Friction Clutch Torque Setting via Actuator Wear Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for setting torque in friction clutches fail to accurately account for wear within the actuator chain, leading to inaccuracies in torque transmission due to changes in efficiency over time, especially influenced by driving behavior and environmental conditions, and require additional data like mileage for correction.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the number of setting procedures of the electric motor within a preset time interval to correct the torque/power consumption dependence, using this data to adjust the torque/angle dependence and account for wear, without requiring additional sensors or mileage data, ensuring accurate torque setting through continuous calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the torque/angle dependence is used for setting the desired torque, then the torque can be set based on a given characteristic, but wear within the actuator chain causes displacement of the characteristic leading to inaccurate torque transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures the actual power consumption of the electric motor during clutch closing, compares it with the expected power consumption from the stored torque/power consumption dependence, and uses this feedback to determine a correction angle that compensates for wear-induced characteristic displacement
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the torque/angle dependence by applying a correction angle derived from measured power consumption values, effectively changing the characteristic parameters to account for wear within the actuator chain and maintain accurate torque transmission
2Measurement precision
If the torque/power consumption dependence is used to determine torque from measured current, then torque can be inferred from power consumption, but wear within the actuator chain causes variation of this dependence reducing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a calibration procedure before normal operation to establish the initial torque/power consumption dependence, storing this characteristic for later use in torque determination and correction calculations
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors power consumption during setting procedures, compares actual values with expected values from the stored dependence, and uses the deviation to determine correction angles that compensate for wear-induced variations in the torque/power consumption relationship
3Measurement precision
If calibration procedures are performed at specific time intervals to compensate for friction clutch wear, then the torque/angle characteristic can be updated, but wear within the actuator chain is not accounted for requiring additional correction
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own power consumption measurements during normal setting procedures to automatically detect and compensate for wear within both the friction clutch and actuator chain, eliminating the need for external sensors or additional calibration equipment
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for setting the torque transmitted by a friction clutch via an actuator chain having an electric motor, a reduction gear and a mechanism for converting the rotary movement of the electric motor. In the method, a desired angle of rotation of the electric motor or a link of the actuator chain is determined from the torque to be transmitted by the friction clutch and is set in a setting procedure based on a given torque/angle dependence. To compensate for wear inside the friction clutch, a calibration process takes place in which a first correction angle is determined for the torque/angle dependence. Variations in a torque/power consumption dependence caused by wear within the actuator chain are also taken into account. Specifically, the number of setting procedures of the electric motor within a predetermined time interval is determined and is used to correct the torque/power consumption dependence.