Electric Clutch Control Device for Hydraulic Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clutch devices in vehicles experience hydraulic loss and reduced fuel efficiency due to the use of hydraulic pressure for clutch engagement, and they struggle with smooth and responsive engagement transitions.
Innovation Solution
An electric clutch control device is implemented, featuring a first engagement member, a second engagement member, and a clutch actuator, which uses a state determination unit and drive control unit to control the clutch actuator, eliminating hydraulic pressure and enabling precise position and pressing force control to achieve smooth and high-response engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If hydraulic pressure is used for clutch engagement, then the clutch can be engaged, but hydraulic loss occurs and fuel efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic actuation system with an electric motor-driven actuation system. The clutch actuator uses an electric motor to directly drive the pressing member, eliminating the need for hydraulic fluid and hydraulic pressure transmission. This substitution of mechanical/electric system for hydraulic system resolves the contradiction by removing the source of hydraulic loss while maintaining clutch engagement capability.
2Ease of operation
If hydraulic pressure is used for clutch engagement, then the clutch can be engaged, but engagement transitions are not smooth and responsive
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor-driven actuation system provides precise control over the pressing force and engagement speed through electronic control. The control unit can adjust the motor output to achieve smooth engagement transitions while maintaining rapid response capability, overcoming the limitations of hydraulic systems which suffer from fluid compressibility and delayed pressure transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a control unit that monitors the clutch engagement state and adjusts the actuator output accordingly. By using feedback from sensors that detect engagement progress, the system can optimize the engagement process in real-time, ensuring both smoothness and responsiveness. The control unit modifies the pressing force profile based on detected conditions, enabling precise control that hydraulic systems cannot achieve.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electric clutch control is implemented, then fuel efficiency is enhanced, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the clutch actuator, monitors engagement state, adjusts pressing force, and coordinates with other vehicle systems. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated control unit, the patent manages complexity while achieving the fuel efficiency benefits of electric actuation. The control unit serves as a multi-functional component that handles both actuation control and diagnostic functions.
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
The electric clutch control device reduces hydraulic loss, enhances fuel efficiency, and ensures smooth and responsive clutch engagement by controlling the clutch actuator based on engagement state, maintaining performance across varying temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a clutch actuator... uses a state determination unit and drive control unit to control the clutch actuator, eliminating hydraulic pressure and enabling precise position and pressing force control
Data Source
AI summary
A first engagement member rotates integrally with a first shaft. A second engagement member rotates integrally with a second shaft. An electric clutch device drives the first engagement member with a pressing member that extends and contracts in response to drive of the clutch actuator. The drive control unit performs a position control to control the clutch actuator, such that a drive amount of the first engagement member becomes a target stroke amount, when the first engagement member and the second engagement member are separated from each other and performs a pressing force control to control the clutch actuator, such that the pressing force between the first engagement member and the second engagement member becomes a target pressing force, when the first engagement member and the second engagement member are engaged with each other.