EARLIEST PRIORITY DATE

This Application claims priority from a Complete patent application filed in India having Patent Application No. 202221009703, filed on February 23, 2022, and titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A CLUTCH OPERATION”.

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments of a present disclosure relate to an automotive field, and more particularly to a system and method for controlling a clutch operation.

BACKGROUND

Clutch refers to a mechanical device that engages and disengages power transmission, especially from a drive shaft (driving shaft) to a driven shaft. Basically, the clutch connects and disconnects two rotating shafts. Similarly, a viscous clutch refers to a clutch that uses a viscous coupling mechanism to couple a driving element with a driven element to support a clutch operation. The viscous clutch can come with a fan, and hence can be called as a viscous clutch fan which is used in a cooling system of a vehicle. Every vehicle possesses a system for controlling the clutch operation. However, one or more parts of the system and a process or a method of operation may vary based on one or more factors such as the cost of the vehicle, a requirement of a user of the vehicle, or the like.

In a conventional system for controlling a clutch operation, wiring harnesses are used for the transmission of data between a clutch and a clutch control unit, for controlling the clutch operation. However, proper maintenance of the wiring harnesses is a challenging task, because the wiring harnesses are placed near rotating devices, which can hamper the wiring harnesses. Upon getting hampered or damaged, a connection between the clutch and the clutch control unit may be lost, and therefore, the clutch control unit fails to control the clutch operation.

Hence, there is a need for an improved system and method for controlling a clutch operation which addresses the aforementioned issues. BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a system for controlling a clutch operation is provided. The system includes a clutch control unit. The clutch control unit is operatively coupled to a clutch of a vehicle. The clutch control unit is configured to receive one or more parameters sensed via one or more sensors during an operation of the vehicle. The clutch control unit is also configured to transmit the corresponding one or more parameters to a processing subsystem using a predefined transmission mechanism. The processing subsystem is configured to execute on a network to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules. The processing subsystem includes a trigger generation module. The trigger generation module is configured to receive the one or more parameters from the clutch control unit upon registration. The trigger generation module is also configured to identify a deviation in the one or more parameters by comparing a value of the corresponding one or more parameters with a corresponding preferred value based on predefined criteria. Further, the trigger generation module is also configured to generate a trigger signal corresponding to controlling of the clutch operation upon identification of the corresponding deviation. The processing subsystem also includes a controlling module operatively coupled to the trigger generation module. The controlling module is configured to generate a control signal corresponding to an indication for setting the corresponding one or more parameters to the corresponding preferred value, upon receiving the trigger signal. The control signal is transmitted to the clutch control unit using the predefined transmission mechanism. The clutch control unit is configured to control the clutch operation by setting the corresponding one or more parameters to the corresponding preferred value using a predefined controlling mechanism, upon receiving the control signal. The system also includes a power management unit operatively coupled to the clutch control unit. The power management unit is configured to generate an electrical energy from the clutch operation using an electrical energy generation mechanism, by operatively coupling an electrical energy generation unit with a shaft of the viscous clutch. The power management unit is also configured to detect a drop in an energy storage associated with a power supply unit using a predefined energy measurement mechanism upon generating the electrical energy. The power supply unit is adapted to supply power for an operation to the clutch control unit. Further, the power management unit is also configured to recharge the power supply unit by supplying the corresponding electrical energy to the corresponding power supply unit, upon detecting the drop in the energy storage for controlling the clutch operation.

