ramp mechanism and spring system that reduces the dynamics of the electric drive motor by adjusting the pin's contact with side surfaces, ensuring reduced rotational speed and acceleration during braking and engagement, thereby minimizing noise and vibrations. The method involves determining the preloading force and play between the pin and surfaces to control the actuator's dynamics, allowing the pin to contact the appropriate surface at reduced speeds and preventing contact with the other surface until increased rotational speed is achieved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the electric drive motor operates with high acceleration and rotational speed, then the clutch engagement and disengagement speed is improved, but audible noises and perceptible operating forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system dynamically adjusts its operating characteristics by using a ramp mechanism that converts rotational motion into controlled axial motion. The system transitions from high-speed rotation to controlled linear movement, dynamically adapting the motion profile to reduce noise during critical engagement phases while maintaining overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the motion parameters by introducing a ramp mechanism that transforms the direct rotational-to-linear motion relationship. The ramp angle and geometry serve as adjustable parameters that control the conversion ratio between rotational speed and axial engagement speed, allowing optimization of both speed and noise characteristics.
2Productivity
If the electric drive motor operates with high acceleration and rotational speed, then the clutch engagement and disengagement speed is improved, but perceptible operating forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp mechanism creates a dynamic motion transformation where high rotational speed is converted into controlled axial force. The mechanical advantage provided by the ramp geometry allows the system to achieve rapid engagement while distributing forces more favorably, reducing perceptible operating forces on the clutch components.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp mechanism acts as an intermediary between the electric motor and the clutch plates. It mediates the force transmission by converting direct motor force into a more favorable force vector through the ramp geometry, reducing the perceptible operating forces while maintaining engagement speed.
3Loss of time
If high rotational speed is used during clutch operation, then the response time is reduced, but knocking noises and vibrations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic motion control through the ramp mechanism to achieve rapid response without the harmful effects of constant high-speed operation. The ramp geometry enables quick initial engagement followed by controlled deceleration, maintaining fast response time while eliminating knocking noises.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp mechanism provides beforehand cushioning by gradually introducing the clutch plates into engagement rather than allowing sudden high-speed impact. The ramp geometry preconditions the engagement process, cushioning the initial contact and preventing knocking noises before they can occur.
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 method effectively reduces noise and vibrations by controlling the actuator's dynamics, allowing smooth engagement and disengagement without undershooting or force reversal, maintaining torque transmission efficiency and reducing noise generation during clutch operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring for moving the second disk in the axial direction
Implementation Method 2
an electric drive motor
Implementation Method 3
a ramp mechanism which comprises a rotatable first disk, which has first ramps, a second disk, which can be moved only in an axial direction and which has second ramps
Implementation Method 4
the pin contacts only the side surface established in step a) or that, in the event of a reversal of the rotational motion, the pin bridges the first play at a reduced first rotational speed of the drive motor
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for controlling an actuator or an actuator device, at least comprising a clutch and an actuator, which actuator has: an electric drive motor and a control device; a ramp mechanism, which comprises a rotatable first disk, which has first ramps, a second disk, which can be moved only in an axial direction and which has second ramps, and balls, which are arranged between the disks in the first ramps and second ramps; and at least one spring for moving the second disk in the axial direction. The dynamics of the electric drive motor are reduced by the control device at least in dependence on at least the determined preloading force or the first play in such a way that, during braking, the pin contacts only one side surface or that, in the event of a reversal of the rotational motion, the pin bridges the first play at a reduced first rotational speed of the drive motor and comes into contact with the other side surface and only then does an increase to a second rotational speed occur.