Dual Clutch Valve Control for Double Engagement Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dual clutch apparatuses face issues with double engagement of the transmission due to electromagnetic valve failures, leading to clutch fixation or disconnection problems.

Innovation Solution

A dual clutch apparatus with a valve control unit that manages the opening and closing of electromagnetic valves to ensure proper hydraulic pressure distribution, using pistons and springs to connect and disconnect clutches, and includes a time counting unit and rotating speed detecting unit to enhance responsiveness and prevent double engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If electromagnetic valves are used to control hydraulic pressure for clutch connection/disconnection, then the dual clutch apparatus can achieve automatic clutch switching, but the system becomes vulnerable to valve failures causing double engagement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic clutch switchingVSAvoidclutch connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively preventing double engagement through a control unit that monitors valve states and predicts potential failures. Before a valve failure can cause double engagement, the control unit detects the failed state and takes preventive action to disconnect the affected clutch, thereby counteracting the harmful effect before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using a control unit that continuously monitors the states of electromagnetic valves and clutch engagement status. When a valve failure is detected (e.g., abnormal current, voltage, or engagement state), the control unit receives feedback about the failed state and automatically adjusts the system by disconnecting the affected clutch, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains reliability despite automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Power

If hydraulic pressure is supplied to connect clutches, then power transmission can be engaged, but valve troubles may cause unintended connection or disconnection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission capabilityVSAvoidclutch engagement control
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the control unit detect valve troubles and disconnect the affected clutch before unintended power transmission can occur. The control unit proactively identifies abnormal valve states (through current, voltage, or position monitoring) and takes preventive disconnection action, ensuring that power transmission is only engaged when both clutches are in their intended states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If electromagnetic valves are controlled without monitoring, then the system structure can be simplified, but valve failures go undetected and cause double engagement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system structureVSAvoidfailure detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by incorporating sensors and monitoring circuits that continuously provide information about electromagnetic valve states to the control unit. The control unit monitors parameters such as valve current, voltage, and engagement position, creating a feedback loop that enables detection of valve troubles without significantly complicating the overall system structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the control unit to autonomously detect valve failures and take corrective action without external intervention. The system monitors its own operational parameters, identifies abnormal states, and automatically disconnects affected clutches, making the system self-diagnosing and self-correcting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Duration of action of moving object

If clutch disconnection is delayed, then power transmission can be maintained, but double engagement risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission continuityVSAvoiddouble engagement prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by detecting valve troubles and disconnecting the affected clutch before double engagement can occur. The control unit monitors valve states in real-time and takes preventive disconnection action when abnormalities are detected, ensuring that power transmission is maintained only through the healthy clutch while preventing the harmful double engagement state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Effectively prevents double engagement of the transmission by ensuring reliable disconnection of clutches even when valve troubles occur, improving responsiveness and reducing the risk of clutch fixation.

Implementation Method 1

moves away from the first plates to disconnect the first clutch by means of a first spring housed in a first hydraulic canceling chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic potential energy: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3232077B1Dual clutch device
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 ISUZU MOTORS LTD
  • EP3232077B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3232077B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3232077B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A dual clutch device is provided with a first piston 23 for engaging a first clutch C1 by using hydraulic pressure supplied to a first hydraulic chamber 25A and disengaging the first clutch C1 by using a first spring 26, a second piston 33 for engaging a second clutch C2 by using hydraulic pressure supplied to a second hydraulic chamber 35A and disengaging the second clutch C2 by using a second spring 36, first supply lines 43, 50 for supplying hydraulic pressure to the first hydraulic chamber 25A and a second hydraulic canceling chamber 35B, second supply lines 45, 51 for supplying hydraulic pressure to the second hydraulic chamber 35A and a first hydraulic canceling chamber 25B, a first valve 60 for allowing or blocking the hydraulic pressure supply to the first hydraulic chamber 25A and the second hydraulic canceling chamber 35B, and a second valve 65 for allowing or blocking the hydraulic pressure supply to the second hydraulic chamber 35A and the first hydraulic canceling chamber 25B.