Torque Converter Clutch Control via Multiplexed Pressure Valves
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current torque converter systems with multiple clutches lack efficient control mechanisms, leading to suboptimal engine efficiency and fuel economy, especially during idle and launch phases, due to the lack of sophisticated valve control assemblies to manage clutch engagement and disengagement.
Innovation Solution
A control system featuring a multiplexed pressure control valve and fluid passage assembly, including a fluid flow control valve and actuator, which allows for independent engagement and disengagement of multiple clutches based on operational states, utilizing an electro-hydraulic control system to manage fluid pressure and flow for improved torque transfer and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clutches are used in the torque converter system, then torque transfer control flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to lack of sophisticated valve control assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent pressure control valves (first pressure control valve, second pressure control valve, third pressure control valve), each responsible for controlling specific clutches (first clutch, second clutch, third clutch) at different operational phases. This segmentation allows complex multi-clutch control to be broken down into manageable, independent control units, resolving the contradiction between control flexibility and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure control valves are designed to dynamically adjust fluid pressure based on operational phase (idle, launch, cruise). The valves transition between different control states - during idle phase, the first pressure control valve controls the first clutch; during launch phase, the second pressure control valve controls the second clutch; during cruise phase, the third pressure control valve controls the third clutch. This dynamic adaptation provides flexible torque transfer control while maintaining manageable system complexity through phase-based control strategies.
2Loss of energy
If sophisticated valve control assemblies are added to manage multiple clutches, then engine efficiency and fuel economy improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each pressure control valve is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple control tasks across different operational phases. For example, the first pressure control valve not only controls the first clutch during idle phase but also participates in transition control during launch phase. This universality reduces the need for completely separate control mechanisms for each function, improving fuel economy through precise control while limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve control assembly operates in periodic cycles corresponding to different driving phases (idle, launch, cruise). Each phase activates specific valves and clutches in a predetermined sequence - during idle, the first valve controls the first clutch; during launch, the second valve controls the second clutch; during cruise, the third valve controls the third clutch. This periodic action pattern optimizes energy efficiency by engaging only the necessary control components during each phase, rather than continuously operating all valves and clutches.
3Speed
If clutches are engaged and disengaged during idle and launch phases, then vehicle responsiveness improves, but shift quality deteriorates without precise fluid pressure control
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control valves incorporate feedback mechanisms to monitor fluid pressure and adjust control signals accordingly. During clutch engagement and disengagement transitions, the valves receive feedback on the actual pressure conditions and modify their control output to achieve smooth transitions. This feedback control ensures that clutch engagement occurs at the optimal moment for responsiveness while maintaining smooth shift quality by preventing abrupt pressure changes and mechanical shocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes in fluid pressure to control clutch engagement and disengagement. The pressure control valves dynamically adjust the fluid pressure parameters during different phases - during idle phase, pressure is maintained at levels suitable for first clutch control; during launch phase, pressure parameters are adjusted for second clutch engagement; during cruise phase, pressure is optimized for third clutch operation. These controlled parameter changes enable responsive vehicle acceleration while maintaining smooth shift quality through gradual pressure transitions rather than abrupt changes.
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 control system enhances engine efficiency and fuel economy by optimizing clutch engagement and disengagement, providing smoother transitions and improved shift quality through precise control of fluid pressure and flow, particularly during idle and launch phases.
Implementation Method 1
A control system featuring a multiplexed pressure control valve and fluid passage assembly, including a fluid flow control valve and actuator, which allows for independent engagement and disengagement of multiple clutches based on operational states, utilizing an electro-hydraulic control system to manage fluid pressure and flow
Implementation Method 2
Fluid couplings, such as torque converters, are widely employed for this purpose. The typical torque converter has a torque input member (commonly designated as the pump or impeller) and a torque output member (commonly designated as the turbine). Dynamic circulation of the hydraulic fluid through the torque converter effects rotation of the turbine in response to rotation of the torque converter pump
Implementation Method 3
The stator redirects the hydraulic fluid which has exited the turbine so that the fluid will enter the input of the pump in a direction that will cause the fluid to assist the engine in turning the pump. The force imparted by the returning hydraulic fluid to the pump comprises an additional source of kinetic energy. This additional energy applied to the pump results in an increase in the force applied to drive the turbine, providing torque multiplication
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method of controlling a torque transmitting apparatus having multiple selectively engageable couplers is provided. The multiple couplers may be selectively engaged and disengaged to provide a mechanical, friction or fluid coupling between portions of the torque transmitting apparatus and other components of a vehicle powertrain during various operational stages. The control apparatus includes a fluid pressure control device and a fluid flow control device.