Dynamic Synchronizer Selection in Automated Transmissions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for selecting synchronizing elements in automated transmissions are statically configured during manufacturing and do not account for dynamic influences or variable operating conditions, limiting adaptability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method that continuously evaluates and prioritizes available synchronizing elements based on current load status, operational requirements, and boundary conditions to optimize shifting processes, allowing for real-time selection and adaptation of synchronizing elements during vehicle operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If synchronizing elements are selected statically during manufacturing, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to dynamic operating conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic selection of synchronizing elements by continuously evaluating multiple candidate elements based on current operating conditions such as shaft speeds, torque requirements, and component availability. The system dynamically determines which synchronizing element to use during shifting operations, allowing adaptation to varying operating conditions while maintaining a standardized transmission design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multiple synchronizing elements are continuously evaluated and prioritized, then adaptability and shifting efficiency are improved, but device complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshifting efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters of synchronizing elements by dynamically adjusting their priority weights based on current operating conditions. The system evaluates parameters such as speed difference, torque capacity, and component wear status, then prioritizes elements accordingly. This allows efficient shifting operations without requiring complex hardware modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the state of synchronizing elements and provides feedback to the control unit, which adjusts element prioritization based on real-time conditions. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to changing operating conditions, component wear, and failure states, optimizing shifting performance while managing system complexity through software-based control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If synchronizing elements are selected based on current load status and operational requirements, then reliability and service life are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary evaluation of multiple synchronizing elements before shifting operations, assessing their current load status, availability, and suitability for the required task. The control unit pre-determines the optimal synchronizing element based on predicted operating conditions, ensuring reliable shifting while distributing load across multiple elements to extend service life. This approach relies on software-based decision-making rather than requiring high manufacturing precision for mechanical selection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2418402B2Method for selecting synchronised elements in automated transmissions
Publication Date: 2017.01.11 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
  • EP2418402B2 patent drawing
  • EP2418402B2 patent drawing
  • EP2418402B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The method involves evaluating a synchronous element in an automatic transmission for prioritizing the application during a switching operation. The task to be performed during the switching operation is considered for prioritization of the synchronous element to be employed.