Vehicle Clutch Control System for Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with automatically operated clutches can experience excessive wear when driven in a manner similar to those with conventional automatic gearboxes, particularly when the clutch is partly closed during torque transfer, leading to friction heat and premature wear.
Innovation Solution
A method where the vehicle's control system determines if the clutch is slipping and increases the propulsive force transmitted by the clutch to prevent wear, by progressively closing the clutch and ensuring a larger proportion of engine power is transmitted through the clutch, rather than converting to friction heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clutch is allowed to slip for extended periods to achieve comfortable gear changes or high initial gear movement, then driver comfort and ease of operation are improved, but clutch wear increases significantly due to friction heat
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors clutch slip conditions and dynamically adjusts the propulsive force transmitted by the clutch. When clutch slip is detected, the system provides feedback to increase the transmitted propulsive force, which accelerates the clutch closing process and reduces slip duration, thereby preventing excessive wear while maintaining comfortable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of propulsive force transmission dynamically based on clutch slip conditions. By increasing the propulsive force transmitted by the clutch when slip is detected, the system alters the clutch engagement characteristics to reduce slip time and prevent wear, while still achieving comfortable gear changes.
2Reliability
If the clutch closes quickly to reduce wear, then clutch reliability is improved, but driver awareness of vehicle movement may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by increasing propulsive force only when and where needed (during clutch slip conditions). This targeted intervention is sufficient to close the clutch quickly and reduce wear, while the moderate nature of the force increase maintains driver awareness and control.
3Ease of operation
If an automatically operated clutch is used in all upshifts and downshifts for comfort, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch control system operates autonomously, automatically adjusting propulsive force transmission based on real-time slip detection without requiring driver intervention. This self-service capability simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for complex manual clutch operation mechanisms while maintaining comfort.
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
This method reduces wear on the clutch and other components by preventing prolonged slipping and ensuring uniform wear patterns, regardless of driving style, and alerts the driver to unexpected vehicle movement, allowing them to react and prevent unwanted acceleration.
Implementation Method 1
the clutch is partly closed while a transfer of torque is taking place... a large or very large proportion of the propulsive force generated by the engine (the torque generated) will convert to friction heat
Data Source
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Figure 1B
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for controlling a clutch which pertains to a vehicle and is operated by means of a vehicle control system, where said vehicle is provided with an engine and a driver of said vehicle requests propulsive force from said engine. A first propulsive force requested by said driver being transmitted via said clutch involves determining whether said clutch slips while transmitting said first propulsive force. When said clutch slips during said transmission of said first propulsive force, the propulsive force transmitted by said clutch increases. The invention relates also to a system and a vehicle.