Clutch Stack Wear Sensing Through Piston Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional transmission systems lack effective methods to accurately measure clutch wear and predict remaining clutch life, leading to potential torque loss and inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A clutch wear sensor system that detects a rotating clutch piston's position using detectable elements and sensors, providing signals indicative of wear states, allowing for both rotational speed measurement and clutch wear assessment, enabling prediction of remaining clutch life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensors are used to measure shaft rotational speed, then rotational speed can be determined, but clutch wear cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects both the rotational speed of the shaft and the wear of the clutch stack using the same sensor and detectable elements. The sensor reads positional information from detectable elements on the piston to determine both rotational position (for speed calculation) and axial displacement (for wear measurement), eliminating the need for separate sensors.
2Measurement precision
If separate sensors are used for rotational speed and clutch wear, then both parameters can be measured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rotational speed measurement and clutch wear detection functions into a single sensor system. The same sensor that detects rotational position markers on the piston is also used to detect the axial position of the piston, which indicates clutch wear. This merging of functions reduces the number of sensors required and simplifies the overall system.
3Reliability
If no wear detection system is implemented, then device complexity remains low, but torque loss and inefficient operation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system provides continuous feedback on the wear condition of the clutch stack by monitoring the axial position of the piston. This feedback information can be used by the control system to detect when the clutch stack has worn to a critical condition, allowing for timely maintenance or replacement to prevent torque loss and inefficient operation.
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 system effectively tracks clutch wear states, providing timely notifications for replacement, thereby maintaining clutch performance and preventing torque loss.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor that is configured to interact with a rotating clutch piston to measure both the rotational speed of the piston and the displacement of the piston along the horizontal axis resulting from wear of the clutch stack
Data Source
AI summary
A power transmission device with a clutch plate wear sensor system includes a power transmission shaft configured to transmit torque and a clutch configured to selectively deliver power into or out of the power transmission shaft. The clutch includes a clutch stack and clutch piston that moves to selectively actuate the clutch stack between an engaged state to deliver power through the clutch and a disengaged state to not deliver power through the clutch. The clutch stack wear sensor system includes at least one detectable element arranged for movement in unison with the clutch piston and a sensor arranged to detect the detectable element and provide a signal indicative of a wear characteristic of the clutch stack.