In accordance with another embodiment, a viscous clutch fan system is provided. The viscous clutch fan system includes a viscous clutch. The viscous clutch includes a shaft adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation upon an operation of the viscous clutch. The viscous clutch also includes a driving part arranged rotatably on the shaft. Further, the viscous clutch also includes a viscous coupling chamber positioned adjacent to the driving part. Furthermore, the viscous clutch also includes a driven part operatively coupled to the shaft via the viscous coupling chamber. The driven part includes a cooling fan. The cooling fan is adapted to rotate at a predefined rotational speed based on predefined criteria upon engagement or disengagement between the driving part and the driven part. The viscous clutch fan system also includes a clutch control unit operatively coupled to the viscous clutch of a vehicle via the driving part. The clutch control unit is configured to receive one or more parameters sensed via one or more sensors during an operation of the vehicle. The clutch control unit is also configured to transmit the corresponding one or more parameters to a processing subsystem using a predefined transmission mechanism. The processing subsystem is configured to execute on a network to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules. The processing subsystem includes a trigger generation module. The trigger generation module is configured to receive the one or more parameters from the clutch control unit upon registration. The trigger generation module is also configured to identify a deviation in the one or more parameters by comparing a value of the corresponding one or more parameters with a corresponding preferred value based on predefined criteria. Further, the trigger generation module is also configured to generate a trigger signal corresponding to controlling of the clutch operation upon identification of the corresponding deviation. The processing subsystem also includes a controlling module operatively coupled to the trigger generation module. The controlling module is configured to generate a control signal corresponding to an indication for setting the corresponding one or more parameters to the corresponding preferred value, upon receiving the trigger signal. The control signal is transmitted to the clutch control unit using the predefined transmission mechanism. The clutch control unit is configured to control the clutch operation by setting the corresponding one or more parameters to the corresponding preferred value using a predefined controlling mechanism, upon receiving the control signal. The viscous clutch fan system also includes a power management unit operatively coupled to the clutch control unit. The power management unit is configured to generate an electrical energy from the clutch operation using an electrical energy generation mechanism, by operatively coupling an electrical energy generation unit with a shaft of the viscous clutch. The power management unit is also configured to detect a drop in an energy storage associated with a power supply unit using a predefined energy measurement mechanism upon generating the electrical energy. The power supply unit is adapted to supply power for an operation to the clutch control unit. Further, the power management unit is also configured to recharge the power supply unit by supplying the corresponding electrical energy to the corresponding power supply unit, upon detecting the drop in the energy storage for controlling the clutch operation.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a vehicle system is provided. The vehicle system includes a chassis. The chassis is configured to provide a structure to a vehicle. The vehicle system also includes an engine operatively coupled to the chassis. The engine is configured to power the vehicle to enable an operation of the vehicle. Further, the vehicle system also includes a viscous clutch fan system operatively coupled to the engine. The viscous clutch fan system is adapted to control temperature of the engine based on predefined criteria during the operation of the vehicle. The viscous clutch fan system includes a viscous clutch. The viscous clutch includes a shaft adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation upon an operation of the viscous clutch. The viscous clutch also includes a driving part arranged rotatably on the shaft. Further, the viscous clutch also includes a viscous coupling chamber positioned adjacent to the driving part. Furthermore, the viscous clutch also includes a driven part operatively coupled to the shaft via the viscous coupling chamber. The driven part includes a cooling fan. The cooling fan is adapted to rotate at a predefined rotational speed based on predefined criteria upon engagement or disengagement between the driving part and the driven part. The viscous clutch fan system also includes a clutch control unit operatively coupled to the viscous clutch of a vehicle via the driving part. The clutch control unit is configured to receive one or more parameters sensed via one or more sensors during an operation of the vehicle. The clutch control unit is also configured to transmit the corresponding one or more parameters to a processing subsystem using a predefined transmission mechanism. The processing subsystem is configured to execute on a network to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules. The processing subsystem includes a trigger generation module. The trigger generation module is configured to receive the one or more parameters from the clutch control unit upon registration. The trigger generation module is also configured to identify a deviation in the one or more parameters by comparing a value of the corresponding one or more parameters with a corresponding preferred value based on the predefined criteria. Further, the trigger generation module is also configured to generate a trigger signal corresponding to controlling of the clutch operation upon identification of the corresponding deviation. The processing subsystem also includes a controlling module operatively coupled to the trigger generation module. The controlling module is configured to generate a control signal corresponding to an indication for setting the corresponding one or more parameters to the corresponding preferred value, upon receiving the trigger signal. The control signal is transmitted to the clutch control unit using the predefined transmission mechanism. The clutch control unit is configured to control the clutch operation by setting the corresponding one or more parameters to the corresponding preferred value using a predefined controlling mechanism, upon receiving the control signal. The viscous clutch fan system also includes a power management unit operatively coupled to the clutch control unit. The power management unit is configured to generate an electrical energy from the clutch operation using an electrical energy generation mechanism, by operatively coupling an electrical energy generation unit with a shaft of the viscous clutch. The power management unit is also configured to detect a drop in an energy storage associated with a power supply unit using a predefined energy measurement mechanism upon generating the electrical energy. The power supply unit is adapted to supply power for an operation to the clutch control unit. Further, the power management unit is also configured to recharge the power supply unit by supplying the corresponding electrical energy to the corresponding power supply unit, upon detecting the drop in the energy storage for controlling the clutch operation.