Nonlinear estimation method of a self-energizing clutch actuator load

Clutch torque estimation is an important problem in automotive transmission control. The self-energizing clutch actuator system has a novel mechanism to amplify the clutch torque for reducing actuation energy. The nonlinear disturbance observer is designed such that the clutch torque is estimated with guaranteeing asymptotic convergence by using the actuation motor measurement signal. The simulation result shows that the developed method is useful to identify the load characteristics of a self-energizing clutch actuator system in comparison with the result of proportional-integrative type observer.