Feasibility investigation on novel concept of clutched train system to substitute for vehicular friction clutch

Abstract

Sliding friction is utilized in the vehicular friction clutch to provide some slippage for smooth shifting and standing-start which is associated with some undesired issues, such as wear and heating of plates, introduction of high non-linearity and significant frictional dissipation. In order to reduce heat generation and frictional dissipation during slipping phase, a novel concept of clutched train is proposed to substitute for friction clutch. The dynamics of clutched train is modeling and integrated into powertrain to estimate the effects of clutched train on longitudinal vehicle oscillations stimulated by the sudden change of accelerator pedal. Further, the engagement control of clutched train can be transplanted from the developed control algorithm of friction clutch due to their similar control-oriented models, and the influence on longitudinal vehicle oscillations aroused by clutched train engagement is investigated. Simulation results show that it can behave like the conventional clutch and satisfy the requirement of driving comfort with certain control algorithm. Finally, the frictional dissipation of clutched train engagement is evaluated and compared with friction clutch engagement.