Dynamic Clutch Touch Point Learning in DCT

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for finding the touch point of a dry clutch in a double clutch transmission (DCT) vehicle are limited, as they only allow for adjustments when the vehicle is stopped, failing to account for changes in clutch characteristics during driving conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method that determines and adjusts the touch point while the vehicle is in motion by identifying gear release, engaging the clutch, and learning the propriety of the touch point based on changes in the non-drive shaft's speed, using different methods for varying speed ranges to ensure optimal clutch operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the touch point is adjusted only when the vehicle is stopped, then the adjustment process is simple, but the touch point cannot adapt to changes in clutch characteristics during driving

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to clutch characteristic changesVSAvoidcomplexity of touch point adjustment system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic touch point adjustment by enabling the learning process to occur during vehicle operation rather than requiring static adjustment only. The system continuously monitors clutch behavior and adapts the touch point based on real-time driving conditions, transforming a static adjustment mechanism into a dynamic one that evolves with usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring the relationship between clutch actuator stroke and clutch engagement state during driving, then using this information to adjust the touch point. The system observes actual clutch behavior and feeds this information back to refine the touch point setting, creating a closed-loop adaptation system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If the touch point is learned during driving, then the adaptability to clutch changes is improved, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of touch point detectionVSAvoiddifficulty of touch point detection during driving
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by preparing the learning mechanism in advance and structuring the detection process to identify characteristic points in the clutch engagement curve before full operation begins. The system pre-establishes the framework for detecting touch points during driving, making the actual detection during operation more straightforward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses characteristic changes in the clutch engagement curve (analogous to color changes) to identify the touch point. By monitoring specific features in the relationship between actuator stroke and clutch engagement state, the system detects the touch point through identifiable transitions or inflection points in the operational characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Reliability

If the touch point is adjusted frequently during driving, then the operability is improved, but the system complexity and computational load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of clutch operationVSAvoidcomplexity of touch point adjustment system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by adjusting the touch point at specific intervals or under specific conditions during driving rather than continuously. The system performs learning and adjustment at predetermined opportunities (such as during gear shifts or specific operational states), reducing computational burden while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters (such as selecting different learning modes or adjustment frequencies) based on driving conditions to balance reliability and complexity. The system adapts its learning intensity and frequency according to the operational context, using parameter changes to optimize the trade-off between adjustment frequency and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8972134B2Method of searching for touch point of clutch
Publication Date: 2015.03.03 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US8972134B2 patent drawing
  • US8972134B2 patent drawing
  • US8972134B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of searching for the touch point of a clutch includes a gear release determination step of determining whether the gear of a non-drive shaft has been released after a change of speed, a clutch operation step of, if the gear has been released, engaging a clutch connected to the non-drive shaft up to a current touch point, and a learning step of determining and learning the propriety of the current touch point depending on changes in the speed of the non-drive shaft after the clutch operation step.