Electromagnetic Coupling Sleeve Control for Precise Driveline Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for motor vehicle drivelines lack efficient and precise control mechanisms for selectively connecting and disconnecting rotating members, often relying on costly and complex hydraulically-operated systems.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetically-operated coupling device with a control system that includes a position sensor to monitor the axial position of the engagement sleeve and control magnetic coils for precise activation and deactivation, allowing quick and precise control of the engagement sleeve's position, and optionally estimating position based on electromagnetic parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hydraulically-operated systems are used for coupling control, then reliable connection and disconnection is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional hydraulic control system with an electromagnetic control system. The coupling device uses magnetic coils to generate magnetic fields that act on a ferromagnetic engagement sleeve, enabling connection and disconnection of rotating members without complex hydraulic mechanisms. This substitution maintains reliable control while significantly reducing system complexity and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs position sensors to detect the axial position of the engagement sleeve and uses this information to dynamically control the activation of magnetic coils. By monitoring parameters such as axial position and electromagnetic coil current, the system achieves precise control over the coupling state, ensuring reliable engagement and disengagement while simplifying the overall control architecture.
2Measurement precision
If position sensors and elaboration units are added for precise control, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates position sensors that continuously monitor the axial position of the engagement sleeve and feed this information back to an elaboration unit. The elaboration unit processes this feedback and adjusts the activation of magnetic coils accordingly, enabling precise control of the engagement sleeve's position. This feedback mechanism achieves high measurement precision while keeping the control system relatively simple through intelligent algorithmic control.
3Ease of manufacture
If electromagnetic control system is used instead of hydraulic system, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but control precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive hydraulic systems with electromagnetic control mechanisms. The magnetic coils generate controlled magnetic fields that act on the ferromagnetic engagement sleeve, providing precise control at a fraction of the cost of hydraulic systems. This substitution maintains or even improves control precision while dramatically reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses position sensors and elaboration units to monitor and control parameters such as axial position and electromagnetic coil current. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on real-time feedback, the system achieves precise engagement control despite using simpler, more cost-effective electromagnetic components instead of expensive hydraulic systems.
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, precise, and cost-effective connection and disconnection of rotating members in a driveline, reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs while eliminating the need for traditional hydraulic systems.
Implementation Method 1
The control system comprises a magnetic coil arranged substantially coaxially with the control disk and selectively activatable to generate a magnetic field acting on the control disk to move it axially in either directions
Data Source
AI summary
Electromagnetically-operated coupling device for selectively connecting and disconnecting a first rotating member and a second rotating member in a driveline of a vehicle is disclosed, wherein the first and the second rotating members are coaxial with each other and rotatable about a same axis of rotation. The coupling device comprises: an engagement sleeve provided with a control disk made of a ferromagnetic material, the engagement sleeve being axially slidable between an engaged position and a disengaged position; and a control system for controlling the sliding movement of the engagement sleeve between said engaged and disengaged positions. The control system comprises a pair of magnetic coils which are placed on opposite sides of the control disk, coaxially therewith, and are arranged to be selectively activated by an electric current to generate a magnetic force acting on the control disk to axially move the control disk, and therefore also the engagement sleeve, in either directions. The control system further comprises an elaboration unit for controlling activation and deactivation of the magnetic coils based on the axial position of the engagement sleeve.