Clutch Priming System for Rapid Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch systems in power transfer applications face inefficiencies in torque delivery due to the time required for engagement and disengagement, which can lead to degraded shift quality and missed shifts, especially under dynamic operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A priming system that initiates actuation of a frictional element when its speed falls below a threshold, preparing it for engagement without immediate torque delivery, and completes actuation at a shift point to ensure rapid and controlled torque transfer, utilizing an actuator and control system to manage the engagement and disengagement of the clutch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the clutch engagement time is reduced for faster shifting, then the shift speed and responsiveness are improved, but the torque delivery control and shift quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch engagement process is divided into three distinct phases: a priming phase where the clutch is prepared without torque delivery, a transition phase where torque delivery begins, and a fully engaged phase. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, enabling fast engagement while maintaining control quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The priming phase performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the clutch friction elements and establishing fluid pressure before actual torque delivery begins. This preparation work is done in advance during the priming phase, so when torque delivery starts, the clutch is already ready to engage rapidly and smoothly.
2Manufacturing precision
If the clutch engagement is delayed until the shift point, then the torque delivery timing is improved, but the engagement time and shift quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The priming phase initiates clutch preparation actions before the shift point is reached, including positioning friction elements and building fluid pressure. This preliminary action ensures that when the shift point arrives, the clutch is already prepared for immediate torque delivery, reducing total engagement time while maintaining precise timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the clutch engagement process based on real-time operating conditions. The control system monitors parameters such as input and output speeds, torque demands, and clutch temperature to optimize the duration and characteristics of the priming phase, enabling adaptive engagement timing that maintains precision across varying operating conditions.
3Productivity
If the clutch is held in a primed state for extended periods, then the shift responsiveness is improved, but the windage and spin losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors clutch operating parameters including relative speed between input and output, torque demands, and temperature. Based on this feedback, the system intelligently determines when to initiate and terminate the priming phase, holding the clutch in a primed state only when beneficial for upcoming shifts while minimizing energy losses during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The priming phase is activated periodically based on predicted shift requirements rather than continuously. The control system anticipates upcoming shifts based on driving patterns and torque demands, initiating priming only when a shift is likely to occur soon, thereby reducing unnecessary windage and spin losses during periods when no shift is anticipated.
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
This approach reduces the time needed for clutch engagement, enhances shift quality, and ensures consistent operation by maintaining the frictional element in a primed state until the shift point is reached, minimizing windage and spin losses and improving responsiveness in dynamic applications.
Implementation Method 1
a frictional element that operatively connects an input element and an output element... effects engagement of the frictional element to couple the input and output elements to transfer a torque
Data Source
AI summary
A priming system and method includes an actuator effecting engagement of a frictional element to couple input and output elements to transfer a torque. A control system initiates actuation of the frictional element through the actuator when a speed of the frictional element is below a priming threshold speed. The frictional element is primed to prepare the frictional element to transfer the torque from the input element to the output element, without delivering the torque to the output element. The frictional element in held in the primed state when the speed is below the priming threshold speed. The actuator completes actuation of the frictional element when the speed reaches the shift point, engaging the frictional element to deliver the torque to the output element.