Dog Clutch Sensor Detects Engagement via Actuating Contour
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dog clutches in motor vehicle drive trains without synchronization devices face challenges in ensuring proper engagement and torque distribution between clutch elements, leading to potential wear and inefficient torque delivery due to 'tooth-on-tooth' positions, especially when stationary.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an actuating contour that generates a signal when the movable clutch element properly engages with the other clutch element, utilizing an electromagnetic sensor or actuator to detect the engaged state, eliminating the need for a separate sensor and allowing for secure engagement and torque delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a synchronization device is used to ensure proper engagement, then engagement reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sensor to detect the relative position of clutch elements and provides feedback signals to determine engagement status. This feedback mechanism allows the system to verify proper engagement without requiring complex synchronization devices, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical synchronization device with an electromagnetic sensor-based detection system. By using electromagnetic sensing instead of mechanical synchronization components, the system achieves reliable engagement detection while significantly reducing device complexity and cost.
2Device complexity
If no synchronization device is used to reduce complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but the risk of tooth-on-tooth positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor provides continuous feedback on the relative position of clutch elements, enabling the system to detect and respond to tooth-on-tooth positioning risks. This feedback allows the control system to adjust engagement timing or apply corrective torque, maintaining reliability without adding mechanical synchronization complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic sensor acts as an intermediary between the clutch elements and the control system, providing critical position information that enables intelligent engagement control. This intermediary detection mechanism allows the system to avoid tooth-on-tooth positioning while keeping the overall device complexity low.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If torque is limited when stationary to prevent wear, then component wear is reduced, but torque delivery efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic torque control based on real-time engagement status detection. When the sensor confirms proper engagement, the system can apply full torque; when engagement is uncertain or tooth-on-tooth positioning is detected, torque is limited. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both component life and torque delivery efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the torque parameter dynamically based on sensor feedback about engagement status. By adjusting torque levels according to the detected relative position of clutch elements, the system prevents wear during uncertain engagement while maximizing power transmission during confirmed engagement, resolving the contradiction between durability and performance.
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
Ensures proper engagement and secure torque distribution between clutch elements, preventing wear and ensuring efficient power transmission to all wheels when starting, without the need for additional synchronization devices.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is advantageously an electromagnetic sensor which comprises a coil and an armature, the latter of which is displaced by the movement of the actuating contour past the sensor and a measurable voltage is thereby induced in the coil
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a dog clutch (1) comprising two clutch elements (5, 6) which have teeth (17) or claws and one (6) of which is movable, and an adjusting device for engaging and disengaging the clutch (1) by having the movable clutch element (6) perform an adjusting movement. In order to determine whether the dog clutch (1) engages properly, a sensor (23) that senses the movement of the movable clutch element (6) into the engaged state is disposed along the movement path of said clutch element (6), the clutch element (6) being provided with an actuation contour (28) which moves past the sensor (23) as the clutch (1) moves into engagement, the sensor (23) preferably being an electromagnetic actuator (23) for retaining the movable clutch element (6) when the clutch (1) is in the engaged state.