Method and device for developing off-road performance of electric vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses an electric vehicle off-road performance development method, which comprises the following steps: S1, through market investigation, forming market investigation data; s2, carrying out whole vehicle concept design to form a product basic design element data set; s3, performing engineering design according to preset off-road performance contained in the product basic design element data set, determining a product off-road performance target, and forming a product off-road performance index data set; and S4, making a sample vehicle, and carrying out a sample vehicle test to obtain off-road performance test data. According to the electric vehicle off-road performance development method, development of the electric vehicle off-road performance can be effectively completed, the development work efficiency is improved, and the off-road performance of the electric vehicle is improved. The invention further discloses an electric vehicle off-road performance development device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of new energy vehicle technology. Specifically, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for developing the off-road performance of electric vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] With increasing environmental awareness and the development of new energy technologies, electric vehicles have become an important choice for future travel. In the field of off-road electric vehicles, their potential is gradually being discovered and valued. Electric vehicles, with their unique brake-by-wire advantages, abandon traditional mechanical locking devices like differential locks. They use brake-by-wire systems to monitor slipping tires and apply control strategies to replace locking functions. Combined with the torque distribution potential of the front and rear motors, this enhances the vehicle's ability to overcome obstacles. Currently, various automakers are actively developing electric off-road vehicles. However, the limitations imposed by factors such as range, battery safety, vehicle aerodynamics, and cost restrict the market penetration of electric off-road vehicles.

[0003] Electric off-road vehicles possess certain inherent advantages over traditional gasoline-powered off-road vehicles. Therefore, the development of off-road performance, including its evaluation and quantification from various dimensions, and the subsequent tuning direction, are crucial for the successful development of electric vehicle off-road capabilities. Key questions in electric vehicle off-road performance development include: what key tasks need to be undertaken at each stage, what dimensions need to be considered in the early design phase, and what focal points need to be clearly defined. To address these key questions, a systematic and directional approach to off-road performance development becomes paramount.

[0004] Currently, automakers are in the exploratory stage of developing off-road capabilities for new energy vehicles. Industry standards, regulations, and systems for electric off-road vehicles have not yet been established, and there are no clear guidelines for product and technology operation. The development system for electric off-road performance lacks systematic guidance and a clear definition of key tasks at each stage. Existing technologies also lack a development system specifically for the off-road performance of pure electric vehicles.

[0005] The aim is to provide a methodology for developing off-road performance of electric vehicles, particularly regarding how to achieve this development, improve development efficiency, and enhance the off-road capabilities of electric vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention provides a method for developing off-road performance of electric vehicles, with the purpose of realizing the development of off-road performance of electric vehicles, improving development efficiency, and enhancing the off-road performance of electric vehicles.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a method for developing off-road performance of electric vehicles, comprising the following steps:

[0008] S1. Conduct market research to generate market research data;

[0009] S2. Conduct whole vehicle concept design and form a dataset of basic product design elements;

[0010] S3. Based on the preset off-road performance contained in the product basic design element dataset, conduct engineering design, determine the product off-road performance target, and form a product off-road performance index dataset.

[0011] S4. Prototype vehicle is manufactured and tested to obtain off-road performance test data.

[0012] Step S1 includes:

[0013] S101, Competitor Benchmarking;

[0014] S102, LACM target setting.

[0015] The market research data includes competitor vehicle data and preliminary target data for the product's off-road performance.

[0016] Step S101 includes:

[0017] Conduct a subjective evaluation of the off-road performance of competing models to identify their strengths, weaknesses, and points for improvement.

[0018] Conduct objective tests on the geometric passability of competing models to obtain passability test data for competing models;

[0019] Objective tests were conducted on the traction performance of competing models to obtain traction performance test data for competing models;

[0020] Conduct a benchmarking analysis of the additional features and driving modes of competing models;

[0021] Prepare a comprehensive benchmarking analysis report of competing models.

[0022] Step S2 includes:

[0023] Perform CAS or mud model verification;

[0024] Define product functions;

[0025] Set targets for the product's off-road performance.

[0026] The product basic design element dataset includes a set of product off-road performance indicators, a set of product off-road function indicators, and product appearance data.

[0027] Step S3 includes:

[0028] Create a vehicle data model and perform CAE analysis;

[0029] Based on the CAE analysis results, data verification and theoretical calculations were performed.

[0030] Perform system selection;

[0031] Define product functions;

[0032] Define the design objectives.

[0033] The dataset of product off-road performance indicators includes vehicle body indicator data, chassis indicator data, thermal management system indicator data, tire indicator data, and supplier data.

