Fluid Torque Converter Lockup Control for Direction Change Shock Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

When a fluid torque converter is in a locked state, the inherent gaps between transmission mechanisms in a vehicle's transmission system cause shocks and jitter during changes in torque transmission direction, leading to reduced smoothness and increased fuel consumption.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for controlling state switching of a fluid torque converter, which involves obtaining a target instruction and determining if the vehicle is in a target operating condition, switching the converter to an open state briefly and then back to the locked state after a preset period, to absorb shocks and reduce fuel consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the fluid torque converter is kept in a locked state to improve transmission efficiency and reduce fuel consumption, then fuel economy is improved, but shocks and jitter occur during torque transmission direction changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidvehicle shocks and jitter
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid torque converter's locking state is made dynamic rather than static. The control device continuously monitors transmission direction changes and dynamically adjusts the locking clutch state accordingly. When a torque transmission direction change is detected, the system temporarily releases the locking clutch to allow smooth directional transition, then re-engages it afterward to restore mechanical linkage and fuel efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device performs preliminary detection of torque transmission direction changes before they fully occur. By monitoring the transmission system's state in advance, the system can proactively release the locking clutch at the optimal moment to prevent shocks, rather than reacting after the shock has already occurred.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the fluid torque converter is locked to achieve mechanical linkage between engine and gearbox, then transmission efficiency is improved, but the transmission system becomes rigid and unable to absorb shocks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidtransmission system smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between locked and unlocked states based on real-time transmission conditions. During normal operation, the locking clutch maintains mechanical linkage for high efficiency. When directional changes are detected, the system temporarily transitions to an unlocked state to allow flexible shock absorption, then returns to locked state to restore efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking clutch acts as an intermediary element that can be selectively engaged or disengaged. It provides mechanical linkage when engaged (improving efficiency) and allows decoupling when disengaged (improving smoothness). This intermediary mechanism enables the system to have both rigid efficiency and flexible comfort as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11920676B2Method and device for controlling state switching of fluid torque converter, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2024.03.05 ZHEJIANG LIANKONG TECH CO LTD
  • US11920676B2 patent drawing
  • US11920676B2 patent drawing
  • US11920676B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are a method and device for controlling the state switching of a fluid torque converter, a vehicle and a storage medium, the method including: obtaining a target instruction when the torque converter of the vehicle is in a locked state, the target instruction triggering a change in the torque transmission direction of a transmission system of the vehicle; obtaining a state parameter, and determining whether the current vehicle is in a target operating condition according to the state parameter; and if the current vehicle is in the target operating condition, switching the fluid torque converter to an open state, and switching the torque converter back to the locked state after maintaining the open state for a preset period of time.