Electro-Hydraulic Clutch Control System Mode Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current semi-automatic clutches in vehicles face limitations in switching between manual and automatic modes, leading to potential shock and jarring sensations, and are complex with multiple hydraulic circuits that increase the risk of mechanical failure and maintenance difficulties.
Innovation Solution
An electro-hydraulic control system with a single hydraulic circuit and reservoir, utilizing a manual and automatic hydraulic pressure source connected to a slave cylinder, and an isolation valve controlled by a controller to manage fluid flow and isolate the reservoir, allowing seamless switching between modes without shock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple isolated hydraulic circuits are used in semi-automatic clutches, then switching between manual and automatic modes is enabled, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple isolated hydraulic circuits into a single integrated hydraulic circuit that serves both manual and automatic clutch operations. The master cylinder and slave cylinder are connected through a common hydraulic fluid pathway, eliminating the need for separate reservoirs and circuits for each mode, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining mode switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single hydraulic circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it supports both manual clutch operation via the master cylinder and automatic clutch operation via the automatic clutch actuator. The hydraulic system universally serves both operating modes through a shared fluid pathway and common reservoir, reducing the number of components required
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple isolated hydraulic circuits with separate reservoirs are used, then manual and automatic modes can operate independently, but the risk of mechanical failure increases and maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate hydraulic systems into one unified system with a single reservoir. This merging reduces the number of potential failure points associated with multiple isolated circuits and eliminates the need for separate maintenance procedures for each circuit, thereby improving reliability and simplifying maintenance
3Adaptability or versatility
If switching between manual and automatic modes occurs during clutch disconnection, then mode flexibility is improved, but connection shock and jarring sensations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting when the clutch is in the process of disconnecting and preventing mode switching during this critical transition period. The control system monitors clutch engagement status and blocks mode changes that would occur during disconnection, thereby preventing connection shock and jarring sensations before they can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from clutch position sensors and engagement status detection to determine appropriate timing for mode switching. By monitoring the real-time state of the clutch and providing feedback to the control logic, the system can identify when switching would cause harmful effects and prevent such switching, thereby eliminating connection shock
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
Enables smooth switching between manual and automatic modes at any time during vehicle operation, reducing the risk of mechanical failure and simplifying maintenance by using a single hydraulic circuit, thereby enhancing operational freedom and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The master cylinder is fluidly coupled to a slave cylinder mounted on or near the engine casing. The slave cylinder in turn actuates a push rod or alternatively a clutch lever which forcibly disengages the clutch.
Implementation Method 2
An isolation valve isolates the reservoir from the sub-assembly during the actuation of either the manual hydraulic pressure source or the automatic hydraulic pressure source.
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-hydraulic control system for a vehicle clutch, that operates in both a manual and an automatic mode. The invention provides a way of switching between operating modes not only when the clutch is engaged, but at any time while the vehicle is operating, smoothly and without shock, using a system that contains only one hydraulic circuit and reservoir.