Industrial Vehicle Clutch Control via Gear and Brake Feedback
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing clutch cut off devices for industrial vehicles determine the release timing of the forward/reverse clutch based solely on the brake operation state, which can be suboptimal depending on the vehicle's operating conditions and road slope, leading to inefficient clutch engagement and potential pitching issues.
Innovation Solution
A clutch control device that includes a braking force detection device, a speed stage detection device, and a switching mechanism to automatically adjust the clutch cut off condition based on the detected braking force and transmission speed stage, allowing for optimal timing of clutch release across various operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clutch cut off device judges release timing of forward/reverse clutch only with operation state of brake, then the control logic is simple, but the release timing is not optimal depending on operating condition and road slope
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch control device dynamically adjusts the clutch release timing based on detected operating conditions (brake fluid pressure, vehicle speed, transmission gear position). The control logic transitions from static (brake-only) to dynamic (multi-parameter) decision-making, allowing optimal clutch release timing that adapts to varying operating conditions and road slopes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by detecting brake fluid pressure, vehicle speed, and transmission gear position, then using this feedback information to determine the optimal clutch release timing. This closed-loop control ensures the clutch is released at the most appropriate moment based on real-time vehicle state.
2Stability of the object's composition
If clutch release timing is delayed to prevent pitching on steep ramps, then vehicle stability improves, but brake wear increases due to prolonged clutch engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary assessment of operating conditions (detecting brake fluid pressure, vehicle speed, and gear position) before determining clutch release timing. By evaluating the situation in advance, the system can predict when clutch release will be optimal, preventing both premature release that causes pitching and delayed release that causes excessive brake wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameters for clutch release from a single parameter (brake operation) to multiple parameters (brake fluid pressure, vehicle speed, transmission gear position). This multi-parameter approach allows the system to find the optimal balance between vehicle stability and brake wear reduction by considering the complete operating context.
3Loss of energy
If clutch is released earlier to reduce brake wear, then energy loss decreases, but vehicle stability deteriorates on steep ramps
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch release timing is dynamically determined based on real-time detection of operating conditions. The system adjusts the release timing continuously according to the current state (brake fluid pressure, vehicle speed, gear position), ensuring optimal timing that prevents both excessive brake wear and vehicle pitching on steep ramps.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device uses feedback from multiple sensors (brake fluid pressure sensor, vehicle speed sensor, transmission gear position) to continuously monitor operating conditions and determine the optimal clutch release timing. This feedback mechanism ensures the clutch is released at the precise moment that balances energy efficiency and vehicle stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A clutch control device for an industrial vehicle includes: a braking force detection device that detects braking force of the industrial vehicle; a speed stage detection device that detects a set speed stage of a transmission; a clutch control device that controls engage/release of a forward clutch so that the forward clutch is released when a clutch cut off condition is judged to be satisfied based upon braking force of the industrial vehicle detected by the braking force detection device; and a switching device that automatically switches the clutch cut off condition in the clutch control device based upon a set speed stage of the transmission detected by the speed stage detection device.