MEMS Microvalve Power Control for Transmission Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transmission systems face challenges in precisely controlling fluid pressure during gear shifts due to wide ranges of operating parameters such as temperature, voltage, and pressure, leading to issues like rough shifting and clutch overheating.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a MEMS microvalve with a transmission controller that adjusts power based on temperature-related, hysteresis, dither signal, and thermal lag factors to achieve precise command pressure control, incorporating a power determination module, hysteresis compensation, dither regulation, and thermal-lag compensation to optimize power delivery to the MEMS microvalve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional solenoid operated valves are used for pressure control, then current control is simple, but precise pressure control over wide operating ranges cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the control variable from current (solenoid) to power (MEMS), and introduces temperature compensation parameters to maintain precision across operating conditions. The microvalve's position is controlled by applying electrical power, and temperature-related power factors are used to adjust the control signal based on operating temperature, enabling precise pressure control despite environmental variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temperature compensation mechanism as an intermediary between the power input and the MEMS microvalve. The temperature-related power factor acts as a mediator that adjusts the power signal based on temperature conditions, allowing the system to achieve precise pressure control without direct feedback loops.
2Speed
If shift pressure is increased to improve shift speed, then shift speed increases, but rough shifting occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control system that uses temperature and pressure sensors to continuously monitor operating conditions and adjusts the power signal to the MEMS microvalve accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables precise modulation of shift pressure, allowing fast shifts without excessive pressure that would cause rough shifting.
Solution Approach 2:
The MEMS microvalve provides dynamic control of shift pressure, allowing the system to rapidly adjust pressure levels during gear shifts. The microvalve's small size and fast response time enable precise temporal control of pressure application, achieving fast shifts with smooth pressure modulation to prevent rough shifting.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If shift pressure is decreased to reduce rough shifting, then rough shifting is reduced, but clutch overheating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control system monitors both pressure and temperature conditions and dynamically adjusts the power signal to the MEMS microvalve. When clutch temperature rises, the system maintains sufficient pressure to prevent overheating while avoiding excessive pressure that would cause rough shifting. The feedback loop balances these competing requirements in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses temperature-related power factors to adjust the power signal based on operating temperature. This parameter change approach allows the system to compensate for temperature effects on clutch performance, maintaining optimal pressure levels that prevent both rough shifting and overheating across different operating conditions.
4Measurement precision
If MEMS microvalve is used for precise pressure control, then pressure control precision improves, but temperature-related power variations affect control accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directly addresses temperature effects by introducing temperature-related power factors that modify the control signal based on operating temperature. This parameter change compensates for temperature-induced variations in MEMS microvalve behavior, maintaining precise pressure control across the full operating temperature range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary temperature compensation by calculating and applying temperature-related power factors before the actual pressure control action. This preliminary adjustment ensures that the power signal accounts for temperature effects in advance, maintaining control precision without requiring reactive corrections.
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 enables precise control of fluid pressure over a range of transmission operating parameters, improving shift quality and preventing overheating, thus enhancing transmission performance.
Implementation Method 1
Thermally actuated MEMS control valves, such as MEMS microvalves, are power controlled devices
Implementation Method 2
The change in power may be influenced by factors acting on the MEMS microvalve, including fluid temperature, fluid pressure, hysteresis, a dither signal, and thermal lag
Implementation Method 3
The change in power may be influenced by factors acting on the MEMS microvalve, including fluid temperature, fluid pressure, hysteresis, a dither signal, and thermal lag
Implementation Method 4
The change in power may be influenced by factors acting on the MEMS microvalve, including fluid temperature, fluid pressure, hysteresis, a dither signal, and thermal lag
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling fluid pressure to a transmission system through a MEMS microvalve includes a transmission controller configured to receive a target command pressure, a current system command pressure input signal, and a transmission system operating temperature. A power determination module determines a temperature-related power factor from the target command pressure, the current system command pressure input signal, the transmission system operating temperature received in the controller, and a look-up table within the controller. A power signal module adjusts the current system command pressure input signal by the temperature-related power factor and applies the adjusted current system command pressure input signal to the MEMS microvalve via the controller.