Transmission Control Circuit Variable Pressure Dynamics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current transmission control circuits maintain constant high system pressure for reliable torque transmission, leading to inefficient operation and excessive power consumption, as they do not adapt pressure to varying working machine conditions.

Innovation Solution

A transmission control circuit with a pressure control valve and an electronic control unit that distinguishes between load and operating states, allowing for variable adjustment of system pressure by overriding the pressure relief valve to set reduced pressures based on detected load states, thereby optimizing system pressure according to current requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If constant high system pressure is maintained for reliable torque transmission, then torque transmission capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmission capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure control system transitions from a static constant pressure approach to a dynamic variable pressure approach. The control unit continuously monitors operating conditions (gear position, load state, temperature) and adjusts the pressure relief valve accordingly to maintain only the necessary pressure level for current operating conditions, thereby reducing power consumption while ensuring reliable torque transmission when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the pressure parameter dynamically based on operating conditions. Instead of maintaining a fixed high pressure, the system adjusts pressure levels according to the actual torque transmission requirements, temperature conditions, and operational state, optimizing the balance between reliability and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If maximum system pressure is maintained at all times, then torque transmission reliability is improved, but drive power for pressure pump increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmission reliabilityVSAvoiddrive power for pressure pump
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure control system dynamically adjusts the system pressure based on real-time operating conditions. The control unit monitors gear position, clutch engagement state, and temperature, then modulates the pressure relief valve to maintain pressure only when and where needed for torque transmission, reducing the parasitic load on the pressure pump while ensuring transmission reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system uses information from the transmission's own operating state (gear position, clutch state, temperature sensors) to automatically regulate pressure requirements. The system serves itself by detecting when torque transmission is actually needed and adjusting pressure accordingly, eliminating the need for external intervention or constant maximum pressure maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If system pressure is reduced when not required, then energy efficiency is improved, but torque transmission capability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidtorque transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring operating conditions (gear position, clutch engagement, temperature) and using this information to adjust pressure relief valve positioning. This closed-loop control ensures that pressure is maintained at appropriate levels to prevent torque transmission issues while minimizing energy loss during periods of reduced demand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system takes preliminary action by anticipating pressure requirements based on detected operating conditions. When the control unit detects conditions indicating upcoming torque transmission needs (such as gear shifts or clutch engagement signals), it proactively maintains or restores pressure levels to prevent transmission issues before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2979008B1Transmission control circuit
Publication Date: 2020.02.05 DEERE & CO
  • EP2979008B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2979008B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2979008B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a transmission control circuit for controlling a system pressure in a transmission of a working machine, said system pressure being provided by a pressure pump. The transmission control circuit comprises a pressure control valve for setting the provided system pressure to a maximum system pressure, an electronic control unit, and a pressure limitation valve, which can be controlled by the control unit.