[0034] Step S4 includes:

[0035] Chassis dynamics matching and tuning;

[0036] Brake-by-wire system matching and adjustment;

[0037] Implementation of vehicle calibration strategy;

[0038] Subjective evaluation and verification of the vehicle's off-road performance.

[0039] The method for developing off-road performance of electric vehicles also includes the following steps:

[0040] S5. During the mass production stage, a mass production element dataset is generated.

[0041] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric vehicle off-road performance development device, comprising:

[0042] The first data storage module is used to store market research data generated through market research.

[0043] The second data storage module is used to store the dataset of basic product design elements formed after the whole vehicle concept design is carried out.

[0044] The third data storage module is used to store the product off-road performance index dataset formed after engineering design.

[0045] The fourth data storage module is used to store off-road performance test data obtained after prototype vehicle testing.

[0046] The electric vehicle off-road performance development method of the present invention can effectively complete the development of electric vehicle off-road performance, improve development efficiency, and enhance the off-road performance of electric vehicles. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the method for developing the off-road performance of electric vehicles according to the present invention.

[0048] Figure 2 This is a fishbone diagram for developing the off-road performance of electric vehicles. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more comprehensive description of the present invention will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described in the text. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure of the present invention more thorough and complete.

[0050] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly associated with those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the specification of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0051] Firstly, such as Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this invention provides a method for developing the off-road performance of an electric vehicle, including the following steps:

[0052] S1. Conduct market research to generate market research data;

[0053] S2. Conduct whole vehicle concept design and form a dataset of basic product design elements;

[0054] S3. Based on the preset off-road performance contained in the product basic design element dataset, conduct engineering design, determine the product off-road performance target, and form a product off-road performance index dataset.

[0055] S4. Prototype vehicle is manufactured and tested to obtain off-road performance test data.

[0056] Specifically, the electric vehicle off-road performance development method provided in this embodiment of the invention can complete the performance development of electric off-road vehicles, thereby improving the off-road performance of electric vehicles.

[0057] The development of off-road performance for electric vehicles mainly includes competitor benchmarking, target definition, target decomposition, numerical model data analysis, real-vehicle matching, tuning, and verification. The purpose of performance development is market-oriented and user-centric, and quantitative indicators and processes ensure the smooth progress of off-road performance development. The following... Figure 1 The flowchart for the development of off-road performance of electric vehicles details the main tasks at each stage of development.

[0058] The market research phase is the starting point of the electric off-road performance development process. This phase requires researching similar electric off-road vehicles on the market to understand their off-road performance levels and user needs. During this phase, both subjective and objective tests of competing products are conducted. Based on the test results and market positioning, the off-road targets for the developed vehicle are determined, and component selection and core supplier selection are carried out according to these defined targets. The main tasks of the market research phase are shown in Table 1.

[0059] Table 1 Market Research Phase

[0060]

[0061]

[0062] Step S1 above includes:

[0063] S101, Competitor Benchmarking;

[0064] S102, LACM target setting.

[0065] In this embodiment of the invention, the market research data includes competitor vehicle data and preliminary target data for the product's off-road performance.

[0066] The above step S101 includes:

[0067] Conduct a subjective evaluation of the off-road performance of competing models to identify their strengths, weaknesses, and points for improvement.

[0068] Conduct objective tests on the geometric passability of competing models to obtain passability test data for competing models;

[0069] Objective tests were conducted on the traction performance of competing models to obtain traction performance test data for competing models;

[0070] Conduct a benchmarking analysis of the additional features and driving modes of competing models;

[0071] Prepare a comprehensive benchmarking analysis report of competing models.

[0072] In step S101 above, a subjective evaluation of the off-road performance of competing models is conducted, including assessments of handling, stability, and comfort, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of competing models and areas for improvement, providing a reference for subsequent product improvements. Objective tests of the geometric passability of competing models are performed, yielding data such as approach angle, departure angle, breakover angle, ground clearance, and wading depth. The additional functions (such as four-wheel drive systems and differential locks) and driving modes (such as economy, sport, and off-road modes) of competing models are also analyzed to understand their features in terms of configuration and driving experience. Objective tests of the traction performance of competing models are conducted, yielding data including torque distribution, power-torque ratio, and traction capacity. Finally, based on the above test and evaluation results, combined with market conditions and user survey data, a complete benchmarking analysis report of competing models is produced. The report should detail the strengths and weaknesses of competing models, their market positioning, and user feedback, providing a basis for subsequent product development and market competition strategy formulation.

[0073] Step S102 above includes:

[0074] Define user profiles to determine the product's target user group and market demand;

[0075] Set goals and define the initial LACM goals for off-road attributes;

[0076] Define the vehicle type and development direction: light / medium / heavy off-road.

