Clutch State Research Articles

Evaluating a Model of Flow and Clutch Optimal Psychological States in Adventure Recreation

Adventure recreation is a growing form of leisure associated with optimal psychological states reported to involve intensely pleasant emotions, optimal functioning, and a sense of achievement or fulfillment. However, much of the research on this topic has primarily focused on singular optimal state models (e.g. flow, peak experience), which have often been developed and refined in traditional sport contexts. This study investigated the potential utility of a multiple optimal state model (i.e. flow and clutch) for understanding optimal psychological states experienced across a range of adventure recreation activities (e.g. rockclimbing, snowboarding, white-water kayaking). Data were collected with 20 participants (mean age = 35.7 years, SD = 10.7) via the Scanlan Collaborative Interview Method. While flow and clutch states were reported to both involve an immersive, present moment focus, flow states were characterized by expanded attentional focus, connection to nature, effortlessness, and intuitive, pleasurable movements, whereas clutch states were characterized by a narrow focus on achieving a difficult outcome and deliberate thinking about bodily movements, followed by a sense of achievement. The findings are used to propose an expanded model of flow and clutch states that identifies the unique antecedents, characteristics, and consequences of flow and clutch optimal states in adventure recreation contexts.

Validated Questionnaires in Flow Theory: A Systematic Review

Psychological flow has been measured in several areas to analyse to what extent users are engaged in particular tasks, and is relevant in the design of products like software, videogames, and eLearning courses. Although there is an unknown number of questionnaires for evaluating different aspects of psychological flow, the research problem faced in this paper is the analysis of the validity of these questionnaires, since it has only been probed for some of them. Thus, our goal is to synthesize the current evidence regarding validated questionnaires in the English language for psychological flow measurement by conducting a systematic review according to the PRISMA framework. As a result, we found a total number of 34 validated questionnaires to assess flow. The number of their items ranged from 3 to 66, while 63 different dimensions of optimal experiences were taken into consideration. Moreover, the contexts of use differed, including methods to assess flow intensity, prevalence, variations, proneness, metacognitions, in crowds, observed, as dimensions of autotelic personalities, or to differentiate flow from clutch states. As a consequence, this paper facilitates the selection of the questionnaires for research or applied aims, far beyond the classic dichotomy of prevalence–proneness. Moreover, we present a reinterpretation of the nine-dimensional scheme of flow in stages, and recommend future research for engineering and computer science.

Is mobile gaming a new pillar of esports? Exploring players' in-game purchases in PC and mobile platforms by using flow and clutch

PurposeThe tremendous market growth of mobile platforms for esports underscores the need to understand players' psychological states and consumption behavior. Based on flow theory, this study examines players' psychological states (flow and clutch experiences) and consumption behavior based on the interaction effects of playing frequency, playing duration and players' levels on the PC (LOL – League of Legends) and mobile (LOLWR – League of Legends: Wild Rift) versions of the same esports title.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 930 valid responses and analyzed with confirmatory factor analysis and multiple regression (PROCESS macro, Model 3).FindingsThere are two main findings. First, across PC and mobile participants, casual gamers (low playing frequency and duration) have firm purchase intention when they have a clutch experience, but flow experience hinders their purchasing intention. Second, hardcore gamers' (high playing frequency and duration) psychological states are clearly distinguished according to technological platforms. Flow experience is the most effective for their purchase intention in the PC platform, but both flow and clutch states are important in the mobile platform. Flow experience is essential overall for hardcore gamers to intend their in-game item purchasing.Originality/valueThis study has two primary originality/values. First, this study explores flow and clutch together to measure psychological states and the impact on the purchase intention of in-game items. Second, the interacting effects of playing frequency, duration, and skill level with technical platforms (i.e. PC and mobile) for esports gaming.

Real-time energy management strategy for a plug-in hybrid electric bus considering the battery degradation

The energy conservation remains the key issue for the hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) today. However, most existing energy management strategies (EMS) only focus on the fuel consumption or battery preservation, and little considers the battery health. Besides, the global energy optimality and real-time execution are two trade-off counterparts for the EMS application. To this end, this paper proposed a real time EMS of the HEVs considering the battery health. Explicitly, the battery health status and SOC values are predicted with the space vector machine algorithm and adaptive Kalman filter algorithm, respectively. Then, the offline energy optimization is realized with the Pontryagin's minimum principle; thereby, the offline energy conversion coefficient can be further extracted into the simple rules. On this basis, the online equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS) is adopted to output the optimal control variables including the motor torque, engine torque, clutch states and gear information. Besides, to apply the proposed EMS in the practical vehicles, the energy conversion coefficients are further modified according to the estimated battery state of the charge (SOC). The simulation and experimental tests have validated the superiority of the proposed EMS in terms of energy economy and maneuverability. Explicitly, the proposed EMS considering the battery degradation has effectively prevented the SOC trajectory into charge-sustaining stage earlier and meanwhile the fuel utilization is improved by 4.1 % than that without considering the battery degradation. Besides, compared with the existing ECMS method, the proposed EMS can reduce the fuel consumption by about 8–14 % and meanwhile enhance the handling adaptiveness by about 15–20 %. In general, the proposed EMS is of significance to the vehicular energy conservation and the real-time executability for the HEVs.

