Electric Clutch Actuation With Dual-Sensor Capacity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clutch control devices are structurally complex, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies in automatically connecting and disconnecting the clutch.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a relatively simple configuration that includes an electric actuator, sensors, and a control unit to automatically control the clutch device by changing its clutch capacity based on characteristic information generated from sensor detections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a conventional clutch control device is used, then automatic clutch connection and disconnection is achieved, but structural complexity increases leading to higher costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkage systems with an electric actuator that directly moves the release operation member. The electric actuator converts electrical signals into precise linear motion, eliminating the need for complex cable systems, linkages, and mechanical transmission components while achieving the same clutch control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate mechanical components from the clutch control system. By using an electric actuator with direct linear motion capability, the design removes redundant mechanical elements such as cable housings, adjustment mechanisms, and linkage joints, thereby simplifying the overall structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If sensors and control units are added for automatic clutch control, then clutch capacity control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect the position of the release operation member and feed this information back to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables the control unit to precisely adjust the electric actuator's motion, ensuring accurate clutch capacity control while maintaining a relatively simple system architecture through intelligent control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it processes sensor data, calculates the required actuator displacement, controls the electric actuator, and monitors system status. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated control unit, the patent achieves precise clutch capacity control without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If an electric actuator with linear motion is used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies particular parameter ranges for the electric actuator, including stroke length (5-15mm) and elastic coefficient (0.1-10 N/mm), to optimize the balance between operational simplicity and manufacturing feasibility. These parameter specifications enable the use of standard off-the-shelf components while achieving the desired linear motion characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an elastic member (spring) in series with the electric actuator to create a dynamic system that combines the precision of electric actuation with the compliance of elastic deformation. This dynamic configuration allows the system to absorb manufacturing tolerances and material variations, making the actuator easier to manufacture while maintaining ease of operation.
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
Enables efficient and automatic control of the clutch device with a simpler configuration, reducing costs and improving operational efficiency by accurately controlling clutch capacity based on real-time sensor data.
Implementation Method 1
the release operation member has an initial position in which the clutch device is in a state where drive transmission is connected, and a released position in which the clutch device is in a state where drive transmission is disconnected
Data Source
AI summary
A control device includes a connecting member connected to a release operation member of a clutch device, an electric actuator connected to the connecting member, the electric actuator being configured to displace the release operation member through the connecting member, a control unit configured to displace the release operation member by driving the electric actuator so as to change a clutch capacity of the clutch device, a first sensor configured to detect an operation amount of the electric actuator with respect to the connecting member, and a second sensor configured to detect displacement amount of the release operation member. The control unit generates characteristic information regarding the clutch capacity, and performs a control to change the clutch capacity. The characteristic information is generated based on each detection result of the first and second sensors at time of driving the electric actuator.