Coasting Control Device Clutch Fatigue Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The prolonged disengagement of the clutch during coasting control leads to accelerated deterioration of the release bearing, potentially causing failures on the road due to increased thrust load and reduced lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A coasting control device that includes a cumulative disengagement time measuring unit to track the duration of clutch disengagement and an overtime restricting unit to prohibit coasting control when the cumulative time exceeds a predetermined limit, indicating clutch fatigue, thereby preventing excessive wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If coasting control is performed to save fuel by disengaging the clutch for extended periods, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the release bearing deteriorates faster due to continuous thrust load
Solution Approach 1:
The control device monitors clutch disengagement time continuously and provides feedback to the control unit. When the cumulative disengagement time reaches a predetermined threshold, the system automatically terminates coasting control to prevent excessive wear on the release bearing, thus balancing fuel savings with component reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter (clutch disengagement time) from unlimited to time-limited. By introducing a time threshold parameter, the control device optimizes the balance between maintaining coasting control benefits (fuel savings) and preventing harmful effects (release bearing deterioration).
2Use of energy by moving object
If the clutch is disengaged for long duration during coasting control, then engine RPM is reduced to idle to save fuel, but thrust load on release bearing increases causing accelerated deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary monitoring of clutch disengagement time and predicts when the threshold will be reached. By preparing to terminate coasting control before actual damage occurs, the system prevents harmful thrust load accumulation while maximizing fuel savings during the allowable time period.
3Productivity
If coasting control is continuously applied to maximize fuel efficiency, then fuel consumption decreases, but clutch member fatigue increases leading to potential failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors clutch disengagement duration and provides feedback to the control unit. When the cumulative time exceeds the predetermined threshold indicating fatigue risk, the system automatically ends coasting control, thus protecting clutch members while maintaining optimal fuel efficiency within safe operational limits.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
There is provided a coasting control device that prevents failures on the road due to deterioration of a release bearing. The coasting control device includes an cumulative disengagement time measuring unit 4 cumulatively measuring a duration of time that a clutch is being disengaged during coasting control, and an overtime restricting unit 5 prohibiting coasting control when the cumulative clutch disengagement time measured by the cumulative disengagement time measuring unit 4 has exceeded a predetermined time giving an indication of fatigue of a member of the clutch, and/or an overtime alarming unit 6 providing an alarm when the cumulative clutch disengagement time measure by the cumulative disengagement time measuring unit 4 has exceeded a predetermined time giving an indication of fatigue of the member of the clutch.