Clutch Controller Torque Feedback Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional clutch control methods in semi-automatic transmissions for vehicles fail to maintain appropriate torque transmission during clutch engagement, leading to riding comfort issues due to sharp torque increases causing shocks or excessive deceleration.

Innovation Solution

A clutch controller system that calculates and compares actual and target torque transmission, actuating the clutch actuator to adjust the engagement state based on the difference between the two, ensuring consistent torque delivery and minimizing shocks during engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the clutch control is based on rotational speed difference during engaging operation, then the engagement state can be controlled, but torque transmission becomes unstable causing sharp increases and shocks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclutch engagement controlVSAvoidtorque transmission stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device calculates actual torque transmitted from the drive-side member to the downstream mechanism and compares it with target torque, then adjusts the actuator based on the difference. This closed-loop feedback control ensures stable torque transmission during clutch engagement by continuously monitoring and correcting torque levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical clutch control based on rotational speed with an electronic control system that calculates torque based on power source output and inertia torque, then actuates the clutch via an electronic actuator. This substitution enables precise torque management during engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the half-clutch state is maintained until rotational speed difference is almost zero, then shocks are reduced, but torque transmission is insufficient over long time period causing excessive deceleration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshocks during engagementVSAvoidvehicle deceleration
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors actual torque transmission and compares it with target torque, adjusting the actuator in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain optimal torque levels throughout the engagement process, preventing both shocks and excessive deceleration by dynamically adapting to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic torque control during clutch engagement by continuously adjusting the actuator position based on the difference between actual and target torque. This dynamic adjustment ensures that torque transmission remains appropriate throughout the engagement process, adapting to varying operational conditions rather than maintaining a fixed engagement state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the clutch engagement time is extended to ensure adequate torque transmission, then torque stability improves, but the engagement process takes longer affecting productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmission adequacyVSAvoidclutch engagement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device uses feedback control to monitor actual torque transmission and adjust the actuator accordingly. This enables the clutch engagement to proceed quickly while maintaining adequate torque transmission, as the system can accelerate engagement without sacrificing torque stability by continuously correcting any deficiencies in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system calculates target torque in advance based on the operational state and uses this predetermined target to guide the engagement process. By having the target torque ready before engagement begins, the system can execute the engagement more quickly while ensuring appropriate torque transmission from the start.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP1975439B1Clutch with clutch controller, method of controlling clutch, and straddle-type vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.05.22 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP1975439B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1975439B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1975439B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a clutch having a clutch controller for controlling an engagement state of the clutch by actuating an actuator, comprising: an actual torque obtaining means for obtaining torque transmitted from a drive-side member of the clutch to a downstream mechanism in a torque transmission path as actual transmission torque, the downstream mechanism including a driven-side member of the clutch; a target torque obtaining means for obtaining torque that is supposed to be transmitted from the drive-side member to the downstream mechanism in the torque transmission path as target transmission torque; and a control means for actuating the actuator by an actuation amount according to a difference between the actual transmission torque and the target transmission torque.