Automated Transmission Actuator Control with Integrated Power Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robotic transmission control systems face issues with electromagnetic compatibility and significant power loss due to non-standardized power electronic modules and increased costs from withstanding high vibrations, limiting their adaptability to various robotic transmissions.

Innovation Solution

Integrating the electronic power module directly into the actuators and incorporating a multiplexing interface within the actuator control module, allowing for standardized hardware resources and reduced electromagnetic interference, while using a multiplexing bus for communication with the powertrain control unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the electronic power module is positioned with the engine control unit inside the battery housing box, then the control system is simplified, but electromagnetic compatibility problems and significant power loss occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system structureVSAvoidelectromagnetic compatibility and power loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional modules: the engine control unit handles control functions while the electronic power module handles power conversion functions. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently - the control unit can be positioned for control efficiency while the power module is positioned near the battery to minimize power loss and electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the transmission control unit is positioned on the gearbox, then electromagnetic compatibility is improved, but the unit must withstand high vibrations which substantially increases cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic compatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into the engine control unit (positioned in the battery housing box away from vibrations) and the electronic power module (positioned near the battery). This allows the control functions to be separated from the high-vibration gearbox environment, maintaining electromagnetic compatibility benefits while avoiding vibration-related cost increases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If non-standardized power electronic modules are used, then adaptability to various robotic transmissions is improved, but electromagnetic compatibility problems and power loss occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to robotic transmissionsVSAvoidelectromagnetic compatibility and power loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic power module is designed as a universal, standardized component that can be adapted to different robotic transmission types (single-clutch, double-clutch). By positioning this universal module near the battery and using standardized communication interfaces, the system achieves both adaptability to various transmission configurations and optimized electromagnetic compatibility and power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3044481B1System for controlling an automated transmission
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 VALEO EMBRAYAGES SAS
  • EP3044481B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP3044481B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3044481B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention concerns a system for controlling an automated transmission, for a motor vehicle, comprising: -a control unit (20) for controlling the powertrain comprising an engine control unit (23) and a transmission control unit (22); - a transmission actuator (1, 1a, 1b, 2, 3, 78), capable of actuating a clutch (63, 75), selecting the ratios of a gearbox (64) or changing the ratios of a gearbox (64), and comprising: - an electromechanical actuation device; - an electronic power module (28, 29, 30) for powering the electromechanical actuation device; - a sensor (39, 41); - a control module (31, 32, 33) for controlling the actuator; and - a multiplexing interface; and -a multiplexing bus (21) connecting the multiplexing interfaces of the actuator and the powertrain control unit (20).