Dog Clutch Actuator Voltage Control for Quieter Return Stroke
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dog clutch actuators generate undesirable impingement noise due to the sudden return of the solenoid actuator, which can be exacerbated by fluid conditions, affecting vehicle noise and operation.
Innovation Solution
Gradually reducing the average voltage supplied to the dog clutch actuator to control the magnetic forces and oppose the return spring force, with the rate of reduction based on fluid temperature to manage actuator response and noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a return spring is used to return the dog clutch to base position, then the dog clutch can be decoupled reliably, but impingement noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The controller applies a reduced voltage to the solenoid actuator before the return spring fully decouples the dog clutch, preliminarily reducing the magnetic force to oppose the spring force and slow down the decoupling speed, thereby reducing impingement noise while maintaining reliable decoupling
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically changes the voltage parameter supplied to the solenoid actuator during the return stroke, reducing it from full voltage to a lower level to control the magnetic force and thereby control the decoupling speed of the dog clutch components
2Speed
If voltage is suddenly removed from the solenoid actuator, then the dog clutch returns quickly to base position, but impingement forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller preliminarily reduces the voltage to the solenoid actuator before complete decoupling occurs, creating a controlled deceleration phase that reduces impingement force while maintaining acceptable response speed
3Speed
If the solenoid actuator operates in cold fluid conditions, then faster response is needed, but impingement noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts the voltage reduction rate based on fluid temperature conditions, applying a faster voltage reduction rate in cold conditions to achieve quicker response while still controlling impingement noise through the progressive voltage reduction approach
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
This approach reduces impingement noise between dog clutch components, allowing faster actuator response in cold conditions and slower operation in warm conditions, improving vehicle operation and design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The solenoid actuator is electrically powered and it may be configured to move the dog clutch in a single direction or in two directions
Implementation Method 2
The return spring may provide a significant force to decouple one half of the dog clutch from the other half of the dog clutch
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for operating a dog clutch actuator are disclosed. In one example, the voltage that is supplied to a dog clutch actuator is gradually reduced when a dog clutch is returned to a base position via a return spring. The voltage may be reduced at a rate that is based on a temperature of a fluid in which a dog clutch may be submerged.