Clutch Hydraulic Air Bleeding Mode for Actuator Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clutch-by-wire systems face difficulties in air bleeding operations due to the presence of an actuator between the clutch lever and the clutch device, leading to incomplete hydraulic pressure achievement and actuator overload, making it challenging to determine air bleeding completion without operator feedback.
Innovation Solution
A clutch control device with an air bleeding mode that uses a control unit, clutch actuator, and air bleeding switch to manage hydraulic pressure, allowing for controlled air bleeding and completion checks independent of clutch lever operation, minimizing actuator overload and facilitating air bleeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air bleeding is performed by increasing hydraulic pressure in a clutch-by-wire system, then air can be removed from the hydraulic circuit, but the actuator may be overloaded and desired hydraulic pressure cannot be reached
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between normal control mode and air bleeding mode. In air bleeding mode, the control unit actively manages hydraulic pressure by increasing it when air is detected and maintaining it when air is removed, allowing the actuator to operate within safe load limits while effectively bleeding air from the hydraulic circuit
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit uses feedback from air detection means to monitor the hydraulic circuit state and adjusts actuator operation accordingly. When air is detected, the system increases hydraulic pressure; when air removal is confirmed, it maintains or reduces pressure, preventing actuator overload while ensuring complete air bleeding
2Reliability
If air bleeding is performed in a clutch-by-wire system, then air can be removed from the hydraulic circuit, but it is not possible to determine completion of air bleeding through operator feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates air detection means that provides automatic feedback to the control unit about the presence or absence of air in the hydraulic circuit. This eliminates the need for operator tactile feedback, allowing the system to autonomously determine when air bleeding is complete and notify the operator through the output device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical tactile feedback method (operator feeling clutch lever operation) with an automated sensing system using air detection means and electronic control. This substitution enables objective air bleeding completion determination without relying on operator skill or sensation
3Reliability
If the actuator is operated to increase hydraulic pressure while air is trapped, then air bleeding may be achieved, but the actuator operates under excessive load
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts actuator operation based on real-time air detection feedback. When air is present, the actuator operates at higher power to increase hydraulic pressure for air removal. Once air is detected as removed, the control unit reduces actuator power consumption by maintaining pressure without continuous high-power operation, optimizing energy efficiency throughout the air bleeding process
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 effective air bleeding operations by managing hydraulic pressure and determining completion without operator feedback, reducing actuator overload and improving air bleeding efficiency in clutch-by-wire systems.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic circuit provided between the clutch device and the clutch actuator
Data Source
AI summary
This clutch control device includes an engine (13), a transmission (21), a clutch device (26) configured to connect and disconnect motive power transmission between the engine (13) and the transmission (21), a clutch actuator (50) configured to drive the clutch device (26) and change a clutch capacity, a hydraulic circuit (63) provided between the clutch device (26) and the clutch actuator (50), an air bleeding device (64) configured to perform air bleeding of the hydraulic circuit (63), a control unit (60) configured to calculate a control target value of the clutch capacity, a control mode changeover switch (59) configured to enable a control mode of the control unit (60) to be switched to an air bleeding mode, and an air bleeding switch (65) configured to enable a hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic circuit (63) to increase in the air bleeding mode.