Friction Clutch Slip Detection by Adaptive Compressor Cut-Off Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring the friction clutch in compressed air supply systems of vehicles require additional rotational speed sensors, increasing manufacturing costs and are not always effective in preventing clutch failure due to slipping conditions, which can lead to compressor failure and limited vehicle travel.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes existing sensors in the compressed air supply system to detect a constant plateau pressure in the delivery mode, identifying a slipping clutch condition and reducing the cut-off pressure to prevent damage, while outputting a warning signal to inform the driver of reduced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rotational speed sensors are added to monitor friction clutch conditions, then the reliability of clutch monitoring is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing pressure sensor, originally designed for monitoring compressed air supply pressure, is repurposed to detect clutch slipping conditions by monitoring pressure plateau phenomena. This multi-functional use of the sensor eliminates the need for dedicated rotational speed sensors while maintaining monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing sensor infrastructure (pressure sensors already installed for compressed air monitoring) to perform the additional function of clutch condition monitoring, rather than requiring external or additional specialized sensors.
2Reliability
If the cut-off pressure is reduced to prevent clutch overheating, then the reliability of the friction clutch is improved, but the productivity of the compressed air supply system decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects the plateau pressure phenomenon that precedes complete clutch failure and takes preventive action by reducing the cut-off pressure before actual damage occurs. This preliminary detection and response prevents catastrophic failure while maintaining optimal operating parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The cut-off pressure parameter is made dynamic and adaptive based on real-time clutch condition monitoring. Instead of using a fixed cut-off pressure, the system adjusts this parameter dynamically based on detected plateau pressure levels, allowing optimal balance between clutch protection and system productivity.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the friction clutch is monitored continuously, then the duration of vehicle operation without failure is extended, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of the compressed air pressure to detect plateau phenomena indicating clutch slipping. This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of degradation trends, allowing the system to extend vehicle operational duration by providing early warning and adaptive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing pressure monitoring infrastructure serves dual purposes: both compressed air supply management and clutch condition monitoring. This multi-functionality extends vehicle operational duration without requiring separate dedicated monitoring 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
This approach prevents permanent damage to the friction clutch, maintains limited compressed air supply to essential systems, and allows the vehicle to travel further before needing repairs, avoiding roadside failures.
Implementation Method 1
a supply pressure psys in a main supply line of multiple compressed air consumer circuits or in a supply line of at least one compressed air consumer circuit is continuously detected by sensor
Implementation Method 2
a friction clutch which is arranged in a vehicle between a drive motor and a compressor of a compressed air supply system
Implementation Method 3
air is taken in from the surroundings in the delivery mode, compressed and conveyed via a dryer line of the compressed air conditioning unit into at least one main supply line
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for monitoring the functions of a friction clutch which is arranged in a vehicle between a drive motor and a compressor of a compressed air supply system and which can be disengaged and engaged pneumatically. In a delivery mode of the compressor, at least one operating parameter is detected by sensor and evaluated in an electronic control unit. When a slipping condition of the friction clutch is identified, a value for a cut-off pressure of the compressor stored in the electronic control unit is reduced. When a slipping condition has been identified, the delivery mode of the compressor is ended by disengagement of the friction clutch, and a warning signal and/or warning information is outputted.