Automatic Clutch Control for Vehicle Freewheeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle transmission systems do not effectively integrate the functions of 'free flight' and 'docking' with automated shifting, limiting the ability to enable freewheeling during specific driving conditions without driver intervention.
Innovation Solution
An automatic clutch control system that communicates with the engine and transmission control units, using predictive data from satellite navigation systems to automatically open the input clutch during certain driving conditions, allowing freewheeling, and is integrated with a robotic gearbox control for seamless operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the clutch is manually controlled only, then the driver has full control over gear changes, but the system cannot automatically enable freewheeling modes during specific driving conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the manual clutch control system with an automatic control system that integrates satellite navigation data and driving condition sensors. The control unit merges GPS location information with real-time vehicle parameters to automatically activate freewheeling modes, eliminating the need for separate manual and automatic control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it processes satellite navigation data, monitors driving conditions, determines optimal freewheeling modes, and controls clutch actuation. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity by consolidating control logic into a single intelligent unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clutch control system integrates with satellite navigation and driving condition monitoring, then automatic freewheeling activation is enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-determines optimal freewheeling modes by continuously analyzing satellite navigation data and stored driving condition profiles. The control unit prepares activation parameters in advance based on predicted driving scenarios, enabling rapid mode switching without complex real-time calculations during actual freewheeling events.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that processes and integrates data from multiple sources (GPS, sensors, vehicle parameters) and translates this information into simple clutch control commands. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing complex data processing functions.
3Ease of operation
If the clutch opens automatically during movement, then freewheeling is authorized without driver intervention, but the driver loses direct control over clutch operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors driving conditions, vehicle speed, and clutch position, feeding this information back to the control unit. The control unit adjusts clutch operation in real-time based on feedback from sensors and satellite navigation data, ensuring reliable automatic control while maintaining the ability to respond to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to autonomously determine when freewheeling modes should be activated based on pre-programmed criteria and real-time condition monitoring. The system serves itself by automatically making control decisions without requiring driver input, while still ensuring safe and reliable operation through continuous condition assessment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for controlling the automatic opening of a transmission input clutch linking a drive motor to a gear shifting mechanism of a vehicle, for which the driver has a gear lever that can move between a plurality of operating positions, including an automatic operation position, in which the gear shifting decisions are assumed by a unit for controlling the transmission, characterised in that, in the mode for automatic operation of the transmission, the input clutch is opened automatically during the movement of the vehicle when particular running conditions are met, so as to temporarily allow the coasting movement of the vehicle.