Clutch Unit Sensor Integration for Axial Position and Speed Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch units in motor vehicles are bulky and cost-intensive due to the need for two separate sensor units to detect rotational speed and axial position, which complicates control and increases structural space and costs.
Innovation Solution
A compact clutch unit design featuring a radially arranged sensor unit that detects both rotational speed and axial position using a single sensor, allowing the clutch to be in an open or closed state, with a coupling element and counterpart element that are axially fixed and rotationally movable, respectively, and a toothing system that generates distinct sensor signals for each state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two separate sensor units are used to detect rotational speed and axial position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and structural space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate sensor units into a single integrated sensor unit that performs both rotational speed detection and axial position detection functions. The sensor unit is radially arranged relative to the coupling element and detects both the toothing structure (for rotational speed) and the axial displacement (for position), thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through multi-functional sensing capability
2Measurement precision
If two separate sensor units are used to detect rotational speed and axial position, then measurement precision is improved, but structural space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate sensor units into one compact sensor unit that is radially arranged relative to the coupling element. This single sensor unit detects both rotational speed through the toothing structure and axial position through displacement detection, significantly reducing the structural space required in the clutch unit while maintaining full measurement capabilities
3Device complexity
If a single sensor unit is used to detect both rotational speed and axial position, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is designed with universal multi-functional capability to perform both rotational speed detection and axial position detection. The radially arranged sensor unit detects the toothing structure on the coupling element to determine rotational speed, and simultaneously detects axial displacement to determine clutch position, thereby maintaining high measurement precision while reducing device complexity through a single multi-functional sensing system
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 design simplifies clutch control, reduces structural space and costs, and enables energy-optimized all-wheel-drive systems by using a single sensor unit to detect clutch states, enhancing energy efficiency and power optimization.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor unit, both in the first position and in the second position of the counterpart element, detects a sensor signal by way of which the rotational speed of the coupling element and the first position of the counterpart element, the second position of the counterpart element or a position of the counterpart element between the first position and the second position can be ascertained
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a clutch unit for a motor vehicle, comprising: a clutch, the clutch having an axially stationary, rotatable coupling element with an axially extending toothing, and an axially displaceable, rotatable mating element with an axially extending mating toothing, the mating element being displaceable into a first position and a second position; and a sensor unit, the sensor unit being disposed radially in relation to the axial extension of the toothing of the coupling element such that the sensor unit senses the toothing of the coupling element. When the mating element is in the first position and when it is in the second position, the sensor unit detects a sensor signal via which the rotational speed of the coupling element and the first position of the mating element, the second position of the mating element, or a position of the mating element between the first position and the second position can be determined. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle drive train comprising a clutch unit of this type.