Automatic Clutch Engagement Speed Control for Drivability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining clutch engagement speed in vehicles with automatic clutches often result in excessive wear and risk of engine stalling, especially when starting with heavy loads or uphill, as they do not ensure sufficient torque for smooth motion off from a stationary state.
Innovation Solution
A method that controls engine speed independently of the accelerator pedal, using signals for prevailing engine speed and requested torque to adjust engine speed and ensure the clutch does not exceed the maximum available torque, thereby reducing the risk of stalling and wear by implementing a dynamic and user-friendly approach.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a higher clutch engagement speed is used, then vehicle acceleration is improved and engine stalling risk is reduced, but clutch wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the clutch engagement speed variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the clutch engagement speed based on real-time vehicle conditions (load, terrain, engine characteristics) to optimize the balance between acceleration performance and clutch wear reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of clutch engagement speed from a predetermined fixed value to a dynamically adjusted value. By modifying this parameter based on vehicle operating conditions, the system achieves both improved acceleration and reduced clutch wear through adaptive optimization.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a predetermined clutch engagement speed is used, then clutch wear is reduced, but engine stalling risk increases under heavy load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring vehicle operating conditions (load, terrain, engine speed) and using this information to adjust the clutch engagement speed. The control unit receives feedback from sensors and modifies the engagement speed to prevent engine stalling while protecting the clutch.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static predetermined speed to a dynamic adaptive speed that responds to real-time conditions. This dynamic adjustment ensures reliable engine operation under varying loads while maintaining clutch protection.
3Ease of operation
If engine speed is linked to accelerator pedal position, then driver control is improved, but clutch wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functions by separating accelerator pedal input from clutch engagement speed control. The system processes driver intent through the accelerator pedal while independently determining optimal clutch engagement speed based on vehicle conditions, thus protecting the clutch while maintaining driver control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the driver's accelerator pedal input and the clutch engagement control. It translates driver intent into appropriate engine and clutch control actions, mediating between driver control requirements and clutch protection needs.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for improving the drivability of a motor vehicle (100; 110) with a driveline. The method comprises the step of comparing a first signal (S3; S3*) with a second signal (S4), where the first signal (S3; S3*) contains information about a torque (TQ-max; TQ-maxmod ) which can be generated by an engine (230) of the vehicle (100; 110) at a prevailing speed (RPMmom ) of the engine (230), and the second signal (S4) contains information about a torque (TQ-req ) requested from the engine. The method comprises also the step of selecting an engagement speed (RPMin) of the engine (230) for an automated clutch (235) in the driveline of the vehicle (100; 110) on the basis of said comparison between the first signal (S3; S3*) and the second signal (S4). The invention relates also to a system for improving the drivability of a motor vehicle and a computer programme product comprising programme code (P) for a computer (200; 210) for implementing a method according to the invention. The invention relates also to a device and a motor vehicle equipped with the system.