Clutch Actuator Current Control for Low-Energy Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch control systems face challenges in minimizing energy consumption while maintaining a connected state for safety purposes, as they require continuous actuator operation to resist strong biasing forces, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A clutch control system comprising a biasing portion, an actuator, and a control unit that outputs different current values to manage the clutch's connection and disconnection, using a high current for disconnection and a lower current to maintain the disconnected state, optimizing energy use by reducing actuator burden and ensuring reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuator continues to be operated to maintain the clutch in a connected state, then safety is ensured, but a large amount of energy consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The energization device outputs current in a periodic manner: a first current value when connection is detected, and a second lower current value when disconnection is detected. This periodic energization pattern allows the actuator to maintain the clutch in a connected state without continuous high current operation, reducing energy consumption while ensuring safety.
2Reliability
If a relatively strong biasing force is applied to the clutch to prevent unintended disconnection, then reliability is improved, but the actuator has to drive the clutch while resisting such a strong biasing force leading to energy efficiency problems
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing portion permanently biases the clutch in a connecting direction with a relatively strong biasing force to prevent unintended disconnection. The actuator opposes this biasing force only when disconnection is needed, rather than continuously resisting it. This counterweight approach ensures reliability while improving energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The energization device provides current to the actuator periodically based on detected clutch state. When the clutch is connected, the strong biasing force naturally maintains the connection without actuator intervention. When disconnection is detected, the actuator is energized to overcome the biasing force temporarily. This periodic action reduces energy consumption while maintaining the strong biasing force for reliability.
3Speed
If the energization device outputs high current continuously to ensure quick response, then response speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energization device outputs a first current value (higher current) only when connection is detected, providing quick response when needed. When disconnection is detected, it outputs a second current value (lower current) to maintain the disconnected state with reduced energy consumption. This periodic current output pattern achieves both quick response and energy efficiency.
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
The system effectively reduces energy consumption by minimizing high current usage while ensuring quick response and maintaining the clutch in a disconnected state, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing portion (7) that permanently biases the clutch (5) in a connecting direction
Implementation Method 2
an actuator (9) that drives the clutch (5) in a disconnecting direction
Data Source
AI summary
A system is configured to control a clutch that connects a first rotating body and a second rotating body. The system includes a biasing portion, an actuator, an energization device, and a control unit. The biasing portion permanently biases the clutch in a connecting direction. The actuator drives the clutch in a disconnecting direction. The energization device energizes the actuator. The control unit controls the energization device. The energization device outputs a first current value to the actuator when a connection of the clutch is detected even if a condition for permitting a disconnection is satisfied. The energization device outputs a second current value lower than the first current value when the condition for permitting the disconnection is satisfied and a disconnection of the clutch is detected.