Optimal psychological states in advanced climbers: Antecedents, characteristics, and consequences of flow and clutch states

ObjectivesOptimal psychological states (e.g., flow) are particularly valued by rock-climbers. The integrated model of flow and clutch states has shown promise for better understanding optimal states in sport psychology. The current study examined the antecedents, characteristics, and consequences of these states among rock-climbers in relation to the integrated model. A secondary objective was to compare optimal psychological states across outdoor and indoor rock-climbing contexts. DesignA sequential-explanatory (QUAN → qual) design was used. MethodNine male and four female advanced rock-climbers completed a flow questionnaire immediately after every climbing route during two separate climbing sessions (i.e., one outdoor, one indoor). Intensity sampling was used to identify participants for 13 semi-structured interviews, based on high- or low-score thresholds established by the research team. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and abductive reasoning. ResultsParticipants reported an optimal state during at least one of their climbs in 72% of their outdoor sessions and 40% of their indoor sessions. A focus on exploring routes was reported as preceding flow states, which were characterised by enjoyment of effortless movement for its own sake. In contrast, specific goals and additional risk-based pressure were reported as preceding clutch states, which were described as exerting maximal effort. After experiencing flow, participants reported additional vitality. Following clutch states, participants reported feeling accomplished, despite reporting exhaustion. ConclusionsThis study suggests potential antecedents, characteristics, and consequences of two distinct, yet overlapping, optimal states that appear to occur during both indoor and outdoor climbing. Findings extend understanding of the integrated flow and clutch state model beyond traditional sport and exercise contexts and demonstrates the utility of the model for adventure recreation. Recommendations for future research include testing, refining, and expanding the integrated model of flow and clutch.

The Flow-Clutch Scale: Development and preliminary validation in sport and exercise

ObjectivesThe Integrated Model of Flow and Clutch States describes two overlapping psychological states that underlie exceptional performance and rewarding exercise experiences. However, research based on this model is currently hampered because no validated measure has yet been developed. Therefore, the aim of this multi-study paper was to develop and provide preliminary validation of the Flow-Clutch Scale in sport and exercise. DesignUsing two independent adult samples (n = 280; n = 264), three studies were conducted to develop and establish preliminary validity of the Flow-Clutch Scale. MethodIn Study 1, we developed an initial version of the scale and established content validity using an expert panel. In Study 2, we employed exploratory factor analysis to: identify the most appropriate factor structure; examine the scale’s internal consistency; test whether the scale differentiated between individuals who experience flow, clutch, or neither state; and examine relationships with the Flow State Scale-2. In Study 3, we aimed to replicate findings of Study 2 with an independent sample, and employed confirmatory factor analysis to confirm the factor structure, internal consistency, and relationships with the Flow State Scale-2. ResultsThe results provide preliminary validation of the four-factor, 22-item Flow-Clutch Scale. ConclusionsThese studies indicate the Flow-Clutch Scale represents a useful scale for researchers interested in examining flow and/or clutch states in sport and exercise. Recommendations are provided for further research to continue testing, and accumulating evidence for, the validity and reliability of the Flow-Clutch Scale.

Integrating models of self-regulation and optimal experiences: A qualitative study into flow and clutch states in recreational distance running

ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to understand the self-regulatory processes facilitating optimal experiences in running by integrating models of self-regulation with flow and clutch states. MethodUsing an event-focused approach, we interviewed 16 runners less than one day on average after recreational running activities (M = 22.17 hours later, range = 3–46) they described as positive, rewarding experiences. Our analysis drew on principles for thematic and connecting analyses. ResultsWe structured our analysis of the self-regulatory processes facilitating flow and clutch states into three overarching themes: forethought; monitoring; and control. Flow was facilitated by intrinsic experiential motives and non-specific goals, whereas clutch states involved an intrinsic motive to accomplish specific goals. The perceived ease and pleasure during flow motivated runners to continue this experience, which appeared to be aided by active and involuntary distraction. Conversely, clutch states were described as more effortful and less pleasant during the run, with active self-regulation strategies used to exert control over cognition and manage feelings of difficulty. Attending to specific outward or internal sensory stimuli appeared to initiate changes that contributed to the disruption of flow, although many runners described transitioning into a clutch state after flow disruption. No runner reported transitioning from a clutch state into flow. ConclusionsOur study offers novel insights into optimal experiences in running by integrating models of self-regulation with flow and clutch states. We discuss how these insights can inform research and applied practice seeking to develop interventions for promoting optimal experiences during running.

