Electro-Actuated Clutch Closing Position Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electro-actuated clutch systems in automated manual transmissions face increased production costs and complexity due to wear-induced variations in clutch plate pack positions, necessitating costly compensating devices to maintain consistent closing positions.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing two position sensors to detect the closing point of the clutch mechanism, allowing the electronic control unit to account for wear and update the transmissibility function, eliminating the need for compensating devices by recognizing the divergence in signals from these sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a hydraulic or mechanical compensating device is inserted into the mechanical transmission to recover wear of the clutch plate pack, then the closing position stability is improved, but the production costs, assembly time, and overall volume are considerably increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosing position stabilityVSAvoidmechanical transmission complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/hydraulic compensating device with an electronic control system. The electronic actuator receives control signals from the control unit to adjust the clutch mechanism position, substituting complex mechanical compensation mechanisms with electronic control and actuation, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining position stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from fixed mechanical positioning to dynamically adjustable electronic control. The control unit can modify the actuator's output parameters (position, speed) based on feedback from position sensors, enabling adaptive compensation for wear without mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosing position stabilityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive mechanical compensating devices with electronic control components. The electronic actuator and control unit use software-based compensation algorithms that are less costly to manufacture and update compared to precision mechanical compensating mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the clutch actuation, monitors position via sensors, compensates for wear, and adjusts operating parameters. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate compensating devices, reducing overall system cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosing position stabilityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical compensating devices that require precise assembly with electronic components that can be pre-assembled and calibrated. The electronic actuator and control unit can be integrated more easily into the existing clutch mechanism, reducing assembly time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Stability of the object's composition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosing position stabilityVSAvoidelectro-actuated clutch volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces bulky mechanical compensating devices with compact electronic actuators and control units. Electronic components occupy significantly less space than equivalent mechanical compensation mechanisms, reducing the overall clutch assembly volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8585545B2Method of controlling an electro-actuated clutch for determining the closing position

Publication Date: 2013.11.19 MARELLI EURO SPA

AI summary

A method of controlling an electro-actuated clutch in an internal combustion engine, the clutch including a clutch mechanism, an electric motor for actuating the clutch mechanism, and a mechanical transmission, which is interposed between the electric motor and the clutch mechanism. During a manufacturing phase of the system, a detachable connection is established in the mechanical transmission, wherein a first element simply rests on a second element to divide the electro-actuated clutch into a first part, arranged upstream of the detachable connection, and a second part, arranged downstream of the detachable connection. During operation, a first position signal generated by a first position sensor mechanically connected to a point of the first portion of the electro-actuated clutch is read, as is a second position signal generated by a second position sensor mechanically connected to a point of the second portion of the electro-actuated clutch. The first position signal is compared with the second position signal. A position in which the first position signal starts differing from the second position signal is recognized, and an estimate made of a closing position of the clutch mechanism coinciding with the position in which the first position signal starts differing from the second position signal.