Starter Clutch Control for Pedal-Triggered Unloading Jolts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling starter clutches in motor vehicle drive-trains lack operator influence and efficiency in activating jolt-like movements, particularly in utility vehicles like dumper trucks, where smooth unloading of materials is hindered by inadequate sliding.

Innovation Solution

A method where the starter clutch can be manually controlled through the accelerator pedal, allowing for dynamic closing and opening movements based on pedal position and actuation rate, with mode changes initiated by specific vehicle conditions and acknowledged to the operator, and automatic service braking to optimize unloading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the starter clutch is operated automatically in the first mode, then the starting process is comfortable and smooth, but the operator cannot directly influence the clutch control to generate jolt-like movements needed for material unloading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfortable starting offVSAvoidoperator influence on clutch control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: the first mode provides automatic comfortable starting, while the second mode enables operator-influenced jolt-like movements. The transition between modes is triggered by specific events such as material unloading detection, allowing the system to adapt its control characteristics based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system changes the operational parameters of the starter clutch based on the detected mode. In the second mode, the clutch control parameters are adjusted to enable jolt-like movements when the accelerator pedal is actuated, transforming the clutch behavior from smooth automatic operation to controlled jolt operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the starter clutch is controlled to produce jolt-like movements in the second mode, then material unloading efficiency is improved, but the operator lacks direct control over the clutch actuation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial unloading efficiencyVSAvoidoperator control over clutch actuation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The accelerator pedal serves as an intermediary control element between the operator and the starter clutch. When the system is in the second mode, actuating the accelerator pedal triggers the starter clutch to produce jolt-like movements. This intermediary mechanism allows the operator to indirectly control the clutch actuation through a familiar and intuitive interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback to the operator through the accelerator pedal interface. When the pedal is actuated in the second mode, the operator receives immediate feedback in the form of jolt-like movements, allowing them to control the clutch actuation based on the unloading progress and material flow conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the starter clutch is actuated frequently to ensure complete material unloading, then unloading efficiency improves, but unnecessary movements increase system wear and reduce operational smoothness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplete material unloadingVSAvoidsystem wear from unnecessary movements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects when material unloading is complete or when further jolt movements would be unnecessary. The control unit monitors the unloading process and prevents the starter clutch from actuating when it would not contribute to material flow, allowing the system to self-regulate and avoid unnecessary movements that would cause wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies jolt-like movements only when and where needed during the unloading process. Rather than continuous or frequent actuation, the starter clutch is activated selectively based on detected material flow conditions, applying partial action only when necessary to maintain material flow without causing excessive wear from unnecessary movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11473633B2Method for controlling an automated starter clutch in a drive train of a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG

AI summary

A method for controlling an automated starter clutch (4) in a drive train of a motor vehicle (1), which drive train has a transmission (3). In at least one first mode, the starter clutch (4) is operated automatically and is transitioned in an event-controlled manner into a second mode, in which the starter clutch (4) can be operated in such a way that upon actuation of the starter clutch (4), at least one jolt-like movement of the motor vehicle (1) is caused. In the second mode, the actuation of the starter clutch (4) is initiated and controlled depending upon operation of an accelerator pedal (13).