Predictive Energy Management of Hybrid Electric Vehicles via Multi-Layer Control

This paper presents predictive energy management of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) via computationally efficient multi-layer control. First, we formulate an optimization problem by considering driveability and a penalty for using service brakes in the objective function to optimize gear, engine on/off, engine clutch state, and power-split decisions subject to constraints on the battery state of charge (SOC) and charge sustenance. Then, we split it into two control layers, including a supervisory control in a higher layer and a local power-split control in a lower layer. In the supervisory layer, a gear and powertrain mode manager (PM) is designed, and optimal gear, engine on/off and clutch states are obtained by using a combination of dynamic programming (DP) and Pontryagin's minimum principle (PMP). Moreover, a real-time iteration Secant method is proposed to calculate optimal battery costate such that the constraint on charge sustenance is satisfied. In the local controller layer, a linear quadratic tracking method (LQT) is used to optimally split power between the engine and the electric machine and keep battery SOC within its bounds.

Coordinated Torque, Energy and Clutch Control Strategy for Downshifts in P2 Parallel xHEV Powertrains

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">This paper describes a methodology for investigating the controls coordination of clutch and propulsion torque sources relative to clutch energy, electrification energy consumption and output torque profile for offgoing controlled downshifts in P2 parallel xHEV powertrain configurations. The focus is on an 8 speed planetary automatic transmission, but the approach is equally applicable to any powerflow design with clutch-to-clutch shifting. The modeling technique is for an overall control strategy relative to achieving a targeted transmission input speed profile. A reduced order model of the transmission system is presented that accounts for input shaft acceleration and compensation of inertial contributions to offgoing clutch torque and transmission output torque. The coordinated control of offgoing clutch, engine and P2 electric motor torques are explored in the context of power on and off downshifts for clutch energy, P2 energy consumption and output torque trajectory that directly translates to responsiveness and/or perceived shift quality. The presence of a torque converter and lockup clutch and the influence of the lockup clutch state control on downshifting coordination and torque disturbance is also incorporated in the analysis. Potential improvements in downshift response, clutch controllability and output torque trajectory are provided for the particular 8 speed transmission powerflow considered. The methodology presented can easily be applied to any clutch-to-clutch transmission architecture and powerflow, whether planetary, dual clutch or other.</div></div>

Clutch-Based Hypnotic Intervention to Improve Golf Performance: A Case Study

ABSTRACT This case study examined the effects of a clutch-based hypnotic intervention on the performance and experience of a senior PGA tour golfer. The intervention encompassed hypnosis, regression imagery, a trigger control technique, and a preshot routine. Golf performance data were analyzed using a single-subject design. The results indicated that the player’s mean stroke average decreased from baseline to postintervention. The qualitative data suggests that the hypnotic intervention may help golfers regulate emotions, thoughts, feelings, and perceptions associated with a clutch state experience.

Mode Transition Coordination Control for PHEV Based on Cascade Predictive Method

In terms of parallel hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), adverse effects resulting from jerk and clutch frictional loss during mode transition operating could damage the ride comfort of passengers and clutch lifespan. To tackle these issues, a coordination control strategy based on cascade predictive control method is presented in this paper. Firstly, dynamic models of PHEV during different mode transition periods are discussed based on characteristics of power sources and clutch states. Secondly, based on the proposed transition models at different stages, model predictive control is considered based on multi-constraints including jerk restriction and physical constraints of dynamic components aiming to reduce the vehicle jerk and clutch frictional loss. Thirdly, in order to realize an accurate and fast response to engine torque, a cascade PID-based controller with high sampling frequency is employed to compensate the engine torque, and further to achieve a smooth mode transition process. Finally, the proposed control strategy is simulated and verified by co-simulation with Matlab/Simulink and Cruise, whose results show that the proposed methods can reduce the vehicle jerk and clutch frictional loss effectively.