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a method for controlling a clutch operation is provided. The method includes receiving one or more parameters sensed via one or more sensors during an operation of a vehicle. The method also includes transmitting the corresponding one or more parameters to a processing subsystem using a predefined transmission mechanism. Further, the method also includes receiving the one or more parameters from the clutch control unit upon registration. Furthermore, the method also includes identifying a deviation in the one or more parameters by comparing a value of the corresponding one or more parameters with a corresponding preferred value based on predefined criteria. Furthermore, the method also includes generating a trigger signal corresponding to controlling of the clutch operation upon identification of the corresponding deviation. Furthermore, the method also includes generating a control signal corresponding to an indication for setting the corresponding one or more parameters to the corresponding preferred value, upon receiving the trigger signal. Furthermore, the method also includes transmitting the control signal to the clutch control unit using the predefined transmission mechanism. Furthermore, the method also includes controlling the clutch operation by setting the corresponding one or more parameters to the corresponding preferred value using a predefined controlling mechanism, upon receiving the control signal. Furthermore, the method also includes generating an electrical energy from the clutch operation using an electrical energy generation mechanism, by operatively coupling an electrical energy generation unit with a shaft of the viscous clutch. Furthermore, the method also includes detecting a drop in an energy storage associated with a power supply unit using a predefined energy measurement mechanism upon generating the electrical energy, wherein the power supply unit is adapted to supply power for an operation to the clutch control unit. Furthermore, the method also includes recharging the power supply unit by supplying the corresponding electrical energy to the corresponding power supply unit, upon detecting the drop in the energy storage for controlling the clutch operation.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of a system for controlling a clutch operation in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a power management unit operatively coupled to a clutch control unit of the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a viscous clutch fan system depicting an application of the system for controlling the clutch operation of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a vehicle system depicting an application of the viscous clutch fan system of FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a clutch operation control computer or a clutch operation control server in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 (a) is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method for controlling a clutch operation in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 (b) is a flow chart representing continued steps involved in a method of FIG. 6 (a) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system for controlling a clutch operation. As used herein, the term “clutch” is defined as a mechanical device that engages and disengages power transmission, especially from a drive shaft (driving shaft) to a driven shaft. Basically, the clutch connects and disconnects two rotating shafts. Every vehicle possesses a system for controlling the clutch operation. However, one or more parts of the system and a process or a method of operation may vary based on one or more factors such as a cost of the vehicle, a requirement of a user of the vehicle, or the like. Further, the system described hereafter in FIG. 1 is the system for controlling the clutch operation, wherein the system may be an improved system in comparison to a conventional system.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of a system (10) for controlling a clutch operation in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (10) includes a clutch control unit (20). The clutch control unit (20) is operatively coupled to a clutch (30) of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the operative coupling between the clutch control unit (20) and the clutch (30) may correspond to an electrical coupling for enabling the clutch control unit (20) and the clutch (30) to exchange data in a form of one or more digital signals, one or more electrical signals, or the like. In one exemplary embodiment, the operatively coupling between the clutch control unit (20) and the clutch (30) may be established via a detachable connector. Also, in an embodiment, the clutch (30) may include a viscous clutch. As used herein, the term “viscous clutch” refers to a clutch that uses a viscous coupling mechanism to couple a driving element with a driven element to support a clutch operation. The clutch control unit (20) is configured to receive one or more parameters sensed via one or more sensors during an operation of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the one or more parameters may include at least one of one or more clutch parameters, one or more vehicle parameters, and the like. In one exemplary embodiment, the one or more clutch parameters may include at least one of rotational speed associated with the clutch (30), magnetic field associated with the clutch (30), an electrical energy associated with the clutch (30), and the like. Also, in one exemplary embodiment, the one or more vehicle parameters may include at least one of temperature of an engine of the vehicle, a location of the vehicle, and the like.

