Differential Lock and Clutch Control for Vehicle Moving Start
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles face challenges in maintaining traction and control during moving start on uneven terrain due to differential gear state switching and gear ratio differences, leading to excessive driving force and wheel slippage, which results in undesirable reactions and performance variations between escaping bad terrain and accelerating on flat surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that dynamically selects between locked and unlocked differential gear states and high and low gear ratios during the moving start, using a controller to adjust the clutch engaging force to optimize driving force and traction, thereby improving starting performance on various terrains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the differential lock is engaged to prevent wheel spinning during moving start control, then traction is improved, but strong reaction force acts on the vehicle at high velocity and the locked state may switch to unlocked state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the differential lock state changeable based on vehicle conditions. The system dynamically switches between locked and unlocked states of the differential gear depending on whether the vehicle is accelerating or decelerating, allowing optimal traction control while preventing harmful reaction forces during deceleration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device uses feedback from acceleration sensors to detect vehicle acceleration states and automatically adjusts the differential lock engagement accordingly. When deceleration is detected, the system releases the differential lock to prevent strong reaction forces, while maintaining engagement during acceleration for optimal traction.
2Force
If the moving start control is executed with low gear selected, then strong driving force is obtained, but wheels dig into earth and sand too much preventing fast running
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts gear selection based on terrain conditions and vehicle state. The control device automatically switches between low gear (for strong driving force on bad terrain) and high gear (for faster running on flat terrain), making the gear ratio adaptive rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the gear ratio parameter dynamically based on detected terrain conditions and vehicle acceleration state. The system selects appropriate gear ratios (low gear for high torque, high gear for high speed) according to the situation, optimizing both driving force and running speed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the differential lock is not firmly engaged, then switching flexibility is maintained, but the locked state may switch to unlocked state during moving start which is not preferable
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors vehicle acceleration and uses this feedback to determine the optimal differential lock state. This ensures stable engagement when traction is needed while allowing flexible disengagement when terrain conditions change, preventing unwanted state switching during critical moving start operations.
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
Enhances traction and control during moving start by optimizing driving force distribution based on terrain conditions, reducing wheel slippage and improving acceleration on both uneven and flat surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a clutch (9) provided in a power transmission path between the prime mover (4) and the pair of right and left wheels (3)
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a differential gear that transmits rotation of a propeller shaft to an axle. A differential lock switches the differential gear between a locked state and an unlocked state. A clutch is provided in a power transmission path between a prime mover and wheels of the vehicle. A controller controls an engaging force of the clutch during a moving start of the vehicle in accordance with which of the locked state and the unlocked state is selected by the differential gear.