Dual Clutch Transmission Shift Prediction for Clutch Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-clutch transmission systems, such as dual clutch transmissions, rely on operator input for skip shifting, which can lead to increased clutch wear and decreased driving comfort due to rapid gear shifts in certain vehicular conditions, especially when operators fail to actuate the skip shift button at optimal times.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses a control unit with a prediction model to anticipate the time between gear shifts and adjust shift speed limits to optimize gear changes without operator input, ensuring the prime mover remains within a maximum torque range, thereby selecting appropriate shift sequences to prolong clutch life and enhance comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operator manually actuates the skip shift button, then skip shifting can be performed to avoid rapid successive shifts, but the clutch wear increases and driving comfort decreases when the operator fails to actuate at optimal times
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically determines whether skip shifting should be performed based on predicted shift timing, eliminating the need for manual operator input. The system monitors engine speed, vehicle speed, and acceleration to autonomously decide on skip shift execution, thereby protecting the clutch while maintaining driving comfort without operator burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit predicts the timing of subsequent gear shifts in advance and uses this prediction to determine whether skip shifting should be performed now. By looking ahead at future shift events, the system proactively prevents rapid successive shifts before they occur, thereby extending clutch life while maintaining smooth operation.
2Productivity
If power-shifting is used in most situations, then transmission control is improved, but rapid successive power shifts cause increased clutch wear when time between shifts is short
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors current gear ratio, engine speed, vehicle speed, and acceleration to predict future shift timing. This feedback loop allows the system to dynamically adjust shift strategy, selecting skip shifting when prediction indicates short time intervals between shifts, thereby protecting the clutch while maintaining efficient power-shifting operation in appropriate conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects between different shift types (power-shift vs. skip-shift) based on real-time prediction of shift timing. The control strategy adapts to changing driving conditions by adjusting the shift sequence selection, thereby optimizing both transmission control efficiency and clutch protection depending on the predicted time between successive shifts.
3Reliability
If skip shifting is implemented to avoid rapid successive shifts, then clutch wear is reduced, but the system requires operator input which may not be provided at optimal times
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit autonomously determines whether skip shifting should be performed by predicting future shift timing based on current operating parameters. The system eliminates the need for manual operator input by self-monitoring engine speed, vehicle speed, and acceleration to automatically select appropriate shift sequences, thereby extending clutch life while maintaining full automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical action of pressing the skip shift button is replaced by an electronic control system that automatically determines skip shift execution. The control unit uses sensor data and prediction algorithms to substitute the operator's manual decision-making with automated electronic control, thereby ensuring clutch protection is always applied at optimal times regardless of operator attention or reaction time.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and device for operating a dual clutch transmission connectable to an internal combustion engine provided in a vehicle, said method comprising the steps of: providing a control unit for managing at least the internal combustion engine and the transmission, providing a prediction model comprising at least one simulated shift sequence for said transmission, predicting the time (?t) between a first power upshift/downshift and a second power upshift/downshift for said transmission by using said at least one prediction model, modifying at least one parameter for operating the transmission if the predicted time between said first power upshift/downshift and said second power upshift/downshift for said transmission is shorter than a predetermined time.