Multi-Plate Clutch Drive Force Control via Test Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing four-wheel-drive vehicle systems using multi-plate clutches face challenges in accurately transferring drive force to wheels due to wear and variations in clutch plate texture, leading to inefficiencies in traction and stability control.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle drive device with an electric motor, multi-plate clutches, and a control system that uses test operation results to adjust pressing forces and drive force variations to ensure precise engagement and prevent slipping between clutch plates, allowing for high-precision drive force output to the wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-plate clutch is used to transfer drive force, then the drive force can be distributed to wheels, but the drive force becomes fluctuated due to wear and variations in clutch plate texture
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs test operations before normal operation to determine the actual frictional force characteristics of the clutch plates. By conducting preliminary measurements of the relationship between pressing force and frictional force, the system establishes baseline data that compensates for manufacturing variations and wear, enabling accurate drive force transfer throughout the clutch's service life
Solution Approach 2:
The control device continuously monitors the actual frictional force through test operations and adjusts the pressing force accordingly. By comparing measured frictional force with required drive force, the system dynamically modifies pressing force to maintain precise drive force transfer, compensating for wear and texture variations in real-time
2Reliability
If the pressing force is increased to prevent slipping, then drive force transfer precision improves, but energy loss increases due to excessive friction
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing force is dynamically adjusted based on actual operating conditions and measured frictional force characteristics. Rather than using a fixed high pressing force, the control device modulates pressing force to match the minimum required for preventing slipping, optimizing the balance between drive force transfer precision and energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressing force parameter in real-time based on measured frictional force and required drive force. By adjusting this critical parameter dynamically, the system achieves precise drive force transfer while minimizing excessive friction and energy loss
3Reliability
If test operations are performed to determine frictional force characteristics, then drive force precision improves, but time is consumed during vehicle stationary period
Solution Approach 1:
Test operations are performed periodically at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. The control device executes test operations at scheduled times when the vehicle is stationary, balancing the need for accurate frictional force characterization with the constraint of minimizing time consumption during stationary periods
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
Enables high-precision drive force output to wheels, improving traction and stability by controlling the multi-plate clutches based on test operation data, thereby enhancing the vehicle's ability to manage slipping and engagement states.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second clutches are each a multi-plate clutch of a wet type in which frictional sliding between clutch plates is lubricated with lubricating oil
Implementation Method 2
a pressing mechanism configured to press the multi-plate clutch
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle drive device includes: an electric motor; a multi-plate clutch including a plurality of clutch plates; a pressing mechanism configured to press the multi-plate clutch; an output rotary member to which a drive force of the electric motor is transferred through the multi-plate clutch; and a control device configured to control the electric motor and the pressing mechanism. The control device is configured to control the pressing mechanism using information on the result of test operation performed while the vehicle is stationary.