Slide Flange Clutch Detection with Proximity Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the connection status of a clutch in a vehicle's drivetrain, such as a free-running differential, are uncertain, especially when the clutch connection fails, and simultaneously detecting revolution speeds of clutch teeth is challenging due to differences in speed during vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A slide flange with a rotary body and a pair of proximity sensors is used, featuring an inner and outer ring portion with notches, allowing for the detection of clutch connection and revolution speeds without contact, enabling precise control for clutch engagement based on speed thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a contactless sensor is used to detect clutch position, then reliability of clutch status detection is improved, but the ability to simultaneously detect revolution speed is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The slide flange serves multiple functions: it acts as both the clutch engagement component and the detection target for proximity sensors. By integrating the detection function into the existing clutch structure, the system achieves both reliable clutch status detection and revolution speed measurement using the same physical component, eliminating the need for separate sensors for each function.
2Device complexity
If revolution speeds of clutch teeth are measured indirectly through propeller shaft and axle, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The slide flange acts as an intermediary element that directly connects the clutch teeth rotation to a detectable signal. Instead of measuring revolution speed indirectly through multiple transmission stages (propeller shaft and axle), the slide flange provides a direct mechanical link that translates clutch teeth rotation into a measurable position change detectable by proximity sensors, ensuring high measurement precision while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If clutch connection is controlled during vehicle motion, then adaptability to operating conditions is improved, but difficulty in connecting clutch increases due to speed difference
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensors provide real-time feedback on the slide flange position, which directly reflects the relative speed difference between clutch teeth. This feedback enables the control system to monitor the engagement condition continuously and determine the optimal moment for clutch connection, ensuring that engagement occurs only when speed differences are within acceptable thresholds, thus maintaining both adaptability and ease of operation.
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 simultaneous detection of clutch connection and revolution speeds, ensuring reliable clutch engagement only when speed differences are within a suitable threshold, improving the accuracy and efficiency of clutch control in vehicle drivetrains.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of proximity sensors apart from each other in a circumferential direction
Data Source
AI summary
A slide flange is used with a rotary body having a clutch rotatable about an axis and a pair of proximity sensors apart from each other in a circumferential direction. The slide flange is comprised of: an inner ring portion fitting on the rotary body and movable in a direction along the axis from a first position where the clutch gets connected to a second position where the clutch gets disconnected; an outer ring portion unitarily elongated from the inner ring portion and so disposed as to at least at the second position face the pair of proximity sensors; a plurality of notches formed on the outer ring portion at even intervals in the circumferential direction; and a coupling portion elongated from the outer ring portion toward the rotary body, the coupling portion being so coupled with the clutch as to rotate the outer ring portion along with the clutch.