Dual-Clutch Transmission Synchronizer Position Forecasting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for double-clutch gearboxes do not effectively calculate the positions of synchronization sleeves, leading to noise, wear, and reduced driving pleasure during gear shifts.

Innovation Solution

A method that calculates the positions of synchronization sleeves by applying engine torque setpoint curves with fixed levels, measuring, and memorizing positions during engagements, and using these to forecast and control clutch positions for minimal torque difference, thereby optimizing gear shifts and reducing wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If clutch positions are controlled without calculating synchronizer sleeve positions, then gear changes can be executed, but noise and wear increase during gear shifts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise and wear during gear shiftsVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurements of synchronizer sleeve positions during preparation phases before actual gear engagement. These measurements are stored and used to predict positions during subsequent gear changes, allowing the control system to anticipate and prepare for optimal clutch operation points, thereby reducing noise and wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where actual synchronizer sleeve positions measured during preparation phases are compared with predicted positions during driving phases. This feedback loop continuously refines the prediction accuracy, enabling precise clutch control that minimizes harmful effects like noise and wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If clutch engagement is optimized for smooth gear changes, then driving pleasure improves, but torque transmission continuity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving pleasureVSAvoidtorque transmission continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts clutch engagement characteristics based on real-time conditions by using measured synchronizer sleeve positions to predict optimal engagement points. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain smooth gear changes while ensuring torque transmission continuity through precise timing and control of clutch operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters of the clutch engagement process by adapting clutch control based on predicted synchronizer sleeve positions. This includes adjusting engagement speed, timing, and torque transfer characteristics to simultaneously achieve smooth transitions and maintain torque continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3555500B1Method for calculating positions for synchronising a dual-clutch transmission
Publication Date: 2020.12.30 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3555500B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3555500B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP3555500B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for calculating positions of specific points of synchroniser sleeves of a dual-clutch transmission driven by an engine for a vehicle, said transmission including two half-transmissions each controlled by one clutch, characterised in that, during a preparation phase for each gear engaged in a half-transmission, it applies a set engine torque curve comprising different fixed torque levels, and it engages gears of the other half-transmission during said levels, measuring and memorising positions of specific points (120, 122, 124) of the synchroniser sleeves during said engagements, and then, during driving phases of the vehicle, it calculates forecast positions for the specific points (120, 122, 124) by comparison with the memorised positions of the specific points (120, 122, 124) during similar driving conditions.