Electric Clutch Control With Manual Override Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch control systems in saddle riding vehicles rely on hydraulic pressure, leading to increased costs and difficulty in detecting manual operations, with a need for a configuration that can efficiently detect manual interventions at arbitrary times.
Innovation Solution
A clutch control device comprising a clutch apparatus, a clutch actuator, and a controller that detects manual operations by comparing reference and measured output values, allowing for seamless switching between automatic and manual control modes, thereby reducing driver discomfort and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic pressure control is used for clutch operation, then reliable automatic clutch control is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase due to required hydraulic circuit and actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic actuator system with an electric motor (clutch actuator 50) that directly operates the clutch release mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for hydraulic circuits, pumps, and fluid management systems, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining reliable automatic clutch control through electric actuation.
2Extent of automation
If hydraulic actuator is used for clutch control, then automatic clutch operation is achieved, but manual operation detection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller (40) continuously monitors the output value of the electric clutch actuator (50) and compares it against a reference output value. When a discrepancy exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system detects manual intervention and switches to manual operation intervention control, enabling reliable detection of manual operations while maintaining automatic control functionality.
3Productivity
If clutch actuator output is suddenly removed during manual operation, then automatic control is restored, but driver discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by maintaining the clutch actuator output at its value at the moment of manual operation detection for a predetermined period. This temporary maintenance of actuator output cushions the transition from manual to automatic control, preventing sudden clutch engagement that would cause driver discomfort, while still restoring automatic control functionality.
4Reliability
If clutch actuator continuously operates during manual intervention, then clutch control is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling the clutch actuator to operate intermittently rather than continuously during manual intervention. The actuator operates only when needed to maintain clutch control, then stops to conserve energy, and resumes operation when automatic control is restored or when clutch control is required, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch control device includes a clutch apparatus (26) configured to connect and disconnect power transmission between a prime mover (13) and an output object (21), a clutch actuator (50) configured to output a driving force for actuating the clutch apparatus (26), a controller (40) configured to control driving of the clutch actuator (50), and a clutch operator configured to operate the clutch apparatus (26) regardless of the driving of the clutch actuator (50), the controller (40) detects that there is a manual operation by the clutch operator when a difference of a predetermined value or more is detected between a reference output value of the clutch actuator (50) configured to operate the clutch apparatus (26) and a measured value of an output value of the clutch actuator (50).