Hydraulic Clutch Actuator Path Compensation Using Plausible Temperatures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the actuator path of a hydrostatic clutch actuator in vehicles rely on estimated temperature values, which may be inaccurate due to electrical errors and limited temperature ranges, potentially leading to incorrect compensation for fluid expansion and contraction, thus risking clutch damage.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using three temperature sensors to measure the temperature of a hydrostatic clutch actuator, calculating temperature differences, and comparing them to a threshold value to ensure plausibility, thereby selecting a reliable temperature for determining the actuator path compensation, ensuring accurate and reliable temperature measurements across different points in the clutch actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single temperature sensor is used to estimate the hydraulic fluid temperature, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to electrical errors and limited temperature ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple temperature sensors (at least two, preferably three) to measure temperature at different locations within the clutch actuator. By merging the measurements from these sensors and applying plausibility checks through temperature difference comparison, the system achieves more reliable fluid temperature estimation than a single sensor could provide, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining acceptable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temperature difference comparison as an intermediary mechanism to validate sensor readings. By calculating temperature differences between sensors and comparing them against threshold values, the system mediates between raw sensor data and the final fluid temperature determination, filtering out electrical errors and implausible readings before they affect the compensation calculation
2Device complexity
If the actuator path is not compensated for thermal expansion, then the device complexity is reduced, but the clutch reliability deteriorates due to risk of slave cylinder destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the actuator path parameter based on temperature conditions. By calculating a compensation value that adjusts the maximum actuator path length according to the measured fluid temperature, the system adapts the mechanical limits to match thermal expansion and contraction of the hydraulic fluid, preventing slave cylinder destruction while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary compensation to counteract the harmful effects of thermal expansion before they can cause damage. By pre-calculating the compensation value based on temperature measurements and adjusting the actuator path limits in advance, the system prevents potential slave cylinder destruction rather than reacting after damage occurs
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 approach provides a precise and reliable determination of the actuator path compensation value, preventing clutch damage by using plausibility-checked temperature values, ensuring maximum availability and reducing the risk of electrical errors and sensor inaccuracies.
Implementation Method 1
A circuit board temperature, an angle sensor temperature and a pressure sensor temperature in the clutch actuator can be measured by the temperature sensors. These sensors are installed in very different positions in the clutch actuator
Implementation Method 2
When the hydraulic fluid warms up, it expands; this is why the actuator path is reduced with the compensation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining an actuator path of a hydraulic clutch actuator, includes measuring a first temperature of the hydraulic clutch actuator with a first temperature sensor, measuring a second temperature of the hydraulic clutch actuator with a second temperature sensor, calculating a first temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature, using the first temperature or the second temperature as a clutch actuator temperature to determine a compensation value of the actuator path when the first temperature difference is less than a threshold value, and modifying the actuator path using the compensation value. In an example embodiment, the first temperature sensor measures a one of a circuit board temperature, an angle sensor temperature or a pressure sensor temperature, and the second temperature sensor measures another one of the circuit board temperature, the angle sensor temperature or the pressure sensor temperature.