Dog-Clutch Engagement Verification via Speed Sensors and Torque Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle powertrains rely on a fork position sensor for dog-clutch engagement detection, which is costly, bulky, and prone to failure, leading to unreliable engagement or disengagement detection.
Innovation Solution
A method and powertrain design using first and second speed sensors to determine dog-clutch configuration by measuring rotation speeds of primary and secondary parts, eliminating the need for a fork position sensor, and employing torque pulses to quickly and reliably check engagement or disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fork position sensor is used to detect dog-clutch engagement, then the detection function is provided, but the device becomes more complex, costly, and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from a dedicated fork position sensor and relocates it to the existing controller by implementing detection logic that processes signals from already-present speed sensors. This eliminates the need for a separate mechanical sensor while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it既 controls the dog-clutch actuation sequence又 detects the engagement state by analyzing speed sensor data. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the system.
2Reliability
If a fork position sensor is implemented, then engagement detection is enabled, but the space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is merged with the existing controller unit, which already occupies space in the powertrain system. By integrating the detection logic into this existing component rather than adding a separate sensor, no additional space is required for the detection functionality.
3Reliability
If a mechanical sensor is used for detection, then the detection function is provided, but the reliability decreases over time due to sensor failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fork position sensor with an electronic detection system that uses the existing speed sensors and controller logic. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear components while maintaining the detection function, thereby improving long-term reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing speed sensors and controller to perform the detection function that would otherwise require a separate dedicated sensor. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional components that could fail.
Data Source
AI summary
A powertrain has a dog-clutch, having a primary part and a secondary part, a controller, wherein the dog-clutch is configured to, upon receiving an order given by the controller, evolve to a desired configuration, between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration, a first speed sensor, configured to measure a physical quantity that reflects a rotation speed of the primary part, and a second speed sensor, to measure a physical quantity that reflects a rotation speed of the secondary part. A method includes a step of giving the order to evolve to the desired configuration, the order being given by the controller to the dog-clutch, and a step of checking, by the controller, whether the dog-clutch has actually evolved to the desired configuration.