Further, in one embodiment, the one or more sensors may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a hall-effect sensor, a speed detection sensor, a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor, one or more Internet of Things (loT) sensors, and the like. The clutch control unit (20) is also configured to transmit the corresponding one or more parameters to a processing subsystem (40) using a predefined transmission mechanism. In an embodiment, knowing a GPS location of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle may be using the system (10) proposed in the present disclosure, may be important because the GPS location may assist in knowing a terrain of the vehicle. Further, the terrain of the vehicle may assist in knowing distance covered by the corresponding vehicle, wherein knowing the distance may assist in validation of the clutch.

In one embodiment, the processing subsystem (40) may be hosted on a server. In one exemplary embodiment, the server may include a cloud server. In another exemplary embodiment, the server may include a local server. The processing subsystem (40) is configured to execute on a network (not shown in FIG. 1) to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules. In one embodiment, the network may include a wired network such as a local area network (LAN). In another embodiment, the network may include a wireless network such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Zigbee, near field communication (NFC), infrared communication, or the like.

In another embodiment, the processing subsystem (40) may be hosted on a mobile device. In such embodiment, the mobile device may include a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop, or the like. In such embodiment, when the processing subsystem (40) may be hosted on the mobile device, the system (10) may be tested to check for proper functioning of the system (10) by a supplier, a manufacturer, or the like.

In yet another embodiment, the processing subsystem (40) may be hosted on a vehicle electronic control unit. In such embodiment, the vehicle electronic control unit may correspond to an electronic control unit (ECU). As used herein, the term “electronic control unit” refers to a small device inside of a vehicle that is responsible for controlling a specific function associated with the vehicle. The ECU basically, receives one or more inputs from one or more parts of the vehicle, depending on the specific function. Then, the ECU would communicate with one or more actuators to perform one or more actions based on the one or more inputs.

Further, in yet another embodiment, the processing subsystem (40) may be hosted on the one or more loT devices. In one exemplary embodiment, the one or more loT devices may include smart mobile phones, smart remote-control devices, smart sensors, smartwatches, or the like. In one exemplary embodiment, the clutch control unit (20) may be a wireless device, wherein the clutch control unit (20) may be communicatively coupled to the processing subsystem (40) via a wireless medium. The wireless medium may be air which uses electromagnetic signals such as radio frequency signals, microwave signals, or the like for transmission of data between the clutch control unit (20) and the processing subsystem (40). The data here may refer to the one or more parameters received by the clutch control unit (20). Therefore, the predefined transmission mechanism may correspond to a mechanism that uses the electromagnetic signals for the transmission of data. Also, the clutch control unit (20) may have a predefined circuitry, wherein the predefined circuitry may be designed for converting a form of the one or more parameters to the electromagnetic signals. Further, the corresponding electromagnetic signals may be transmitted to the processing subsystem (40) using the predefined transmission mechanism.

Upon transmitting the one or more parameters to the processing subsystem (40), the processing subsystem (40) may have to analyze and respond accordingly. Therefore, the processing subsystem (40) includes a trigger generation module (50). The trigger generation module (50) is configured to receive the one or more parameters from the clutch control unit (20) upon registration. In one embodiment, a user may be able to monitor, and control an operation of the clutch control unit (20) via the processing subsystem (40) upon registration with the system (10). Therefore, the processing subsystem (40) may include a registration module operatively coupled to the trigger generation module (50). The registration module may be configured to register the user with the system (10) upon receiving a plurality of user details via a user device. The plurality of user details may include at least one of a username, contact details, a location of the user device, and the like. In one exemplary embodiment, the plurality of user details may be stored in a database, wherein the database may be a local database or a cloud database. In one embodiment, the user device may correspond to the mobile device.

The one or more parameters may also be stored in the database. The trigger generation module (50) is also configured to identify a deviation in the one or more parameters by comparing a value of the corresponding one or more parameters with a corresponding preferred value based on predefined criteria. In one embodiment, the predefined criteria may include one or more conditions associated with the one or more parameters. In one exemplary embodiment, the one or more conditions may include increasing a rotational speed associated with the clutch (30) when a current speed value of the corresponding rotational speed may be less than a preferred speed value. In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more conditions may include decreasing the rotational speed associated with the clutch (30) when the current speed value of the corresponding rotational speed may be greater than the preferred speed value.

Upon identifying the deviation, the clutch operation may have to be controlled. Therefore, the trigger generation module (50) is also configured to generate a trigger signal corresponding to controlling of the clutch operation upon identification of the corresponding deviation. Further, the processing subsystem (40) also includes a controlling module (60) operatively coupled to the trigger generation module (50). The controlling module (60) is configured to generate a control signal corresponding to an indication for setting the corresponding one or more parameters to the corresponding preferred value, upon receiving the trigger signal.

