Clutch burnishing

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-11975595-B2
Application number	US-202217589406-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jan 31, 2022
Priority date	Jan 31, 2022
Publication date	May 7, 2024
Grant date	May 7, 2024

Abstract

Technologies for enhancing performance of a clutch that is installed in connection with a transport climate control system is provided. Enhancing performance of the clutch can be performed by establishing engagement cycling parameters for the clutch, cycling the clutch through a repetition of engagement and disengagement in accordance with the established engagement cycling parameters, and terminating the cycling upon achievement of at least one predetermined criterion.

First claim

The invention claimed is:

1. A method for enhancing performance of a clutch that engages with a prime mover to provide power to a transport climate control system that includes a compressor and a controller, the method comprising:
burnishing the clutch prior to utilization thereof by the transport climate control system, the burnishing comprising:
establishing engagement cycling parameters for the clutch;
automatically cycling the clutch through a repetition of engagement and disengagement in accordance with the established engagement cycling parameters; and
terminating the cycling upon achievement of at least one predetermined criterion.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the established engagement cycling parameters for the clutch include any one of a predetermined number of engagement cycles for the clutch, a predetermined amount of time for a totality of the cycling, or a predetermined threshold value of torque carrying capabilities for the clutch.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the established engagement cycling parameters for the clutch include at least one predetermined range of temperatures for performing at least a portion of the cycling.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the established engagement cycling parameters for the clutch include between 20 to 100 engagement cycles.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the established engagement cycling parameters for the clutch include engagement for five seconds.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the established engagement cycling parameters for the clutch include disengagement for 25 seconds.

7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising, prior to the cycling, turning evaporator blowers and condenser fans at a predetermined operating level.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one predetermined criterion includes a determination that the clutch is capable of carrying 260 ft-lbs of torque.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the clutch is an electromagnetic clutch.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one predetermined criterion is determined by a sensor configured to detect one or more environmental conditions including temperature, humidity, or air quality of the transport climate control system.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one predetermined criterion negatively impacts features other than the clutch in the vehicle.

12. A computer-readable medium having executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to burnish an electromagnetic clutch that engages with a prime mover to provide power to a transport climate control system that includes a compressor and a controller, the instructions comprising:
burnishing the electromagnetic clutch prior to utilization by the transport climate control system, the burnishing comprising:
detecting input of at least one predetermined condition;
initiating cycling of the clutch based on the detection;
automatically cycling the clutch through a repetition of engagement and disengagement in accordance with predetermined cycling parameters; and
terminating the cycling upon fulfilling at least one of the cycling parameters.

13. The computer-readable medium of claim 12 , wherein the predetermined condition includes a start-up instruction from a user interface.

14. The computer-readable medium of claim 12 , wherein the predetermined condition includes installation of a clutch that has a torque carrying capability that is less than 200 ft-lbs.

15. The computer-readable medium of claim 12 , wherein the predetermined cycling parameters for the clutch include at least one predetermined range of temperatures for performing at least a portion of the cycling.

16. The computer-readable medium of claim 12 , wherein the predetermined cycling parameters for the clutch include between 20 to 100 engagement cycles.

17. The computer-readable medium of claim 12 , wherein the predetermined cycling parameters for the clutch include engagement for five seconds.

18. The computer-readable medium of claim 12 , wherein the predetermined cycling parameters for the clutch include disengagement for 25 seconds.

19. A transport climate control system comprising:
a clutch configured to provide engagement and disengagement between a prime mover and a mechanically-driven component of a transport climate control system that includes a compressor and a controller; and
a controller configured to burnish the clutch prior to utilization by the transport climate control system by automated processing, upon installation to a power management system of the transport climate control system, the burnishing comprising:
establishing engagement cycling parameters for the clutch;
automatically cycling the clutch through a repetition of engagement and disengagement in accordance with the established engagement cycling parameters; and
terminating the cycling upon achievement of at least one predetermined criterion.

Assignees

• Thermo King Llc

Inventors

• Athanasakopoulos Alexandros
• Waters Scott A
• Mccannell-Unger Vincent
• Neu Timothy J
• Koch Lucas

Classifications

• B60H1/3222 Primary

  characterised by the compressor driving arrangements, e.g. clutches, transmissions or multiple drives (B60H1/3208, B60H1/3226 take precedence) · CPC title

• B60H1/3205

  Control means therefor · CPC title

• B60H1/3232

  particularly adapted for load transporting vehicles (B60H1/3226 takes precedence) · CPC title

• F16D48/06

  Control by electric or electronic means, e.g. of fluid pressure · CPC title

• F16D2500/1022

  Electromagnet · CPC title