Hydraulic Clutch Pressure Control With Accumulator Pre-Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling hydraulic devices in torque devices, such as dual clutches, are inefficient and energy-intensive, lacking precise control and effective energy management.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic control system with independent actuation of dual clutches, utilizing an electrically operated pump and check valves to maintain stable fluid pressures, and a pressure control mechanism to manage system pressure efficiently, even in the presence of leaks, allowing for energy-saving operation and additional applications like cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system pressure is continuously maintained at high levels to ensure sufficient fluid pressure for clutch actuation, then the clutch actuation reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases and the system cannot utilize the pressure for other applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-charges the accumulator to a first fluid pressure higher than the system pressure before clutch actuation is needed. This preliminary pressure buildup allows the clutch to be actuated using the pre-stored high pressure from the accumulator rather than continuously maintaining high system pressure, thereby reducing energy consumption while ensuring reliable clutch actuation when needed.
2Force
If the pump operates at high rotational speed to provide sufficient system pressure, then the clutch actuation force is improved, but the energy consumption increases and the volumetric flow becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates at high rotational speed only temporarily to pre-charge the accumulator to the required first fluid pressure. After the accumulator is charged, the pump can operate at lower speeds or idle, while the accumulator maintains the high pressure needed for clutch actuation. This eliminates the need for continuous high-speed pump operation, significantly reducing energy consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the system pressure is lowered to reduce energy consumption, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the fluid pressure becomes insufficient for reliable clutch actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The accumulator acts as an intermediary pressure storage device. It is pre-charged to a first fluid pressure higher than the system pressure and serves as the direct pressure source for clutch actuation. This allows the system to operate at lower system pressures for energy efficiency while the accumulator provides the necessary high pressure for reliable clutch actuation when needed.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the pump operates in a second direction with lower system pressure but higher volumetric flow, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the system pressure becomes insufficient for clutch actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates in the second direction (lower pressure, higher flow) to pre-charge the accumulator to the required first fluid pressure. Once the accumulator is charged, the pump can continue operating in the second direction or idle, while the accumulator maintains the high system pressure needed for clutch actuation. This allows the system to use the energy-efficient pump direction while still achieving the necessary pressure through the accumulator.
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 system provides accurate and energy-efficient control of torque devices, maintaining stable fluid pressures and reducing energy consumption while enabling additional functions like cooling, thus enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of torque device operation.
Implementation Method 1
A first check valve can be positioned between a first valve element and a system pressure line and maintain a first fluid pressure which is higher than the system pressure
Implementation Method 2
The supply element can have a pump. The pump can be operated by an electric motor. The pump can optionally be operated in a first direction of rotation and a second, opposite direction of rotation. In a first direction of rotation, the pump can provide a maximum system pressure and a maximum volumetric flow
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for controlling a hydraulic control device which can actuate a torque device and includes a first actuating element configured to be acted upon by a first fluid pressure in a first fluid line and configured to actuate the torque device; a system pressure line hydraulically connected to the first fluid line and having a system pressure; a first valve element located between the first fluid line and the system pressure line and configured to the first fluid pressure via the system pressure; and a supply element configured to provide the system pressure and being hydraulically connected to the system pressure line. The method includes setting first fluid pressure based on a predetermined target torque value, and setting the system pressure above the first fluid pressure by a pressure difference based on a pressure control value.