[0077] In step S102 above, the internationally accepted LACM (Leader, Challenger, Follower, Focuser) methodology is used for product goal setting. Combining user persona definition and market demand analysis, the LACM methodology is employed for product goal setting. Based on the initial LACM goal definition for off-road attributes, the development direction of the vehicle model is determined. Light off-road vehicles may prioritize urban driving comfort and economy while possessing a certain degree of off-road capability; medium-sized off-road vehicles may strike a balance between comfort and off-road performance; heavy off-road vehicles may prioritize extreme off-road capability and durability. Determining the vehicle model's development direction facilitates subsequent product design, engineering development, and marketing strategy formulation.

[0078] like Figure 1 As shown, based on market research, the overall vehicle concept design began. During the concept design phase, preliminary off-road performance planning and design were conducted, determining the main off-road performance, off-road functions, and off-road appearance of the product. In this phase, preliminary checks and discussions were held regarding wind resistance, functionality, and development scope, resulting in an initial version of the off-road performance design concept, with the primary off-road attributes and objectives essentially determined. The main tasks of the concept design phase are shown in Table 2.

[0079] Table 2 Conceptual Design Phase

[0080]

[0081] Step S2 above includes:

[0082] Perform CAS (Concept A Surface) or clay model verification;

[0083] Define product functions;

[0084] Set targets for the product's off-road performance.

[0085] The main tasks involved in CAS (Cartridge and Sandwich) or clay model verification include: verifying the vehicle model's drag coefficient and frontal area, as well as verifying off-road elements or styling, ultimately resulting in a list of issues and recommendations. By evaluating the vehicle model's drag coefficient and frontal area, the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle is optimized, reducing energy consumption and improving driving stability. By examining the off-road elements (such as ground clearance, approach angle, and departure angle) and overall styling of the vehicle model, it is ensured that they meet the design standards and market demands for off-road vehicles.

[0086] The main tasks involved in defining product functions include: finalizing the function definition. This involves clearly defining the functions and characteristics the vehicle should possess to meet user needs and market positioning. It also includes determining the vehicle's primary functions, including off-road capabilities (such as terrain selection, hill descent control, etc.) and other auxiliary functions.

[0087] The main tasks in setting off-road performance targets for products include: defining the LACM target for off-road attributes, defining the development scope of off-road attributes, and setting the initial, secondary, and tertiary off-road performance targets.

[0088] In step S2 above, the product basic design element dataset includes a product off-road performance index set, a product off-road function index set, and product appearance data. The off-road performance index set is a collection of important parameters for measuring the off-road capabilities of an off-road vehicle, mainly including ground clearance, approach angle, departure angle, longitudinal clearance angle, wading depth, and four-wheel drive system performance indicators. The off-road function index set is a collection of functional configuration parameters designed to meet off-road requirements, mainly including parameter settings for the terrain selection system, hill descent control, and traction and towing performance. The product appearance data is a data set describing the appearance characteristics of the off-road vehicle, mainly including body dimensions, body lines, body color and materials, and body trim.

[0089] like Figure 1As shown, after the conceptual design phase is completed, the engineering design phase begins. This phase requires more detailed product design and development, including detailed design of the body structure, powertrain selection, chassis, etc., as well as related theoretical engineering calculations and CAE numerical model analysis of key components. During this phase, the goals and functional definitions defined in the conceptual design phase need to be revised accordingly, and the final off-road performance targets need to be determined to ensure the feasibility of the off-road performance of the developed vehicle. The main tasks of the engineering design phase are shown in Table 3.

[0090] Table 3 Engineering Design Stage

[0091]

[0092]

[0093]

[0094] Step S3 above includes:

[0095] Create a vehicle data model and perform CAE analysis;

[0096] Based on the CAE analysis results, data verification and theoretical calculations were performed.

[0097] Perform system selection;

[0098] Define product functions;

[0099] Define the design objectives.

