Dog Clutch actuator Control to mitigate NVH

Dog clutches have long been employed in the automotive industry across various applications, including transmission systems, transfer cases, axle disconnects, and hybrid driveline architectures. Their ability to provide direct mechanical engagement makes them ideal for torque transmission with minimal energy loss. However, the transition between engaged and disengaged states can introduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), which may be perceptible to vehicle occupants and affect overall driving comfort. A typical dog clutch relies on interlocking teeth for torque transfer, and its actuation can result in NVH due to factors such as friction between mating surfaces, backlash between engagement components, teeth-on-teeth contact during synchronization, and impact forces during clutch engagement. This paper presents Stellantis’s approach to controlling the actuator system to mitigate NVH effects during clutch engagement and disengagement, focusing on strategies that enhance drivability and system refinement in electrified vehicle platforms.