Automatic Clutch Control for Manual-Feel Coasting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional change-gear transmission systems with automatic switching into coasting or gliding modes require frequent brake use in city traffic, which is annoying for drivers accustomed to manual transmissions, as they delay returning to normal driving mode and lack seamless speed adaptations.
Innovation Solution
A change-gear transmission system with an automatically actuatable clutch and a control unit that detects the gearshift lever touch, allowing automatic clutch opening for coasting or gliding modes without altering vehicle behavior, and automatically closes the clutch when the lever is touched for drag deceleration, enabling fuel-saving locomotion without excessive brake use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If automatic switching into coasting or gliding mode is implemented, then fuel savings are achieved, but frequent brake use occurs in city traffic which is annoying for drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the gearshift lever position via a position sensor and adjusts clutch operation accordingly. When the sensor detects the lever is in the neutral position (not touched), the system enables automatic coasting/gliding mode. When the lever is touched (indicating driver intent to shift), the system disables automatic mode, allowing the driver to manually downshift for drag deceleration. This feedback loop resolves the contradiction by adapting system behavior to actual driver intent.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: automatic coasting/gliding mode when the gearshift lever is untouched, and manual control mode when the lever is touched. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize fuel consumption during normal cruising while seamlessly transitioning to manual control when the driver needs rapid speed adaptations in city traffic, eliminating the need for frequent brake use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gear adaptation is performed when leaving coasting or gliding mode, then speed adaptations are enabled, but return into normal driving mode is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary gear adaptation automatically when the driver touches the gearshift lever to exit coasting/gliding mode. The control unit detects the lever touch, closes the clutch, and simultaneously adapts the gear to the appropriate driving mode. This preliminary action eliminates the delay between mode transition and speed adaptation, as both actions occur concurrently rather than sequentially.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the clutch is automatically opened for coasting mode, then energy-saving locomotion is possible, but vehicle behavior changes noticeably from manual transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically detecting driver intent through gearshift lever position and autonomously managing clutch operation and gear adaptation. When the lever is in neutral position, the system self-activates coasting/gliding mode without driver intervention. When the lever is touched, the system self-transitions to manual mode. This self-service approach maintains familiar manual transmission handling characteristics while capturing fuel efficiency benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A change-gear transmission system includes a transmission that can be switched between multiple gears, a gearshift lever for selecting between the gears of the transmission, an automatically actuatable clutch, which is arranged in a drive train in series with the transmission and a control unit for automatically opening the clutch while maintaining a gear engaged in the transmission when a condition for the transition into coasting or gliding mode is fulfilled. The control unit is configured to detect a touch of the gearshift lever by the driver, to open the clutch only when no touch of the gearshift lever is detected, and further in the case that in the coasting or gliding mode, a touch of the gearshift lever is detected, to close the clutch while maintaining the engaged gear.