Inductive Clutch Control Assembly for Accurate Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clutch-position sensing components in automatic transmissions face inaccuracies due to non-contact magnetic sensors, which can incorrectly report the clutch state, especially in cases of actuator damage, and are costly, with existing solutions relying on coils and application-specific integrated circuits.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact inductive displacement sensor is used to directly sense the position of the control member, employing a control member made of electrically conductive material that induces eddy currents within a magnetic field, providing a position feedback signal for vehicle transmission control, eliminating the need for indirect inference of the clutch state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If non-contact magnetic sensors are used for clutch position sensing, then the sensing system is simpler and less costly, but the accuracy and reliability of clutch state detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces magnetic field sensing with electromagnetic induction by using a conductive control member that interacts with a magnetic field generated by a sensor. This substitution maintains the non-contact advantage while improving measurement accuracy through direct electromagnetic coupling between the sensor and control member.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of the control member to be electrically conductive, which enables it to interact with the magnetic field from the sensor. This parameter change allows the system to detect clutch position more accurately while maintaining system simplicity.
2Device complexity
If non-contact magnetic sensors are used for clutch position sensing, then the sensing system is simpler, but the reliability of clutch state reporting deteriorates especially in cases of actuator damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect magnetic sensing with direct electromagnetic induction sensing. The conductive control member creates a direct electromagnetic coupling with the sensor, providing more reliable position detection that is less susceptible to errors from actuator damage or magnetic interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The control member itself serves as the sensing target by being made conductive. Its interaction with the magnetic field provides direct feedback about its position, making the system more self-contained and reliable without requiring additional sensing components.
3Measurement precision
If coils and application-specific integrated circuits are used for position sensing, then sensing capability is achieved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing function from complex coils and application-specific integrated circuits and implements it using a simpler electromagnetic induction mechanism. The conductive control member interacts directly with a magnetic field from a standard sensor, eliminating the need for specialized circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standard, readily available magnetic sensors instead of expensive application-specific integrated circuits. The conductive control member is a simple component that can be easily manufactured, reducing overall system cost while maintaining sensing capability.
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 solution enhances the accuracy and reliability of clutch position sensing, preventing unwanted gear shifts and potential engine damage by directly monitoring the selector plate position, while reducing costs associated with complex sensing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is configured to create a magnetic field to induce eddy currents in the electrically conductive material of the control member wherein shifting movement of the control member changes a magnetic field caused by the eddy currents.
Implementation Method 2
The sensor is configured to create a magnetic field to induce eddy currents in the electrically conductive material of the control member
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling and control assembly including a non-contact, inductive displacement sensor is provided. The assembly includes a controllable coupling assembly including first and second coupling members supported for rotation relative to one another about a rotational axis. The first coupling member has a first coupling face which has a sensor pocket which receives the sensor. A control member made of an electrically conductive material is mounted for controlled, small-displacement, shifting movement relative to the sensor. The sensor is configured to create a magnetic field to induce eddy currents in the electrically conductive material of the control member wherein shifting movement of the control member changes a magnetic field caused by the eddy currents. The sensor provides a position feedback signal for vehicle transmission control, wherein the signal is correlated with the position of the control member.