Clutch Hydraulic Pressure Control for Fast Stroke Elimination

Solution Overview

Problem

In saddle-ride type vehicles, the clutch device experiences variations in friction during startup and standby states, leading to ineffective stroke elimination and increased power consumption, as existing automated clutch systems struggle to quickly and reliably manage clutch strokes.

Innovation Solution

A clutch control device with a control unit that sets target hydraulic pressure values in stages, starting with a high value for quick startup, then switching to lower values for efficient stroke completion and power conservation, utilizing friction for stroke maintenance and minimizing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a high hydraulic pressure command value is used for ineffective stroke elimination, then the clutch device can be operated quickly against friction, but the power consumption increases and the stroke may overshoot

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclutch operation speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic pressure control is divided into multiple stages: a first stage with high pressure for quick ineffective stroke elimination, and a second stage with lower pressure for stable stroke maintenance. This segmentation allows the system to achieve fast response without continuously consuming high power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically switches between different pressure levels based on the clutch device's operational state. The control unit transitions from high pressure (first control target value) to lower pressure (second control target value) when the clutch reaches the desired stroke, optimizing both speed and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a high hydraulic pressure is applied to eliminate ineffective stroke, then the clutch device operates reliably, but friction variations cause stroke position instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclutch operation reliabilityVSAvoidstroke position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The control process is segmented into two distinct phases: ineffective stroke elimination phase using high pressure for reliability, and stroke maintenance phase using lower pressure for stability. This prevents friction variations from causing continuous stroke position fluctuations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system applies high pressure periodically only during the initial ineffective stroke elimination, then transitions to lower pressure for maintenance. This periodic high-pressure application ensures reliable stroke initiation without causing continuous instability from friction variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Loss of time

If the clutch device is operated quickly at startup, then ineffective stroke elimination is achieved, but friction changes cause variation in stroke start and end points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime for ineffective stroke eliminationVSAvoidstroke position precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic pressure control is divided into multiple stages: a first stage with high pressure for quick ineffective stroke elimination, and a second stage with lower pressure for stable stroke maintenance. This segmentation allows the system to achieve fast response without continuously consuming high power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically switches between different pressure levels based on the clutch device's operational state. The control unit transitions from high pressure (first control target value) to lower pressure (second control target value) when the clutch reaches the desired stroke, optimizing both speed and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enables quick and reliable ineffective stroke elimination, reduces friction, and conserves power by adjusting hydraulic pressure targets based on the clutch's state, ensuring stable operation and reduced energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a hydraulic circuit configured to supply hydraulic pressure to the clutch actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

the friction of each part when a clutch device is operated changes with an operation state of the clutch device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11378144B2Clutch control device

Publication Date: 2022.07.05 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

This clutch control device includes an engine (13), a transmission (21), a clutch device (26) configured to connect and disconnect motive power transmission between the engine (13) and the transmission (21), a clutch actuator (50) configured to drive the clutch device (26) and change a clutch capacity, and a control unit (60) configured to calculate a target value (Pt) of a control parameter (Ps) for the clutch capacity. When the target value (Pt) of the control parameter (Ps) immediately after system startup is defined as a first control target value (P1) and the target value (Pt) of the control parameter (Ps) during a clutch stroke at the time of the system startup is defined as a second control target value (P2), the control unit (60) is configured to set the first control target value (P1) to a value greater than the second control target value (P2).