Clutch Pedal Control With Automatic Freewheeling Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch control systems do not allow drivers to manually control the clutch while benefiting from advanced assistance functions such as freewheeling and engine braking, which can reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a clutch actuation pedal with a position sensor and an actuator, controlled by a unit that analyzes driving conditions to switch between manual and assistance modes, allowing automatic clutch control when the pedal is in its rest position, and reactivates manual control based on pedal position, enabling features like freewheeling and engine braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the clutch is controlled automatically by the actuator based on driving conditions, then fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions are reduced through freewheel functions, but the driver loses manual control of the clutch operations
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch control system dynamically switches between manual control mode and automatic assistance mode based on detected driving conditions. The control unit activates the electromechanical actuator automatically when characteristic driving conditions are detected (such as coasting or sailing conditions), and deactivates it when the driver operates the clutch pedal, allowing the system to adapt between manual and automatic control as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors driving conditions and automatically activates the assistance mode when characteristic conditions are detected, such as when the vehicle is coasting or sailing. The system serves itself by detecting its own operating conditions and making appropriate control decisions without requiring driver intervention to select the mode
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the clutch control system provides advanced assistance functions like freewheeling, then carbon dioxide emissions are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch control system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in manual control mode under normal conditions, switch to automatic assistance mode for freewheeling functions to reduce emissions, and provide engine braking function when characteristic driving conditions are detected. This multi-functionality allows the system to address various driving scenarios and reduce harmful emissions across different operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously receives feedback from the position sensor monitoring the clutch pedal position and from other sensors detecting driving conditions. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically activates or deactivates the electromechanical actuator to provide appropriate assistance functions, enabling the system to respond dynamically to changing driving conditions and optimize emissions reduction
Data Source
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Figure 3a~4
AI summary
The invention concerns a method for controlling a clutch (4) mounted between the output shaft of an engine and the input shaft (3) of a gearbox of a motor vehicle by means of a clutch actuation pedal (19), and an associated position sensor (20); a clutch actuator (14) and a control unit (17) arranged so as to control the actuator (14), in a manual control mode, on the basis of the pedal position signal, and, in at least one assistance mode, to automatically control the actuator (14) when the clutch actuation pedal (19) remains in the idle position of same; said control method involves activating the assistance mode in which the actuator (14) is automatically set to the disengaged position of the clutch in response to the detection of characteristic driving conditions and the idle position of the pedal (19).