Motorcycle Clutch Capacity Control for Rough Road Shock Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic clutch systems in saddle riding vehicles face challenges in maintaining optimal clutch capacity during rough road conditions, leading to potential shocks or reduced controllability due to varying input torque from uneven road surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A semi-automatic gear shift system with a clutch control device that automatically adjusts clutch capacity based on vehicle state sensors, including acceleration, suspension stroke, and external sensors, to maintain optimal power transmission and reduce clutch slip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If clutch capacity is maintained high for direct controllability, then direct controllability is improved, but shocks are applied to power unit during rough road conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch capacity is made dynamically adjustable based on detected road conditions. The control device changes clutch capacity from a first value (higher) for normal conditions to a second value (lower) for rough road conditions, allowing the system to adapt its characteristics to different operating environments rather than remaining fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the clutch capacity parameter in response to detected road conditions. By adjusting this key parameter, the system optimizes performance for different conditions - maintaining direct controllability when roads are smooth and reducing shock transmission when roads are rough.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If clutch capacity is reduced to minimize shocks on rough roads, then shocks to power unit are reduced, but direct controllability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts clutch capacity based on real-time detection of road conditions. When rough road conditions are detected, the clutch capacity is reduced to minimize shocks. When normal conditions are detected, the clutch capacity is increased to restore direct controllability, allowing the system to optimize for different conditions as they arise.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch capacity parameter is changed in response to detected road conditions. The control device switches between a first clutch capacity value (for normal conditions) and a second clutch capacity value (for rough conditions), thereby optimizing both shock reduction and controllability as needed.
3Reliability
If automatic clutch control is implemented to adjust for road conditions, then clutch slip is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device uses detection means to sense road conditions and automatically adjusts clutch capacity accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to respond to changing conditions and maintain optimal clutch engagement, reducing clutch slip without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch control system operates automatically based on detected conditions, reducing the need for manual adjustment by the rider. The system serves itself by detecting road conditions and making appropriate clutch capacity adjustments, thereby reducing clutch slip and improving reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A clutch control device includes a clutch apparatus configured to connect and disconnect power transmission between an engine and a gearbox, a clutch actuator configured to output a driving force to actuate the clutch apparatus, and an ECU configured to drive the clutch actuator, and the ECU performs clutch capacity control of fluctuating a clutch capacity (Ca) within a range from complete fastening to complete separation when it is detected that a motorcycle is in a prescribed traveling state accompanied by a vehicle body behavior (M) of a predetermined threshold (d01) or more.