In one embodiment, the control signal may correspond to a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. As used herein, the term “pulse width modulation” refers to a modulation technique that uses a rectangular pulse wave whose pulse width is modulated resulting in a variation of an average value of the waveform. Therefore, in one exemplary embodiment, the PWM signal may be used to control the rotational speed associated with the clutch (30). Based on a pulse width of the PWM signal, the rotational speed associated with the clutch (30) may be varied. Therefore, the PWM signal may be generated for setting the corresponding one or more parameters to the corresponding preferred value. The control signal is transmitted to the clutch control unit (20) using the predefined transmission mechanism. Thus, the control signal may be converted to the electromagnetic signals to enable the transmission from the processing subsystem (40) to the clutch control unit (20) via the controlling module (60).

The clutch control unit (20) is configured to control the clutch operation by setting the corresponding one or more parameters to the corresponding preferred value using a predefined controlling mechanism, upon receiving the control signal. In one embodiment, the predefined controlling mechanism may correspond to a mechanism of converting the electromagnetic signals received back to the PWM signal so that the PWM signal can be transmitted to the clutch (30) for controlling the corresponding one or more parameters. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the clutch control unit (20) may include a microcontroller unit and a radio frequency (RF) module. In such embodiment, the microcontroller unit may be adapted to convert the electromagnetic signals such as RF signals to PWM signals, and the RF module may be adapted to convert the PWM signals to the electromagnetic signals such as the RF signals.

Subsequently, the system (10) also includes a power management unit (70) operatively coupled to the clutch control unit (20). The power management unit (70) is configured to generate an electrical energy from the clutch operation using an electrical energy generation mechanism, by operatively coupling an electrical energy generation unit with a shaft of the clutch (30). The power management unit (70) is also configured to detect a drop in an energy storage associated with a power supply unit (80) using a predefined energy measurement mechanism upon generating the electrical energy. Further, the power management unit (70) is also configured to recharge the power supply unit (80) by supplying the corresponding electrical energy to the corresponding power supply unit (80), upon detecting the drop in the energy storage for controlling the clutch operation.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the power management unit (70) operatively coupled to the clutch control unit (20) of the system (10) of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Suppose the clutch operation may be a rotational operation. Then, the operative coupling between the electrical energy generation unit (90) with the shaft (100) may correspond to electromagnetic coupling. Therefore, in an embodiment, the electrical energy generation unit (90) may include an electromagnet assembly (110). The electromagnet assembly (110) may include a rotor body (not shown in FIG. 2) being directly coupled to the shaft (100) and a stator assembly (120) positioned surrounding the rotator assembly. The rotor body may be composed of metal. Further, the stator assembly (120) may include a stator body (130) and one or more permanent magnets (not shown in FIG. 2) placed on an inner surface of the stator body (130) in a predefined manner. Upon rotation of the shaft (100), an interaction between the rotor body and the stator assembly (120) may generate the electrical energy.

In one embodiment, the clutch control unit (20) may be electrically coupled to the power supply unit (80). The power supply unit (80) is adapted to supply power for an operation to the clutch control unit (20). The electrical energy generated may be supplied to the power supply unit (80). In one embodiment, the power supply unit (80) may include a battery, wherein the battery may be a rechargeable battery. In one exemplary embodiment, the rechargeable battery may be a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. In one exemplary embodiment, the energy capacity of the rechargeable battery may correspond to about 12 volts (V) to about 24 V. Further, the power management unit (70) detects the drop in the energy storage associated with the power supply unit (80) using the predefined energy measurement mechanism upon generating the electrical energy. In one embodiment, the predefined energy measurement mechanism may correspond to a mechanism that uses a circuitry having at least one of one or more capacitors, one or more resistors, one or more voltage regulators, one or more switches, and the like to measure the energy storage or any variation in the energy storage of the power supply unit (80). Basically, in an embodiment, the circuitry may be referred to as a cut-in and cut-off circuit, as the corresponding circuitry decides on whether charging is required or not based on energy storage in the power supply unit (80). Finally, the power management unit (70) recharges the power supply unit (80) by supplying the corresponding electrical energy to the corresponding power supply unit (80), upon detecting the drop in the energy storage for controlling the clutch operation.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a viscous clutch fan system (140) depicting an application of the system (10) for controlling the clutch operation of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The viscous clutch fan system (140) includes the viscous clutch (150). The viscous clutch (150) includes the shaft (100) adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation upon an operation of the viscous clutch (150). The viscous clutch (150) also includes a driving part (160) arranged rotatably on the shaft (100). Further, the viscous clutch (150) also includes a viscous coupling chamber (165) positioned adjacent to the driving part (160). Furthermore, the viscous clutch (150) also includes a driven part (170) operatively coupled to the shaft (100) via the viscous coupling chamber (165). The driven part (170) includes a cooling fan (190). The cooling fan (190) is adapted to rotate at a predefined rotational speed based on the predefined criteria upon engagement or disengagement between the driving part (160) and the driven part (170). In one embodiment, the viscous coupling chamber (165) may receive a viscous fluid during the engagement between the driving part (160) and the driven part (170), thereby enabling the cooling fan (190) to rotate. The viscous coupling chamber (165) may eject the viscous fluid out of the viscous coupling chamber (165) during the disengagement between the driving part (160) and the driven part (170), thereby stopping the cooling fan (190) from rotating. In one embodiment, the viscous fluid may include oil.

