CVT Slip Control via Dynamic Clamping Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional continuously variable transmissions (CVT) face inefficiencies due to high hydraulic power loss and limited torque capacity, resulting from excessive clamping force leading to belt wear and slip, and insufficient clamping force causing power transfer loss.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling slip in CVT by adjusting the clamping force of primary and secondary pulleys based on control input torque, utilizing a transmission control unit to determine slip conditions and switch between predefined slip modes to minimize hydraulic power loss and optimize fuel efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If clamping force is increased to prevent slip, then power transfer reliability is improved, but hydraulic power loss increases and fuel efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer reliabilityVSAvoidhydraulic power loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the clamping force adjustable and variable rather than fixed. The transmission control unit dynamically modifies clamping force based on real-time slip detection results and operating conditions, allowing the system to optimize the balance between preventing slip and minimizing hydraulic power loss during different driving phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of clamping force from a constant high value to a variable value that is continuously adjusted based on slip detection. By modifying this critical parameter according to actual operating conditions and slip patterns, the system achieves both reliable power transfer and reduced energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If clamping force is decreased to reduce hydraulic power loss, then fuel efficiency is improved, but slip control capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydraulic power lossVSAvoidslip control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring slip conditions through sensors and using this information to adjust clamping force. The transmission control unit receives slip detection results and modifies clamping force accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains adequate slip control capability while minimizing hydraulic power loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts clamping force based on real-time feedback from slip detection, transitioning from a static high clamping force approach to a dynamic adaptive approach that optimizes the balance between slip prevention and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If high clamping force is applied to prevent slip, then torque capacity is improved, but belt lifetime deteriorates due to excessive tension

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque capacityVSAvoidbelt lifetime
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the clamping force parameter from a consistently high value to a variable value that is adjusted based on actual slip conditions. This parameter modification reduces excessive tension on the belt during normal operation while maintaining adequate torque capacity when slip is detected, thereby extending belt lifetime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by providing clamping force only when and where needed to prevent slip, rather than continuously applying excessive clamping force. This selective application of clamping force maintains torque capacity during critical moments while reducing overall belt tension and extending belt life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Duration of action of stationary object

If low clamping force is applied to reduce belt tension, then belt lifetime is improved, but power transfer function deteriorates due to macroscopic slip

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebelt lifetimeVSAvoidpower transfer function
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses feedback control to monitor slip conditions and adjust clamping force in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures that clamping force is increased only when slip is detected, maintaining power transfer function while avoiding excessive clamping force during normal operation, thus preserving belt lifetime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting slip conditions and adjusting clamping force without external intervention. This self-regulating mechanism ensures adequate power transfer function is maintained while minimizing unnecessary belt tension, extending belt lifetime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The method reduces hydraulic power loss and enhances fuel efficiency by dynamically managing clamping force, preventing slip and maintaining efficient power transfer within a safe operational range.

Implementation Method 1

the line pressure optimal mode is a mode for setting minimal line pressure necessary to control a primary pulley and a secondary pulley of the continuously variable transmission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

transmission of the CVT can be performed as a rotation radius of the belt is continuously changed by axially translating a primary pulley and a secondary pulley while providing clamping force to the pulleys

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9334954B2Method for controlling slip of a continuously variable transmission
Publication Date: 2016.05.10 HYUNDAI KEFICO CORP
  • US9334954B2 patent drawing
  • US9334954B2 patent drawing
  • US9334954B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a method for controlling slip of a continuously variable transmission using a transmission control unit (TCU), comprising: receiving, by a transmission control unit, information related to determination of slip which occurs during vehicle's running; calculating a slip determining coefficient by the transmission control unit; determining, by the transmission control unit, whether the slip has occurred according to the slip determining information and a predefined slip determining algorithm; and selecting and switching to, by the transmission control unit, one of a plurality of preset slip modes based on the slip determining coefficient and a result obtained by determining whether the slip has occurred.