Optimal experiences in exercise: A qualitative investigation of flow and clutch states

ObjectivesUnderstanding how to promote rewarding exercise experiences is important for attempts to help individuals be physically active. This qualitative study aimed to investigate the optimal psychological states experienced during rewarding exercise activities. Specifically, participants were interviewed as soon as possible after recent, rewarding exercise experiences in order to maximise detail and accuracy of recall. DesignEvent-focused qualitative study. MethodA sample of 18 individuals (Mage = 32.94 years) participated in event-focused, semi-structured interviews soon after a rewarding exercise experience (M = 2 days later). Data were analysed thematically, while strategies were employed to enhance trustworthiness. ResultsParticipants reported two distinct optimal experiences during rewarding exercise activities, matching descriptions of flow and clutch states. Flow occurred in contexts involving exploration, novelty/variation, and flexible outcomes, while the experience was described as enjoyable at the time, and involved lower perceived effort. Clutch states occurred in contexts involving achievement and pressure. Exercisers perceived clutch states to be enjoyable afterwards but not at the time, and to involve intense effort. Notable differences were apparent in the outcomes of each state in that flow had an energising effect, whereas clutch states were fatiguing. ConclusionsThis study presents evidence for flow and clutch states in exercise, supporting emerging research in sport. These findings provide insights into the occurrence, experience, and outcomes of flow and clutch states specifically from the exerciser’s perspective. Such insights can inform future research on flow and clutch states in this setting, and may provide strategies for reliably inducing each state during exercise.

Hybrid Electric Powertrain Design Methodology With Planetary Gear Sets for Performance and Fuel Economy

Planetary gear sets (PGs) play a key role in the design of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) because they allow the realization of many unique powertrain designs using a limited number of components. By leveraging the capability of this mechanical device, an automated design process for PG-based HEV systems focusing on both fuel economy and performance is introduced in this paper. The design process consists of five major stages. In the first stage, all possible powertrain modes of an HEV design are automatically generated with a given set of powertrain components. In the second stage, all powertrain types that can be formed with a given set of components are mathematically identified, and each feasible mode is classified under one of these powertrain types. In the third stage, computationally efficient linear programming solvers suitable for vector operations are developed for each powertrain type to assess the gradeability, launch torque, overtaking torque, and acceleration time of each mode for all PG gear ratio combinations. In the fourth stage, the combination of modes that meets the performance requirements, and the number and location of clutches that make these mode transitions possible, are explored. As a result, each potent mode combination, the clutches necessary for the mode transition, and the auxiliary modes established as a result of all clutch state combinations constitute a design that meets the performance criteria. In the last stage, the fuel economy improvement potential of each competent design is evaluated. The results show that light-duty truck performance requirements can be met by many two-PG HEV designs without sacrificing fuel economy if the appropriate analysis and synthesis techniques for exploring the entire design space are developed.

The effects of open vs. specific goals on flow and clutch states in a cognitive task

ObjectivesRecent qualitative evidence suggests that two optimal psychological states (flow and clutch) underlie excellent performance in sport. That research further suggests that the type of goal pursued influences which state is experienced. This study aimed to examine the effects of goal types (i.e., open, specific, and do-your-best goals) on flow and clutch states during performance in a cognitive task, which was developed and has been used in sport. Secondary aims were to investigate the effects of goal types on objective and subjective performance, confidence, and perceived challenge. DesignThis study employed a repeated measure design (mixed model). MethodParticipants (N = 95; Mage = 24.89, SD = 9.27) were randomised to one of three goal conditions and asked to perform a Letter and Number Identification Task, which was repeated for six attempts. ResultsParticipants prescribed open or do-your-best goals experienced significantly higher levels of flow than those prescribed specific goals, who conversely experienced significantly higher levels of clutch states. Participants assigned specific goals performed significantly better than those prescribed open or do-your-best goals. Those assigned open or do-your-best-goals reported greater perceived performance, higher confidence, and feeling more optimally challenged. ConclusionsThese findings provide experimental support for the role of goal types in determining flow and clutch states, and further understanding of the psychological effects of these goal types. Implications are discussed, and recommendations are made for future research into the role of goals in experiencing flow and clutch states in sport and exercise.

