Drivetrain Clutch Synchronization via Electric Machine Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drivetrains in motor vehicles face challenges with cumbersome construction, increased frictional wear, and synchronization difficulties, especially in hybrid drives where the additional weight of the electric machine's rotor impedes synchronization.
Innovation Solution
The drivetrain employs an electric machine to control and regulate the rotational speeds of the transmission shaft and gearwheel before the second clutch closure, eliminating the need for a synchronizing body with friction, and using a positively locking clutch or a wet-running clutch, which reduces wear and simplifies the design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a synchronizing body or synchronizing ring with friction is used in the second clutch to align rotational speeds, then synchronization is achieved, but the construction becomes cumbersome and frictional wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the synchronizing body or synchronizing ring with friction from the second clutch assembly. By eliminating this component, the construction becomes less cumbersome and frictional wear is reduced, while the electric machine takes over the synchronization function through electronic control of rotational speed matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical friction-based synchronizing system with an electrically controlled system. The electric machine uses electromagnetic fields and electronic control to achieve rotational speed alignment, substituting the mechanical friction cone and synchronizing ring with an electrically actuated synchronization mechanism that reduces wear and simplifies construction.
2Reliability
If a synchronizing ring with friction is used in the second clutch, then rotational speed alignment is achieved, but frictional wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical friction-based synchronizing system with an electrically controlled system. The electric machine uses electromagnetic fields and electronic control to achieve rotational speed alignment, substituting the mechanical friction cone and synchronizing ring with an electrically actuated synchronization mechanism that reduces wear and simplifies construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of synchronization from friction-based mechanical interaction to electrically controlled rotational speed matching. By using the electric machine to precisely control and match rotational speeds through electrical signals and electromagnetic actuation, the system achieves synchronization without the harmful frictional wear of traditional mechanical synchronizing rings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rotor of the electric machine is arranged on the output side of the first clutch, then hybrid drive functionality is achieved, but the additional inertial mass impedes the synchronization process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical friction-based synchronizing system with an electrically controlled system. The electric machine uses electromagnetic fields and electronic control to achieve rotational speed alignment, substituting the mechanical friction cone and synchronizing ring with an electrically actuated synchronization mechanism that reduces wear and simplifies construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control through the electric machine's control system to monitor and adjust rotational speeds in real-time. Sensors detect the rotational speeds of the transmission shaft and gearwheel, and the control system continuously adjusts the electric machine's output to eliminate speed differences, enabling rapid and precise synchronization despite the additional inertial mass of the rotor.
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 simplifies synchronization, reduces frictional wear, and allows for a more compact design by leveraging the electric machine to align rotational speeds, thereby eliminating the need for friction-based synchronizing components and addressing the inertial mass issue of the rotor.
Implementation Method 1
an electric machine (96), wherein the rotor (100) is arranged on the output side (40) of the first clutch (2), such that the rotor (100) is connected in terms of rotational drive to the output side (40)
Implementation Method 2
wherein the first clutch (2) is designed as a wet-running clutch
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a drivetrain having a first clutch, which has an input side and an output side which is selectively connectable in terms of rotational drive to the input side, and having a transmission, which has a transmission shaft which is connected or connectable in terms of rotational drive to the output side and which is selectively connectable in terms of rotational drive to a gearwheel by means of a second clutch, wherein a rotor of an electric machine is arranged on the output side, and the electric machine, in motor operation, can be controlled or regulated so as to cause the rotational speeds of the transmission shaft and of the gearwheel to be approximated to or aligned with one another before the closure of the second clutch. The present invention also relates to a method for performing gearshifts in a transmission within a drivetrain of the type according to the invention.