Drive System Clutch Calibration via Differential Speed Feedback

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive systems for motor vehicles require recalibration of clutches during servicing due to wear, which is inconvenient and affects torque transmission accuracy over time.

Innovation Solution

A method for calibrating drive system clutches during operation by determining and adjusting actuating pressures based on actual differential rotational speeds and creating a new characteristic diagram to ensure accurate torque transmission and distribution between output shafts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If clutches are calibrated prior to first operational use during end-of-line testing, then initial torque transmission accuracy is achieved, but torque transmission accuracy deteriorates over time due to wear requiring servicing procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque transmission accuracyVSAvoidoperating time before recalibration needed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors actual differential rotational speeds and compares them against target values, using this feedback to detect deviations caused by clutch wear and automatically adjust actuating pressures to maintain accurate torque transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The drive system performs self-calibration during operation by automatically detecting wear-related deviations and adjusting its own actuating pressures without requiring external servicing or user intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If clutch actuating pressures are adjusted to compensate for wear, then torque transmission accuracy is maintained, but system complexity increases due to continuous calibration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque transmission accuracyVSAvoidcalibration system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors actual differential rotational speeds and compares them against target values, using this feedback to detect deviations caused by clutch wear and automatically adjust actuating pressures to maintain accurate torque transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The drive system performs self-calibration during operation by automatically detecting wear-related deviations and adjusting its own actuating pressures without requiring external servicing or user intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If servicing procedures are implemented to recalibrate clutches, then torque transmission accuracy is restored, but user convenience deteriorates due to vehicle downtime and inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque transmission accuracyVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The drive system performs self-calibration during operation by automatically detecting wear-related deviations and adjusting its own actuating pressures without requiring external servicing or user intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration process occurs continuously during normal vehicle operation rather than requiring separate servicing events, ensuring torque transmission accuracy is maintained without interrupting the user's ability to use the vehicle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11548519B2Calibrating a drive system for an axle of a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 GKN AUTOMOTIVE LTD

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a method for calibrating a drive system for an axle of a motor vehicle; wherein the drive system includes at least one electric machine as the drive unit, a drive shaft driven by the drive unit, a first output shaft and a second output shaft, as well as a first clutch connecting the drive shaft to the first output shaft and a second clutch connecting the drive shaft to the second output shaft.