Double Clutch Transmission Control via Over-Actuation and Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional double clutch transmission systems experience delays during torque transfer due to the preparation phase, leading to a perceived delay from the driver and an abrupt change in acceleration during the handover phase, as the incoming clutch needs time to prepare and take over torque from the active clutch.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves over-actuating the incoming clutch to prepare it for torque transfer, using feedback signals to determine when it has taken over part of the engine torque, allowing for a non-proportional shut-off of the active clutch, thereby reducing the preparation time and achieving a smooth transition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the incoming clutch is prepared by conventional methods to reach the touch point, then the clutch is ready to transfer torque, but the preparation time is extended causing delay perceived by the driver

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclutch readiness for torque transferVSAvoidpreparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The incoming clutch is pre-actuated before the shift is initiated to reach the touch point earlier. This preliminary action reduces the preparation time during the actual shift, making the torque transfer faster and reducing the delay perceived by the driver while ensuring the clutch is ready for immediate torque transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If the incoming clutch is over-actuated to reduce preparation time, then the responsiveness is improved, but the clutch may be actuated more than needed causing excessive wear or instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponsiveness of clutch transferVSAvoidclutch operation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A feedback signal from the incoming clutch indicates when the touch point has been reached. The control system uses this feedback to stop the over-actuation at the precise moment the clutch is ready, preventing excessive actuation that could cause wear or instability. This feedback mechanism ensures the clutch is prepared quickly while maintaining operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If the active clutch is shut off proportionally during torque handover, then the torque transfer is smooth, but the transition time is extended causing abrupt acceleration change

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmoothness of torque transferVSAvoidhandover time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The active clutch is shut off in a non-proportional, dynamic manner based on real-time feedback from the incoming clutch. Instead of a fixed proportional reduction, the shut-off rate adapts to the incoming clutch's torque capacity development, enabling faster handover while maintaining smooth torque transfer and preventing abrupt acceleration changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9683660B2Method of controlling a double clutch in a vehicle transmission, and clutch control system for controlling a double clutch

Publication Date: 2017.06.20 TRANSMISIONES Y EQUIPOS MECANICOS S A DE

AI summary

The present invention concerns a method of controlling a double clutch transmission (1) comprising two clutches (2a, 2b) one of which that is transmitting torque being the active clutch while the other one constituting the incoming clutch characterized by combining the incoming clutch preparation and the torque handover from the active clutch by over actuating the incoming clutch and shutting off the active clutch in a non proportional way, based on a feedback signal from the incoming clutch.