Drivetrain Disengagement During Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
When vehicles are stopped, the competing forces between the drivetrain and brake systems lead to energy wastage and excess heat generation, causing wear and inefficiency, especially when the drivetrain forces are working against braking forces.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically disengage the engine from the drivetrain when the brake is applied with a force above a certain threshold, using a controller to instruct the engine engagement controller to disconnect the engine from the ground engaging members, and optionally engage the brake to apply sufficient force to prevent movement, thereby reducing stress on the drivetrain and conserving fuel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drivetrain forces are applied while the vehicle is stopped, then the engine can help keep the vehicle stationary (especially uphill), but energy is wasted and heat is generated in the transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The controller detects brake application and proactively disengages the drivetrain from the ground engaging members before significant energy waste occurs. This preliminary disengagement action prevents the continuous energy consumption that would result from maintaining drivetrain engagement during brake-only stopping situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts drivetrain engagement status based on real-time operating conditions. The controller continuously monitors brake application status and automatically transitions the drivetrain between engaged and disengaged states, optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining vehicle control.
2Force
If the drivetrain forces are applied while the vehicle is stopped, then engine force is available, but excess heat is generated at the transmission causing part wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the drivetrain from the force transmission path when brake forces are sufficient to handle the stopping situation. By removing the drivetrain engagement during brake-only operations, the source of heat generation (friction and energy conversion in the transmission) is eliminated while the brake system continues to provide the necessary holding force.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary disengagement of the drivetrain upon detecting brake application, preventing heat buildup before it occurs. This proactive approach avoids the thermal issues that would result from continuous drivetrain engagement during braking operations.
3Loss of energy
If the engine is disengaged from the drivetrain during brake application, then energy waste and heat generation are reduced, but the vehicle may not have sufficient force to remain stationary on inclines
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors operating conditions including brake application status, vehicle inclination, and drivetrain state. Based on this feedback, the system intelligently determines when drivetrain disengagement is appropriate and when engine force should be maintained, ensuring sufficient holding force on inclines while minimizing energy waste on level surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for and method of controlling forces transmitted to wheels/tracks of a vehicle. The method includes receiving an electrical indication that a first brake is engaged, such as by a user pressing his foot to a service brake. The method further includes electrically transmitting an instruction to apply force restricting movement of the wheels, such as force exerted from a brake, in an amount above a first threshold, such as an amount necessary to unilaterally prevent movement. The method also includes electrically transmitting an instruction to reduce force being applied to the wheels from a transmission while the (brake) force above the first threshold is applied.