Clutch Torque Control for Jerk-Free Launch in AMT Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional clutch control methods in AMTs and DCTs cause vehicle jerking during creep driving when the accelerator pedal is manipulated, leading to a rough ride and reduced merchantability due to rapid increases in clutch control torque.

Innovation Solution

A method that determines accelerator pedal manipulation during creep control and gradually increases clutch control torque from creep torque to launch torque, preventing sudden transitions and reducing rotational vibrations in the transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If clutch control torque is rapidly increased during creep control when accelerator pedal is manipulated, then launch control is achieved, but rotational vibration of input shaft occurs causing vehicle jerking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclutch control torque application speedVSAvoidvehicle jerking
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static torque selection method to a dynamic transition method. When launch control is determined to be necessary, the system dynamically adjusts the clutch control torque over time using a transition torque calculation that considers current torque, target torque, and elapsed time, rather than immediately switching to the target launch torque value.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through continuous torque adjustment cycles. The controller repeatedly calculates transition torque at predetermined time intervals during the acceleration phase, creating a periodic control action that smoothly progresses from creep torque to launch torque, preventing sudden torque changes that cause vibration and jerking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If clutch control torque is rapidly increased to launch torque, then launch control response is improved, but ride comfort deteriorates due to vehicle jerking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaunch control response speedVSAvoidride comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically balances response speed and comfort by continuously adjusting torque based on elapsed time and current state. The transition torque increases progressively over time rather than immediately, providing a responsive yet smooth torque application that maintains ride comfort while achieving launch control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a transition phase before full launch torque is applied. During this transition period, the clutch control torque is gradually increased from creep torque to target launch torque, cushioning the impact of torque application and preventing sudden vehicle jerking that would deteriorate ride comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Power

If creep control is converted to launch control by selecting higher torque, then launch control is achieved, but rotational vibration occurs due to abrupt torque change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclutch control torqueVSAvoidinput shaft rotational stability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by replacing the static torque selection (creep or launch) with a dynamic transition process. The transition torque is continuously adjusted based on elapsed time and current operational state, creating a smooth power increase that maintains input shaft rotational stability while achieving the necessary launch power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by initiating a gradual torque transition before full launch torque is required. The transition phase prepares the drivetrain for launch by progressively increasing clutch control torque, allowing the input shaft to adapt to changing torque conditions and preventing rotational instability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8721499B2Method of controlling clutch of vehicle
Publication Date: 2014.05.13 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US8721499B2 patent drawing
  • US8721499B2 patent drawing
  • US8721499B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method controls a clutch for vehicles. In a vehicle provided with a transmission such as a DCT or AMT which uses a dry clutch as a launch clutch, the clutch is controlled such that clutch control torque can smoothly vary when a driver manipulates an accelerator pedal during creep driving under a control logic so that the controlling of the clutch is converted into launch control, thus preventing the vehicle from jerking and improving the ride comfort of the vehicle, thereby enhancing the merchantability of the vehicle.