Steering Clutch Dynamics for Idle Reduction Silence
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles equipped with idle reduction systems, the operating sound of the clutch engagement during engine stop and restart can be noticeable, disrupting the silence in the vehicle interior, especially when compared to the quieter sounds present during normal vehicle exit scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A steering control device with a clutch mechanism that remains disengaged when the engine is running and engages when the engine is stopped, using an electromagnetic clutch that can be controlled to maintain silence during idle reduction states by suppressing the operating sound of clutch engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clutch is engaged when the engine is stopped by the idle reduction function, then the steering mechanism can be mechanically connected to the turning mechanism, but the operating sound of clutch engagement becomes noticeable and disrupts interior silence
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch engagement state is dynamically adjusted based on the operational context. During idle reduction, the clutch remains disengaged to maintain silence, while during normal engine stop (ignition OFF), the clutch engages to provide mechanical connection. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction by adapting the clutch state to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch control system changes its operational parameters based on engine stop cause identification. When the engine stops due to idle reduction function, the clutch control parameter is set to maintain disengagement. When the engine stops due to ignition OFF, the clutch control parameter is set to engage. This parameter change approach allows the system to optimize both silence and mechanical connection reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clutch frequently engages and disengages during idle reduction cycles, then the engine can be restarted when needed, but the clutch durability decreases due to increased operational cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The system preliminarily identifies the cause of engine stop before controlling clutch engagement. By detecting whether the engine stopped due to idle reduction function or ignition OFF, the clutch control unit预先 determines the appropriate clutch state, avoiding unnecessary engagement cycles during idle reduction while maintaining restart capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch control unit receives feedback about the engine stop cause from the control unit and adjusts clutch engagement accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the clutch only engages when necessary (ignition OFF) and remains disengaged during idle reduction, thereby extending clutch life while preserving engine restart functionality.
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
The solution effectively improves interior silence during idle reduction states by maintaining the disengaged state of the clutch when the engine is stopped, reducing the noise associated with clutch engagement and enhancing the durability of the clutch by minimizing operational cycles.
Implementation Method 1
An operating sound of clutch engagement when turning off the ignition is hardly noticed... since it blends into various noises caused for getting off the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
To improve silence in a vehicle interior space in an idle reduction state, a vehicle includes an idle reduction function of stopping the idling of the engine and restarting the engine when the vehicle starts moving. When the engine is in a working state, the clutch is disengaged and control of driving of a turning actuator is performed, and when the engine is in a stop state, the clutch is engaged and the control of driving of the turning actuator is stopped. Furthermore, a disconnected state of the clutch is maintained when idling of the engine is stopped by the idle reduction function.