The viscous clutch fan system (140) also includes the clutch control unit (20) operatively coupled to the viscous clutch (150) of the vehicle via the driving part (160). The clutch control unit (20) is configured to receive the one or more parameters sensed via the one or more sensors during the operation of the vehicle. The clutch control unit (20) is also configured to transmit the corresponding one or more parameters to the processing subsystem (40) using the predefined transmission mechanism. The processing subsystem (40) is configured to execute on the network to control bidirectional communications among the plurality of modules.

The processing subsystem (40) includes the trigger generation module (50). The trigger generation module (50) is configured to receive the one or more parameters from the clutch control unit (20) upon registration. Therefore, the processing subsystem (40) also includes the registration module (200) operatively coupled to the trigger generation module (50). The registration module (200) may be configured to register the user (210) with the system (10) upon receiving the plurality of user details via the user device (220). The plurality of user details and the one or more parameters may be stored in the database (230).

The trigger generation module (50) is also configured to identify the deviation in the one or more parameters by comparing the value of the corresponding one or more parameters with the corresponding preferred value based on the predefined criteria. Further, the trigger generation module (50) is also configured to generate the trigger signal corresponding to controlling of the clutch operation upon identification of the corresponding deviation. The processing subsystem (40) also includes the controlling module (60) operatively coupled to the trigger generation module (50). The controlling module (60) is configured to generate the control signal corresponding to the indication for setting the corresponding one or more parameters to the corresponding preferred value, upon receiving the trigger signal. The control signal is transmitted to the clutch control unit (20) using the predefined transmission mechanism. The clutch control unit (20) is configured to control the clutch operation by setting the corresponding one or more parameters to the corresponding preferred value using the predefined controlling mechanism, upon receiving the control signal.

The viscous clutch fan system (140) also includes the power management unit (70) operatively coupled to the clutch control unit (20). The power management unit (70) is configured to generate the electrical energy from the clutch operation using the electrical energy generation mechanism, by operatively coupling the electrical energy generation unit (90) with the shaft (100) of the viscous clutch (150). The power management unit (70) is also configured to detect the drop in the energy storage associated with the power supply unit (80) using the predefined energy measurement mechanism upon generating the electrical energy. The power supply unit (80) is adapted to supply power for the operation to the clutch control unit (20). Further, the power management unit (70) is also configured to recharge the power supply unit (80) by supplying the corresponding electrical energy to the corresponding power supply unit (80), upon detecting the drop in the energy storage for controlling the clutch operation.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a vehicle system (240) depicting an application of the viscous clutch fan system (140) of FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle system (240) includes a chassis. The chassis is configured to provide a structure to a vehicle (250). In one embodiment, the vehicle (250) may be a two-wheeled vehicle, a four-wheeled vehicle, or the like. More specifically, in one exemplary embodiment, the vehicle (250) may include car, truck, bus, or the like. The vehicle system (240) also includes an engine operatively coupled to the chassis. The engine is configured to power the vehicle (250) to enable an operation of the vehicle (250). Further, the vehicle system (240) also includes the viscous clutch fan system (140) operatively coupled to the engine. The viscous clutch fan system (140) is adapted to control temperature of the engine based on the predefined criteria during the operation of the vehicle (250).

