Vehicle Drivetrain Clutch Torque Distribution Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems with electronically controlled multi-disk clutches face inefficiencies in torque distribution between primary and secondary axles, leading to increased fuel consumption, wear, and suboptimal vehicle dynamics, which are not environmentally friendly.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a vehicle drive train that determines available drive torque, excess torque at the primary axle, and maximum torque at the secondary axle, allowing for predictive actuation of the clutch unit to efficiently distribute torque while minimizing power deployment and losses, ensuring high traction and dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If torque is distributed to the secondary axle based on rotational speed difference, then vehicle dynamics are improved, but fuel consumption and wear increase due to disproportionately high power transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of the maximum transmissible torque at the secondary axle before torque distribution occurs. By determining the clutch's torque capacity in advance and comparing it with the available excess torque at the primary axle, the system prevents excessive torque transfer to the secondary axle, thereby avoiding disproportionate power transfer that would increase fuel consumption and wear.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an electronically controlled multi-disk clutch is used for torque distribution, then torque can be directed to the activated axle, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system controls the clutch unit by adjusting its torque transmission capacity as a variable parameter. By dynamically changing the clutch's torque capacity based on real-time conditions (available excess torque, maximum transmissible torque, driver torque request), the system achieves adaptive torque distribution without requiring complex mechanical structures. The clutch serves as a variable torque limiter rather than a simple on/off switch.
3Measurement precision
If predictive actuation of the clutch unit is implemented, then torque distribution precision is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary calculations of the maximum transmissible torque at the secondary axle and the available excess torque at the primary axle before actual torque distribution occurs. This advance computation allows the system to precisely determine the optimal torque transfer amount, improving torque distribution precision while keeping control logic relatively simple through systematic calculation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors multiple parameters including driver torque request, actual engine torque, rotational speeds of both axles, and calculates excess torque and maximum transmissible torque in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows the control unit to dynamically adjust clutch actuation signals, ensuring precise torque distribution while maintaining manageable control complexity through systematic parameter monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
Operating a drive train of a vehicle with a clutch unit for distributing torque on a primary axis and a secondary axis of the vehicle comprises: a) determining an available drive torque; b) determining excess torque on the primary axis; c) determining an actual maximum torque on the secondary axis; d) determining the excess torque on the secondary axis insofar as the maximum torque is not exceeded.