Systematically comparing methods used to study flow in sport: A longitudinal multiple-case study

ObjectivesThe study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of existing methods employed to collect experience-near data on flow in sport to develop a more robust approach to investigate the phenomenon in this context. DesignLongitudinal mixed method multiple-case study. MethodTen Irish athletes (M age = 25.12 years, SD ± 3.83) completed the Flow Questionnaire (FQ; Csikszentmihalyi & Larson, 1984) and the Flow State Scale-2 (FSS-2; Jackson & Eklund, 2004) following the completion of five competitive performances. Questionnaire responses were used to identify the occurrence of flow and sample individuals for event-focused interviews (total = 22), which were conducted as soon as possible after performances (M = 4.05 days). Data from the quantitative and qualitative phases were analysed independently prior to integrated dataset analysis using within-case and then cross-case analysis. ResultsFlow and clutch states were described by participants during event-focused interviews. Conducting multiple event-focused interviews provided novel insights into similarities and differences in participant experiences across numerous performance contexts. Integration of the questionnaire and interview data revealed issues with the discriminant validity of the FQ and the FSS-2, as the questionnaire contents represented the subjective experience reported by participants during flow and clutch states. ConclusionFindings highlight issues with the use of the FQ and FSS-2 to assess the flow experience and reinforce the importance of collecting qualitative data soon after performances until more valid quantitative measures are developed. The methodological issues that emerged are discussed in relation to the existing literature, and potential implications and recommendations for future research are outlined.

An Automated Model-Order Reduction Method for Automatic Transmissions

New generation of torque converter automatic transmissions (AT) includes a large number of gears for improved fuel economy and vehicle performance, which leads to exponentially increasing number of shift types and shift events. In order to facilitate various numerical/simulation analyses of AT dynamics, shift control optimization, and control strategy design, a full-order AT model is usually reduced by eliminating state variables related to locked clutches in particular gears or shifts. The paper proposes an automated model-order reduction method for an arbitrary, user-specified clutch state, and demonstrates its application on an example of ten-speed AT. The method is based on determining the locked-clutch torque variables and their substitution into the full-order state-space model input vector, as well as finding a linear relation between the reduced-order and full-order model state-space variables.

Psychological States Underlying Excellent Performance in Sport: Toward an Integrated Model of Flow and Clutch States

This study investigated the psychological states underlying excellent performance in 26 athletes (Mage = 29 years, SD = 7.7) across a range of sports (team, net/wall, sprint, endurance, adventure) and standards (world class to recreational). Participants were primarily interviewed on average 4 days after excellent performances. The data were analyzed thematically. Distinct states of flow and clutch were reported, each of which occurred through separate contexts and processes, while athletes also transitioned between states during performance. These findings extend current knowledge of the psychology of excellent performance and are discussed in terms of implications for future research and applied practice.

Performing under pressure: Exploring the psychological state underlying clutch performance in sport

ABSTRACTClutch performance is improved performance under pressure. However, little research has examined the psychological state experienced by athletes in these situations. Therefore, this study qualitatively examined the subjective experience underlying clutch performance across a range of sports (e.g., team, individual) and standards (Olympic to recreational athletes). Sixteen athletes (Mage = 27.08 years; SD = 6.48) took part in in-depth, semi-structured interviews primarily after an exceptional performance (M = 4.38 days later; SD = 3.14). Data were analysed inductively and thematically. Clutch states involved 12 characteristics, including heightened and deliberate concentration, intense effort, and heightened awareness, which distinguished the experience of clutch from other optimal psychological states such as flow. Other characteristics, such as perceptions of control, were also reported and supported previous experimental research on clutch. These findings present in-depth qualitative insights into the psychological state underlying clutch performance, and are discussed in relation to the existing literature on optimal psychological states in sport.

Inversion-based control of a vehicle with a clutch using a switched causal modelling

The modelling of a clutch in a power train transmission is a delicate process because of its non-linear behaviour. Two different states have to be taken into account: when the clutch is locked and when the clutch is slipping. Moreover the clutch has often to be controlled automatically in parallel hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). An energetic macroscopic representation (EMR) of a clutch system has been developed. Both clutch states are genuinely taken into account in a physical way. In this article, EMR leads to organise the control scheme of the clutch system using an inversion methodology. An experimental validation is provided on a conventional vehicle before being implemented on parallel HEVs. Experimental results are provided to validate the clutch model and the inversion-based control.

Switched Causal Modeling of Transmission With Clutch in Hybrid Electric Vehicles

<para xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> Certain difficulties arise when attempting to model a clutch in a power train transmission due to its nonlinear behavior. Two different states have to be taken into account—the first being when the clutch is locked and the second being when the clutch is slipping. In this paper, a clutch model is developed using the Energetic Macroscopic Representation, which is, in turn, used in the modeling of complete hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Two different models are used, and a specific condition defining the commutation between both models with respect to the physical energy flow is proposed. A Petri net is employed to activate one of the models, depending on the clutch state (locked or slipping). This model allows us to implement without difficulty a simulation of the clutch with a relatively short computation time. </para>