The viscous clutch fan system (140) includes the viscous clutch (150). The viscous clutch (150) includes the shaft (100) adapted to rotate about the axis of rotation upon the operation of the viscous clutch (150). The viscous clutch (150) also includes the driving part (160) arranged rotatably on the shaft (100). Further, the viscous clutch (150) also includes the viscous coupling chamber (165) positioned adjacent to the driving part (160). Furthermore, the viscous clutch (150) also includes the driven part (170) operatively coupled to the shaft (100) via the viscous coupling chamber (165). The driven part (170) includes the cooling fan (190). The cooling fan (190) is adapted to rotate at the predefined rotational speed based on the predefined criteria upon engagement or disengagement between the driving part (160) and the driven part (170).

The viscous clutch fan system (140) also includes the clutch control unit (20) operatively coupled to the viscous clutch (150) of the vehicle (250) via the driving part (160). The clutch control unit (20) is configured to receive the one or more parameters sensed via the one or more sensors during the operation of the vehicle (250). The clutch control unit (20) is also configured to transmit the corresponding one or more parameters to the processing subsystem (40) using the predefined transmission mechanism. The processing subsystem (40) is configured to execute on the network to control bidirectional communications among the plurality of modules.

The processing subsystem (40) includes the trigger generation module (50). The trigger generation module (50) is configured to receive the one or more parameters from the clutch control unit (20) upon registration. Therefore, the processing subsystem (40) also includes the registration module (200) operatively coupled to the trigger generation module (50). The registration module (200) may be configured to register the user (210) with the system (10) upon receiving the plurality of user details via the user device (220). The plurality of user details and the one or more parameters may be stored in the database (230).

The trigger generation module (50) is also configured to identify the deviation in the one or more parameters by comparing the value of the corresponding one or more parameters with the corresponding preferred value based on the predefined criteria. Further, the trigger generation module (50) is also configured to generate the trigger signal corresponding to controlling of the clutch operation upon identification of the corresponding deviation. The processing subsystem (40) also includes the controlling module (60) operatively coupled to the trigger generation module (50). The controlling module (60) is configured to generate the control signal corresponding to an indication for setting the corresponding one or more parameters to the corresponding preferred value, upon receiving the trigger signal. The control signal is transmitted to the clutch control unit (20) using the predefined transmission mechanism. The clutch control unit (20) is configured to control the clutch operation by setting the corresponding one or more parameters to the corresponding preferred value using the predefined controlling mechanism, upon receiving the control signal.

The viscous clutch fan system (140) also includes the power management unit (70) operatively coupled to the clutch control unit (20). The power management unit (70) is configured to generate the electrical energy from the clutch operation using the electrical energy generation mechanism, by operatively coupling the electrical energy generation unit (90) with the shaft (100) of the viscous clutch (150). The power management unit (70) is also configured to detect the drop in the energy storage associated with the power supply unit (80) using the predefined energy measurement mechanism upon generating the electrical energy. The power supply unit (80) is adapted to supply power for the operation to the clutch control unit (20). Further, the power management unit (70) is also configured to recharge the power supply unit (80) by supplying the corresponding electrical energy to the corresponding power supply unit (80), upon detecting the drop in the energy storage for controlling the clutch operation.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a clutch operation control computer or a clutch operation control server (260) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The clutch operation control server (260) includes processor(s) (270), and memory (280) operatively coupled to a bus (290). The processor(s) (270), as used herein, means any type of computational circuit, such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing microprocessor, a very long instruction word microprocessor, an explicitly parallel instruction computing microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or any other type of processing circuit, or a combination thereof.

Computer memory elements may include any suitable memory device(s) for storing data and executable program, such as read only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable read only memory, electrically erasable programmable read only memory, hard drive, removable media drive for handling memory cards and the like. Embodiments of the present subject matter may be implemented in conjunction with program modules, including functions, procedures, data structures, and application programs, for performing tasks, or defining abstract data types or low-level hardware contexts. Executable program stored on any of the above-mentioned storage media may be executable by the processor(s) (270).

The memory (280) includes a plurality of subsystems stored in the form of executable program which instructs the processor(s) (270) to perform method steps illustrated in FIG. 6 (a) and FIG. 6 (b). The memory (280) includes a processing subsystem (40) of FIG 1. The processing subsystem (40) further has following modules: a trigger generation module (50) and a controlling module (60).

