Clutch Regulator Valve with Pressure Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic transmissions lack an efficient mechanism for regulating clutch pressure during engagement, leading to inconsistent clutch engagement and potential malfunctions due to the absence of real-time pressure feedback and control.
Innovation Solution
A clutch regulator valve with a pressure sensor that provides feedback to an electronic control module, allowing for precise control of fluid pressure in the clutch apply chamber, signaling the start and end of clutch engagement and maintaining desired pressure levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure sensor is added to provide real-time pressure feedback, then clutch engagement consistency and control precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure sensor is integrated into the regulator valve to detect real-time pressure in the clutch apply chamber and provide feedback signals to an electronic control module. This closed-loop feedback system enables the ECM to monitor clutch fill pressure and adjust the control signal accordingly, ensuring consistent clutch engagement and resolving the technical contradiction by improving reliability through active pressure monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pressure regulation mechanisms with an electronically controlled regulator valve. The valve uses an electronic control module to receive feedback from a pressure sensor and adjust the control signal to the regulator, substituting complex mechanical feedback systems with an electronic control architecture that achieves better precision while managing system complexity through integration.
2Manufacturing precision
If pressure feedback control is implemented, then clutch pressure regulation precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator valve is designed as a multi-functional integrated component that combines pressure regulation, pressure sensing, and electronic control signal generation in a single assembly. The valve body incorporates passages for pressure feedback, a sensor mounting structure, and integration with the electronic control module, allowing one component to perform multiple functions and thereby improving manufacturing precision without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If real-time pressure detection is added, then malfunction detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor provides continuous real-time feedback on clutch chamber pressure to the electronic control module, enabling the system to detect pressure anomalies that indicate malfunctions. The feedback signal allows the ECM to monitor clutch fill progress and identify issues such as leaks or blockages, improving malfunction detection capability while using a relatively simple sensor and control architecture.
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
Enables precise control of clutch engagement, ensuring consistent torque transmission and immediate detection of potential malfunctions, enhancing the reliability and performance of automatic transmissions.
Implementation Method 1
the regulator valve has connected therewith a pressure sensor, which provides a feedback function to an electronic control module (ECM)
Implementation Method 2
The fluid within the piston chamber will initially compress the clutch return spring which will apply one reaction to the clutch pressure
Implementation Method 3
the valve will fully open to permit fluid flow to the piston chamber... and the control valve will begin a regulation process during which the pressure within the clutch is maintained at a desired level
Data Source
AI summary
A torque-transmitting regulating system employs a valve mechanism, which distributes fluid pressure from a pressure source to a torque-transmitting mechanism by control for the engagement and disengagement thereof. The valve mechanism has associated therewith a pressure sensor mechanism, which distributes a control signal to the electronic control module (ECM) to inform the ECM of the condition of operation of the torque-transmitting mechanism. A valve mechanism supplies a first pressure signal during disengagement of the torque-transmitting mechanism, a second pressure signal during the filling period of the torque-transmitting mechanism, and a third signal during the fully engaged condition of the torque-transmitting mechanism.