Target Clutch Torque Creep Control for Heavy Truck
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic transmission systems for heavy trucks fail to coordinate clutch and engine control effectively, leading to unstable speed control, insufficient power during high load conditions, and inadequate warning for clutch overheating, which compromises vehicle safety and performance during low-speed operations like creeping.
Innovation Solution
A target clutch torque-based creep control system that integrates an engine control unit (ECU) and a transmission control unit (TCU) with data communication, including sub-modules for clutch synchronization, coasting, and overheating checks, allowing for dynamic adjustment of engine speed and clutch position to manage torque and prevent overheating, while providing timely warnings to the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If independent control on clutch and engine is used, then control simplicity is maintained, but coordinated control between clutch position and engine torque cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clutch control function and engine torque control function into a unified coordinated control system. The TCU calculates target clutch torque based on clutch position, and the ECU coordinates engine torque output with clutch engagement state, achieving integrated control of both components rather than independent control.
2Device complexity
If conventional independent control mode is used, then system complexity is reduced, but torque sensitivity in different clutch positions cannot be considered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic torque sensitivity control by calculating different target clutch torques based on the current clutch position. The TCU determines target clutch torque dynamically according to the clutch position signal, ensuring appropriate torque transmission at different engagement stages without requiring complex mechanical structures.
3Device complexity
If no overheating warning system is implemented, then device complexity is minimized, but driver cannot receive sufficient prompting time for clutch overheating protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary warning action by monitoring clutch temperature and providing warnings to the driver before actual overheating damage occurs. The system detects temperature trends and issues advance warnings, allowing the driver to take protective measures before critical overheating conditions develop.
4Stability of the object's composition
If coordinated engine-clutch control is implemented, then speed control stability and power sufficiency are improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring clutch position, engine torque, and vehicle speed, then adjusting control parameters accordingly. The TCU calculates target clutch torque based on feedback from clutch position sensors, and the ECU adjusts engine torque output based on clutch engagement state, achieving stable speed control through closed-loop feedback.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a target clutch torque-based creep control system for an automatic transmission of a heavy truck. The control system comprises a clutch synchronization check sub-module, a vehicle coasting check sub-module, and a clutch overheating check sub-module which are added to a TCU (9). The TCU (9) implements vehicle creep control according to an output signal of each sub-module. The vehicle creep control performed by the TCU (9) comprises a creep control mode in a waiting state, a creep control mode in a hybrid accelerator state, a creep control mode in a positive engagement state, and a creep control mode in a synchronization state; and switching between the various different control modes is determined by means of a current vehicle state. The TCU (9) obtains a target engine speed TS and a target clutch position ICP in different vehicle states by means of the vehicle creep control. The method of the present invention can satisfy creep control requirements in various vehicle operating conditions, and can provide the maximum degree of vehicle creep controllability for a driver while a clutch is protected.