The trigger generation module (50) is configured to receive the one or more parameters from the clutch control unit (20) upon registration. The trigger generation module (50) is also configured to identify a deviation in the one or more parameters by comparing a value of the corresponding one or more parameters with a corresponding preferred value based on predefined criteria. The trigger generation module (50) is also configured to generate a trigger signal corresponding to controlling of the clutch operation upon identification of the corresponding deviation.

The controlling module (60) is configured to generate a control signal corresponding to an indication for setting the corresponding one or more parameters to the corresponding preferred value, upon receiving the trigger signal. The control signal is transmitted to the clutch control unit (20) using the predefined transmission mechanism.

FIG. 6 (a) is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method (310) for controlling a clutch operation in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 (b) is a flow chart representing continued steps involved in the method (310) of FIG. 6 (a) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (310) includes receiving one or more parameters sensed via one or more sensors during an operation of a vehicle in step 320. In one embodiment, receiving the one or more parameters may include receiving the one or more parameters via a clutch control unit (20). In one exemplary embodiment, receiving the one or more parameters may include receiving the one or more parameters including at least one of one or more clutch parameters, one or more vehicle parameters, and the like.

The method (310) also includes transmitting the corresponding one or more parameters to a processing subsystem using a predefined transmission mechanism in step 330. In one embodiment, transmitting the corresponding one or more parameters may include transmitting the corresponding one or more parameters via the clutch control unit (20).

Further, the method (310) includes receiving the one or more parameters from the clutch control unit (20) upon registration in step 340. In one embodiment, receiving the one or more parameters may include receiving the one or more parameters via a trigger generation module (50) of the processing subsystem.

Furthermore, the method (310) also includes identifying a deviation in the one or more parameters by comparing a value of the corresponding one or more parameters with a corresponding preferred value based on predefined criteria in step 350. In one embodiment, identifying the deviation may include identifying the deviation via the trigger generation module (50) of the processing subsystem.

Furthermore, the method (310) also includes generating a trigger signal corresponding to controlling of the clutch operation upon identification of the corresponding deviation in step 360. In one embodiment, generating the trigger signal ma include generating the trigger signal via the trigger generation module (50) of the processing subsystem.

Furthermore, the method (310) also includes generating a control signal corresponding to an indication for setting the corresponding one or more parameters to the corresponding preferred value, upon receiving the trigger signal in step 370. In one embodiment, generating the control signal may include generating the control signal via a controlling module (60) of the processing subsystem. Furthermore, the method (310) also includes transmitting the control signal to the clutch control unit using the predefined transmission mechanism in step 380.

Furthermore, the method (310) also includes controlling the clutch operation by setting the corresponding one or more parameters to the corresponding preferred value using a predefined controlling mechanism, upon receiving the control signal in step 390. In one embodiment, controlling the clutch operation may include controlling the clutch operation via the clutch control unit (20).

Furthermore, the method (310) also includes generating an electrical energy from the clutch operation using an electrical energy generation mechanism, by operatively coupling an electrical energy generation unit with a shaft of the clutch in step 400. In one embodiment, generating the electrical energy may include generating the electrical energy via a power management unit (70).

Furthermore, the method (310) also includes detecting a drop in an energy storage associated with a power supply unit using a predefined energy measurement mechanism upon generating the electrical energy, wherein the power supply unit is adapted to supply power for an operation to the clutch control unit in step 410. In one embodiment, detecting the drop in the energy storage may include detecting the drop in the energy storage via the power management unit (70).

Furthermore, the method (310) also includes recharging the power supply unit by supplying the corresponding electrical energy to the corresponding power supply unit, upon detecting the drop in the energy storage for controlling the clutch operation in step 420. In one embodiment, recharging the power supply unit may include recharging the power supply unit via the power management unit (70).

Various embodiments of the present disclosure enable the system to control the clutch operation wirelessly and remotely, thereby maintaining a continuous connection between the clutch and the clutch control unit, so that the clutch can be controlled continuously. Also, the viscous clutch fan system enables a cooling system of the vehicle to perform efficiently as a cooling effect can be regulated based on the temperature of the engine of the vehicle because of the corresponding continuous connection. Further, the vehicle having the viscous clutch fan system becomes more stable and advanced as there is continuous regulation of the cooling system happening via the clutch control unit of the viscous clutch fan system.

While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.