Friction Clutch Chatter Vibration Damping via Phase Offset Torque

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for reducing chatter vibrations in motor vehicle drivetrains with automated friction clutches are not robust enough to handle multiple frequency components and phase jumps, and they do not simplify activation during amplitude or frequency changes, leading to inefficiencies in damping and predictability.

Innovation Solution

A method that emulates a vibration absorber by appropriately operating the friction clutch to apply torque moments at a phase offset, using a transfer function with adjustable phase shift and filtering to suppress low-frequency components, allowing for adaptive damping and amplification based on operating conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing methods for reducing chatter vibrations are used, then some damping effect is achieved, but the system lacks robustness when handling multiple frequency components and phase jumps

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverobustnessVSAvoidhandling of multiple frequency components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic control system that continuously adapts the clutch actuation parameters based on real-time vibration frequency detection. The control method dynamically adjusts the phase shift and frequency modulation of the clutch actuation signal to match the detected chatter vibration characteristics, enabling the system to handle multiple frequency components and phase jumps effectively while maintaining robustness across varying operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key operational parameters including the phase shift between clutch actuation and vibration frequency, the frequency modulation depth, and the actuation timing. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on detected vibration characteristics, the system achieves robust damping performance across multiple frequency components and phase conditions without requiring a mechanical vibration absorber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If complex control methods are used to handle multiple frequency components, then damping effectiveness may improve, but the system becomes less predictable and harder to verify

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping effectivenessVSAvoidverifiability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where vibration sensors continuously monitor the drivetrain for chatter vibrations, and the control unit adjusts the clutch actuation parameters based on this feedback. The system detects vibration frequency and amplitude, then modulates the clutch actuation signal accordingly to achieve active damping. This closed-loop approach maintains predictability while effectively handling multiple frequency components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a mechanical vibration absorber is used, then vibration damping is achieved, but production and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechatter vibrationsVSAvoidproduction and maintenance costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical vibration absorber with an electronic control system that uses the automated clutch actuation mechanism to achieve vibration damping. Instead of adding a separate mechanical device, the system uses electronic sensors and a control unit to modulate the clutch actuation signal, thereby substituting mechanical damping with an electronically controlled active damping system that reduces production and maintenance costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the existing clutch actuation system to serve dual functions: both clutch engagement/disengagement and vibration damping. By utilizing the already-present actuators and control mechanisms in the automated clutch system, the invention eliminates the need for separate vibration damping components, thereby reducing production and maintenance costs while achieving effective chatter vibration reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively reduces chatter vibrations, improves driving comfort, reduces production and maintenance costs, and enhances controllability by providing robust and predictable operation across various conditions without the need for a mechanical vibration absorber.

Implementation Method 1

emulating a vibration absorber by an appropriate operation of the friction clutch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase offset torque application:

Implementation Method 2

emulating a vibration absorber by an appropriate operation of the friction clutch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS9624991B2Method for reducing chatter vibrations in a drivetrain
Publication Date: 2017.04.18 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
  • US9624991B2 patent drawing
  • US9624991B2 patent drawing
  • US9624991B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method is provided for reducing chatter vibrations in a motor vehicle drivetrain having a drive unit, a vehicle transmission and an automated friction clutch, wherein a vibration absorber is emulated by an appropriate operation of the friction clutch in order to improve the method.