Dual-Clutch Transmission Neutral Control for Abnormal Gear Shifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dual clutch transmission (DCT) systems with normally-closed type clutches fail to maintain a safe state when a dangerous situation is detected, as the clutch remains closed, allowing engine power to be transmitted to the wheels, whereas systems with normally-open type clutches can achieve a safe state by opening the clutch.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that incorporates a gear position monitoring unit, a gear lever position detecting unit, and a control unit to determine abnormal gear shifts and set the power stage to OFF before synchronization, effectively maintaining a neutral state and preventing engine power transmission in dangerous situations, applicable to both normally-open and normally-closed type clutches without requiring system changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a normally-closed type clutch is used in the DCT system, then the clutch remains closed to transmit engine power, but the safe state cannot be maintained when a dangerous situation is detected
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit applies preliminary anti-action by detecting dangerous situations (such as abnormal gear shifts) before they result in harmful effects, and proactively setting the power stage state to OFF to prevent engine power transmission. This preemptive control approach ensures safety by counteracting potential harmful actions before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the clutch and the dangerous situation. It monitors gear position and other parameters, and when a dangerous condition is detected, it intervenes by setting the power stage state to OFF, thereby mediating the connection between the engine and wheels to prevent harmful power transmission while maintaining the normally-closed clutch structure.
2Reliability
If a normally-open type clutch is used in the DCT system, then the clutch can be opened to achieve a safe state, but the transmission system requires additional complexity to maintain normally-closed operation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the clutch type from normally-closed to normally-open, the invention inverts the control approach: it maintains the normally-closed clutch structure but inverts the power stage state logic. By setting power stage state to OFF to achieve safety (rather than ON), the system maintains structural simplicity while achieving the same safety function.
3Reliability
If gear position monitoring is applied to detect abnormal gear shifts, then dangerous situations can be identified, but the system requires additional monitoring components and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the primary transmission controller and as the gear position monitoring unit. By integrating the safety monitoring function into the existing control unit rather than adding a separate dedicated monitoring system, the invention achieves dangerous situation detection while minimizing additional system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for controlling transmission of a DCT. The apparatus and method for controlling the transmission of the DCT is characterized by including: a gear lever detecting unit receiving a gear lever operation of a driver; a gear position monitoring unit monitoring a position of a gear in the transmission; and a control unit grasping driver' s intention to operate the gear lever and determining whether a gear shift is abnormal on the basis of the driver' s intention to operate the gear lever and the gear position monitored through the gear position monitoring unit so that the transmission is maintained in a neutral state.