[0100] In step S3 above, the main tasks during CAE analysis include: body stiffness (bending and torsion) analysis, body modal (bending and torsion) analysis, chassis dynamics analysis, chassis key point stiffness analysis, and off-road element or styling verification, resulting in a problem list and recommendations. Based on the CAE analysis results, the main tasks during data verification and theoretical calculations include: vehicle geometry verification (geometric dimensions), chassis data verification, thermal management system data verification, and system data verification excluding the body and chassis, resulting in a problem list and recommendations. The main tasks during system selection include: tire selection and tire supplier selection, brake-by-wire system selection, steering system selection, and ride system selection. Evaluate the performance of different brake-by-wire systems and select a system that meets the vehicle's requirements. Select a suitable steering system based on the vehicle's steering needs and driving experience. Evaluate the performance of different ride systems and select a system suitable for off-road environments. Determine the selection scheme for each system to provide a basis for subsequent procurement and integration work. The main tasks involved in defining product functions include: finalizing the off-road function definition, clarifying the functions and characteristics the vehicle should possess, identifying the main functions the vehicle should have, including off-road functions (such as tank turn, hill descent control, AVM, etc.) and other auxiliary functions, and creating a product function definition document to guide subsequent development and design work. The main tasks involved in determining design goals include: finalizing the goal document, confirming the final design goals, and creating a signed goal document, which serves as the benchmark and basis for subsequent development and design work, guiding the entire product development and design process.

[0101] In step S3 above, the product off-road performance index dataset is formed, which includes body index data, chassis index data, thermal management system index data, tire index data, and supplier data.

[0102] After the engineering design phase is completed, prototype vehicles are manufactured for testing. These prototypes may be PVC or PT (Precision Vehicle) vehicles, PVC or OT (Operational Vehicle) vehicles, gold vehicles, or Mastercar vehicles, etc., with different naming conventions among companies, but they are largely similar. Based on industry experience, the verification period for this phase is estimated to be at least 5-10 months to verify the product's feasibility and performance. During the prototype testing phase, various off-road performance tests, verifications, and joint acceptance tests are required, including R&H matching and tuning, steering matching and tuning, acceptance of high and low assist systems for brake-by-wire (ABS, ESC, TCS, additional functions, etc.), vehicle VCU calibration, and joint calibration of the vehicle's thermal management system under high and low temperatures and off-road conditions (braking, VCU, air conditioning, etc.). Test data is obtained to identify and resolve problems. The main tasks of the prototype testing phase are shown in Table 4.

[0103] Table 4 Prototype Testing Phase

[0104]

[0105]

[0106]

[0107] Step S4 above includes:

[0108] Chassis dynamics matching and tuning;

[0109] Brake-by-wire system matching and adjustment;

[0110] Implementation of vehicle calibration strategy;

[0111] Subjective evaluation and verification of the vehicle's off-road performance.

[0112] In step S3 above, the main tasks during chassis dynamics matching and tuning include:

[0113] R&H matching and tuning ensures that handling and driving comfort meet the requirements defined by off-road attributes;

[0114] Steering matching and tuning, generating a steering matching and tuning report;

[0115] Brake pedal feel matching and tuning to ensure the pedal feel meets DNA requirements.

[0116] Driving performance matching and tuning, completing the basic driving performance calibration of Eco / Norma / Sport, with the goal of eliminating any impact or jerking phenomena.

[0117] In step S4 above, the main tasks during the matching and calibration of the brake-by-wire system include:

[0118] High-adhesion performance calibration and verification, resulting in a high-adhesion performance verification report and a list of issues;

[0119] Low-adhesion performance calibration and verification, resulting in a low-adhesion performance verification report and a list of issues;

[0120] Joint calibration and verification of various working conditions at the off-road course, resulting in verification reports and problem lists for each working condition;

[0121] The additional functions of the off-road course were calibrated and verified, and verification reports and problem lists for each off-road additional function under various working conditions were generated.

[0122] Acceptance tests were conducted under various working conditions at the off-road course, resulting in verification reports and problem lists for each off-road function under each working condition.

[0123] In step S4 above, the main tasks involved in implementing the vehicle calibration strategy include:

[0124] Throttle MAP calibration for each driving mode, including basic drivability calibrations such as Eco / Norma / Sport / Energy Recovery;

[0125] Throttle MAP calibration for each off-road mode, including torque distribution and MAP difference calibration for each mode;

[0126] Off-road additional function calibration, including AVM / HHC / HDC / AVH / extreme turn / hill descent control / crawl function calibration, etc.;

[0127] Air conditioning and thermal management calibration, including cooling requirements and definitions for each off-road mode;

[0128] The vehicle's large screen and other electrical systems are calibrated to meet the requirements of off-road related human-machine interaction and intelligent cockpit.

[0129] In step S4 above, for either the PT vehicle or the soft film vehicle, a subjective evaluation and verification of the overall off-road performance is completed, and a test report and a list of issues are generated.

[0130] In step S4 above, for OT vehicles or soft film vehicles, a subjective evaluation and verification of the overall off-road performance is completed, and a test report and a list of issues are generated.

[0131] In step S4 above, for the Mastercar or Gold car, a subjective evaluation and verification of the vehicle's off-road performance is completed, and a test report is generated (showing the final sample and software).

