Clutch Actuator Motor Temperature Estimation Without Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The cost of parts increases due to the inclusion of a dedicated temperature sensor in conventional clutch control apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A clutch control apparatus that estimates motor temperature by detecting resistance values of multiple electric motors without a separate temperature sensor, using a control unit to control the motors based on these values, allowing for accurate temperature estimation and clutch control while reducing part costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated temperature sensor is provided to detect thermal load of clutch, then temperature detection accuracy is improved, but part cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor is made to serve dual purposes: driving the clutch actuator and functioning as a temperature sensor. By measuring the resistance value of the motor winding, the system obtains temperature information without requiring a separate temperature sensing component, thus eliminating the dedicated temperature sensor and reducing part costs while maintaining temperature detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor itself performs the temperature measurement function that would otherwise require a separate sensor. The motor's own electrical characteristics (resistance value) are utilized to determine its temperature, making the motor self-diagnostic and eliminating the need for external temperature sensing components
2Measurement precision
If resistance value is detected by driving the transmission mechanism, then temperature estimation is achieved, but clutch device operation is affected
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of driving the motor forward to operate the clutch and separately measuring temperature, the system reverses the motor rotation direction during measurement. By rotating the motor in reverse and measuring its resistance value, the system obtains temperature data without performing the normal clutch actuation function, thus decoupling the measurement process from the operational process
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance value measurement is performed periodically or at specific intervals rather than continuously during clutch operation. The control unit reverses the motor rotation at predetermined timings to measure resistance, allowing the clutch to operate normally during measurement-free periods while still obtaining temperature information when needed
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
Accurate clutch control is achieved by estimating motor temperature without a separate temperature sensor, reducing part costs and minimizing operational interference, while also detecting sensor failures.
Implementation Method 1
the control unit (40) detects at least one resistance value of the plurality of electric motors (521, 522) without driving a common transmission element by reversely driving a part of the plurality of electric motors (521, 522)
Data Source
AI summary
This clutch control apparatus includes: a clutch device; a clutch actuator; and a control unit, wherein the clutch actuator includes a plurality of electric motors and a transmission mechanism, wherein the plurality of electric motors are able to input a driving force to a common transmission element of the transmission mechanism, wherein the control unit detects at least one resistance value of the plurality of electric motors without driving a common transmission element by reversely driving a part of the plurality of electric motors and remaining electric motors, and wherein the control unit estimates a motor temperature from the resistance value and controls the driving of the plurality of electric motors according to the motor temperature.