Drive Train Clutch Torque Control for Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive train systems for motor vehicles experience vibrations during acceleration, leading to acoustic impairments and reduced climbing ability, particularly when the secondary drive axle is decoupled from the primary drive axle, which can result in increased energy consumption and component stress.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining and adjusting the transmission torque based on vibration amplitude, using sensors to measure oscillation differences between the primary and secondary drive axles, and controlling the clutch overpressure to maintain sufficient torque reserves while reducing vibrations, thereby improving traction and reducing clutch slip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the secondary drive axle is decoupled from the primary drive axle, then energy consumption is reduced and component stress is minimized, but drive train vibrations occur leading to acoustic impairments and reduced climbing ability
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch transmission torque is made dynamically adjustable based on real-time vibration amplitude measurements. The system continuously monitors vibrations and adjusts the clutch torque accordingly, transitioning from a static decoupled state to a dynamically controlled state that dampens vibrations when detected while maintaining energy efficiency when vibrations are absent.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback control loop is implemented where sensors measure drive train vibrations, the control unit processes this information, and adjusts the clutch transmission torque in response. This closed-loop system uses vibration amplitude as feedback to automatically regulate clutch engagement, damping vibrations when necessary while maintaining decoupled operation for energy efficiency.
2Strength
If the transmission torque is increased to dampen vibrations, then climbing ability and traction are improved, but clutch slip increases leading to higher energy consumption and component wear
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch transmission torque is dynamically adjusted based on real-time vibration amplitude measurements rather than being constantly high. The system applies increased torque only when and where vibrations are detected, maintaining climbing ability when needed while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission torque parameter is changed dynamically based on vibration conditions. The control unit adjusts the clutch torque parameter in response to measured vibration amplitudes, using higher torque to dampen vibrations when detected and lower torque to conserve energy when vibrations are absent, thereby optimizing the trade-off between climbing ability and energy consumption.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the clutch transmission torque is continuously adjusted, then vibration damping is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
A feedback control system is implemented using existing sensors and a control unit that is already part of the vehicle's drivetrain management system. The system uses vibration amplitude measurements from existing sensors to automatically adjust clutch torque through the existing control unit, dampening vibrations without requiring a completely new complex control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it manages normal clutch operation, monitors drive train vibrations, and adjusts transmission torque for vibration damping. By making the control unit multi-functional and reusing existing sensors and actuators, the system achieves vibration damping capability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
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 approach effectively dampens drive train vibrations, enhances traction, and reduces energy consumption by optimizing transmission torque settings based on real-time vibration analysis, ensuring robust driving performance and minimizing clutch wear.
Implementation Method 1
The clutch can be designed, for example, as a friction clutch, in particular as a multi-plate clutch, for example as a multi-plate lock clutch.
Implementation Method 2
a clutch damping device with at least one clutch friction element and at least one counter friction element, which are arranged relative to one another such that, in the event of vibrations in the drive train, relative movement takes place between the clutch friction element and the counter friction element
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a drive train (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one primary drive axle (2) and at least one secondary drive axle (3), which are operatively interconnected by a clutch (11) having an adjustable transmission torque. According to the invention, a vibration amplitude of a vibration of the drive train (1) is determined, and the transmission torque is determined in a damping mode of operation of the drive train (1) on the basis of the vibration amplitude and adjusted on the clutch (11). The invention further relates to a drive train (1) for a motor vehicle.