[0132] In step S4 above, the final step is to summarize the off-road attributes, summarize the verification results and lessons learned at each node, and form a target achievement report, a summary report, etc., to obtain off-road performance test data.

[0133] The electric vehicle off-road performance development method of this invention further includes the following steps:

[0134] S5. During the mass production stage, a mass production element dataset is generated.

[0135] After the prototype testing phase is completed, the mass production phase begins. This phase involves building production lines, developing production processes, and procuring and manufacturing parts. During mass production, automakers need to ensure consistent product quality and off-road performance while maintaining production efficiency and cost control.

[0136] In this embodiment of the invention, the off-road performance development work at each stage is an indispensable part of the development process. The development dimensions of electric off-road attributes are summarized by the fishbone diagram of electric vehicle off-road performance development, as shown in Table 5 below.

[0137] Table 5 Dimensions of Off-Road Performance Development

[0138]

[0139]

[0140]

[0141]

[0142]

[0143] Off-road performance overlaps with other attributes and is complex, requiring consideration from various aspects. Therefore, before developing off-road performance, it is necessary to clarify the benchmarking analysis of early competitors and product positioning. At the same time, the values ​​or requirements recommended in the development dimensions of this invention should be combined to guide and complete the development of off-road performance of electric vehicles, thereby improving the off-road performance of pure electric vehicles.

[0144] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide an electric vehicle off-road performance development device, comprising:

[0145] The first data storage module is used to store market research data generated through market research.

[0146] The second data storage module is used to store the dataset of basic product design elements formed after the whole vehicle concept design is carried out.

[0147] The third data storage module is used to store the product off-road performance index dataset formed after engineering design.

[0148] The fourth data storage module is used to store off-road performance test data obtained after prototype vehicle testing.

[0149] The present invention has been described above by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any non-substantial improvements made using the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention, or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention to other occasions without modification, are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for developing off-road performance of electric vehicles, characterized in that, Including the following steps: S1. Conduct market research to generate market research data; S2. Conduct whole vehicle concept design and form a dataset of basic product design elements; S3. Based on the preset off-road performance contained in the product basic design element dataset, conduct engineering design, determine the product off-road performance target, and form a product off-road performance index dataset. S4. Prototype vehicle is manufactured and tested to obtain off-road performance test data.

2. The method for developing off-road performance of electric vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S1 includes: S101, Competitor Benchmarking; S102, LACM target setting. The market research data includes competitor vehicle data and preliminary target data for the product's off-road performance.

3. The method for developing off-road performance of electric vehicles according to claim 2, characterized in that, Step S101 includes: Conduct a subjective evaluation of the off-road performance of competing models to identify their strengths, weaknesses, and points for improvement. Conduct objective tests on the geometric passability of competing models to obtain passability test data for competing models; Objective tests were conducted on the traction performance of competing models to obtain traction performance test data for competing models; Conduct a benchmarking analysis of the additional features and driving modes of competing models; Prepare a comprehensive benchmarking analysis report of competing models.

4. The method for developing off-road performance of electric vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Step S2 includes: Perform CAS or mud model verification; Define product functions; Set targets for the product's off-road performance.

5. The method for developing off-road performance of electric vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The product basic design element dataset includes a set of product off-road performance indicators, a set of product off-road function indicators, and product appearance data.

6. The method for developing off-road performance of electric vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Step S3 includes: Create a vehicle data model and perform CAE analysis; Based on the CAE analysis results, data verification and theoretical calculations were performed. Perform system selection; Define product functions; Define the design objectives.

7. The method for developing off-road performance of electric vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The dataset of product off-road performance indicators includes vehicle body indicator data, chassis indicator data, thermal management system indicator data, tire indicator data, and supplier data.

8. The method for developing off-road performance of electric vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Step S4 includes: Chassis dynamics matching and tuning; Brake-by-wire system matching and adjustment; Implementation of vehicle calibration strategy; Subjective evaluation and verification of the vehicle's off-road performance.

9. The method for developing off-road performance of electric vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: S5. During the mass production stage, a mass production element dataset is generated.

10. An electric vehicle off-road performance development device, characterized in that, The electric vehicle off-road performance development device is applied to the electric vehicle off-road performance development method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and includes: The first data storage module is used to store market research data generated through market research. The second data storage module is used to store the dataset of basic product design elements formed after the whole vehicle concept design is carried out. The third data storage module is used to store the product off-road performance index dataset formed after engineering design. The fourth data storage module is used to store off-road performance test data obtained after prototype vehicle testing.

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