Pedal-Interlocked Clutch Assembly for Slip-Free Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual and automatic transmission vehicles face issues with torque transmission efficiency, particularly in automatic transmissions which experience slipping on ramps and sudden unintended acceleration, and have low fuel efficiency due to fluid-based torque transmission.
Innovation Solution
A clutch system that interlocks with the accelerator and brake pedals, allowing for 100% torque transmission between the engine and transmission, featuring a clutch assembly and rotary shaft assembly that changes states based on pedal input, ensuring mechanical operation and preventing slipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If fluid-based torque transmission is used in automatic transmission, then automation is improved, but torque transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic transmission system is segmented into two distinct torque transmission paths: a fluid-based torque converter for automated operation and a mechanical clutch assembly for direct torque transmission. This segmentation allows the system to leverage the advantages of both approaches while mitigating their respective disadvantages.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch assembly is designed to be universally applicable to both manual and automatic transmission systems, enabling it to function as a direct torque transmission mechanism in automatic transmissions while maintaining compatibility with various engine and transmission configurations.
2Extent of automation
If fluid-based torque transmission is used in automatic transmission, then automation is improved, but fuel efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments torque transmission into fluid-based and mechanical paths, allowing the mechanical clutch to handle high-efficiency scenarios such as ramp climbing and fuel-efficient cruising, thereby improving overall fuel economy while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the torque transmission parameter by switching between fluid coupling and mechanical direct connection based on driving conditions, optimizing fuel efficiency across different operational states.
3Ease of operation
If automatic transmission is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to slipping on ramps
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the torque transmission function, using the mechanical clutch assembly for high-reliability scenarios such as ramp climbing where slipping must be prevented, while relying on the fluid torque converter for normal automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the engine and transmission, providing a reliable mechanical connection that prevents slipping during critical operations while allowing the torque converter to handle routine automated shifting.
4Loss of energy
If mechanical clutch is added to automatic transmission, then torque transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch assembly is designed as a universal component that can be integrated into various automatic transmission systems with minimal modification, reducing the complexity increase associated with adding mechanical clutch functionality to existing automated platforms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a new clutch system that ensures a 100% torque transmission rate between an engine and a transmission in a vehicle system, that can be commonly applied to conventional manual transmission vehicles and automatic vehicles, and that operates in conjunction with an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal.