CVT Clutch Torque Disconnection for Engine Idling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle transmission systems, particularly continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), face challenges in efficiently managing engine torque distribution to the drivetrain, especially in varying operating conditions, which can lead to inefficient engine idling and torque transfer.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a vehicle layout that includes a CVT, an actuator, a controller, and at least one clutch, where the clutch is strategically positioned to selectively disconnect or connect torque between the motor and the CVT, allowing the engine to idle without transferring torque to the drivetrain, and the actuator controls the gearing ratio based on input conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the CVT continuously changes gear ratios based on current torque, then the transmission adapts to varying operating conditions, but the engine cannot idle efficiently without transferring torque to the drivetrain
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is segmented into distinct functional components: the CVT for continuous gear ratio adaptation, and a separate clutch mechanism for torque disconnection. This segmentation allows the engine to idle independently without mandatory torque transfer to the drivetrain, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and idling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
A clutch is introduced as an intermediary component between the engine and the CVT drivetrain. This mediator enables selective torque transfer - connecting when power delivery is needed and disconnecting during idle conditions - thereby allowing the engine to idle efficiently while maintaining the CVT's adaptability when engaged.
2Power
If torque is continuously transferred from the engine to the drivetrain, then power delivery is maintained, but unnecessary power delivery occurs during idle conditions wasting energy
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch engagement state is made dynamic rather than fixed. The clutch can transition between engaged and disengaged states based on operating conditions, allowing the system to optimize power delivery only when necessary and eliminate energy waste during idle conditions through controlled disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch system automatically manages torque transfer based on engine operating conditions. During idle conditions, the clutch self-regulates to disconnect torque, preventing unnecessary power delivery and energy waste without requiring external intervention, thereby enabling efficient engine idling.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the clutch disconnects torque between the engine and CVT, then engine idling efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism is merged with the existing CVT system architecture, integrating the torque disconnection capability into the transmission assembly. This combination approach enables engine idling efficiency improvement while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity by sharing structural and control resources.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle layout including a motor, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), an actuator, a controller, a drivetrain and at least one clutch is provided. The motor provides engine torque. The CVT is operationally coupled to receive the engine torque. The actuator is configured to control a gearing ratio of the CVT. The controller activates the actuator based at least in part on an input. The drivetrain is in operational communication with the CVT. The at least one clutch is configured to selectively disconnect torque between at least one of the motor and the CVT and the CVT and the drivetrain.