Automated Transmission Pressure Control via Dynamic Valve Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated manual transmissions lack precise control over shifting operations due to fixed supply pressure, leading to inefficient load management, noise, and delayed valve actuation, as they cannot adapt variably to specific shifting scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling automated manual transmissions by determining and regulating setpoint pressures based on criteria such as mass synchronization, gear position, piston position and speed, and backup functions, using actuating cylinders and main shut-off valves controlled by a unit to adjust pressure dynamically according to shifting requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed supply pressure is used in automated manual transmissions, then the system structure remains simple, but shifting efficiency deteriorates and load management becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pressure control by enabling the supply pressure to be continuously adjusted according to the specific requirements of different switching scenarios. The control unit varies the pressure profile in real-time based on factors such as gear position, synchronization needs, and shifting phase, transforming the static pressure system into a dynamic one that adapts to operational demands, thereby improving shifting efficiency without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from a fixed value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted according to different switching scenarios. By modifying the supply pressure level and profile dynamically, the system optimizes shifting performance for various conditions (different gears, synchronization requirements, shifting phases) while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure through centralized control
2Ease of operation
If reservoir pressure is used directly for switching elements, then the system remains simple, but switching times and noise cannot be influenced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary between the reservoir pressure source and the switching elements. This control unit acts as a mediator that receives pressure from the reservoir and delivers regulated pressure to the switching elements according to specific operational requirements, enabling influence over switching times and noise while adding only moderate complexity through centralized pressure management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies pressure parameter changes by adjusting the supply pressure level and temporal profile according to different switching scenarios. The control unit modifies pressure parameters (magnitude, duration, timing) to optimize switching performance, allowing influence over switching times and noise characteristics while maintaining operational simplicity through parameter-based control rather than structural complexity
3Measurement precision
If main shut-off valves are controlled based on estimated pressure requirements, then the system remains simple, but valve actuation is delayed and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using pressure sensors to monitor the actual pressure in the transmission actuator space and comparing it with the desired pressure profile. The control unit receives this feedback information and adjusts the main shut-off valve actuation timing and duration accordingly, achieving precise pressure control that adapts to actual system conditions rather than relying on estimates, while maintaining reasonable system complexity through electronic control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining and preparing the appropriate pressure profile and valve actuation strategy in advance based on the detected switching scenario. The control unit pre-calculates the optimal main shut-off valve timing and duration before the shifting operation begins, allowing precise and timely valve actuation without delay, while keeping the system simple through pre-programmed control logic
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
This approach allows for optimal pressure adaptation to each shifting scenario, improving shifting efficiency, reducing load on elements, and enhancing operational comfort by varying pressure profiles in real-time, thus enabling precise and adaptable gear shifting.
Implementation Method 1
at least one main shut-off valve (4) arranged upstream of the shift valves (10, 12) and with a control unit (29) for controlling the shift and main shut-off valves (4), with pressure medium requirements for shift processes to be carried out being determined and the respective main shut-off valves (4) being controlled depending on this
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling an automated transmission for motor vehicles having one or more actuating cylinders (6, 8, 20) which are activated by a pressure medium using assigned shift valves (10, 12), having at least one main cut-off valve (4) which is arranged upstream of the shift valves, and having a control unit for controlling the shift valves and main cut-off valves, wherein pressure medium requirements for shifting processes which are to be carried out are determined and the respective main cut-off valves are actuated as a function thereof. In order to permit variable adaptation of the supply pressure during transmission shifting operations, optimized pressures or pressure profiles are respectively determined for specific shifting scenarios, which pressures or pressure profiles take into account, for example, a mass which is to be synchronized, the existence of a tooth-on-tooth position and the like. In this way, for example the loading on the shift elements, the shifting times and the shifting noises can be influenced positively.