Hybrid vehicle wading protection method and system
By monitoring water depth in real time and implementing a tiered protection strategy, the problem of engine water ingress and exhaust system damage in hybrid vehicles during wading has been solved, achieving high-safety and low-cost vehicle protection applicable to various vehicle models.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHENGDU TECH UNIV
- Filing Date
- 2026-05-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-03
AI Technical Summary
Hybrid vehicles lack the ability to actively identify, classify, assess, and warn during water wading, leading to water ingress into the engine, damage to the DMTL pump, damage to the exhaust system, and high safety risks, resulting in high maintenance costs.
By monitoring water depth in real time and employing a tiered protection strategy, including suspension elevation, engine power adjustment, pipeline valve control, and electric mode switching, active protection for the vehicle is achieved.
It improves the safety and success rate of vehicles driving through water, protects key components, reduces maintenance costs, takes into account battery charging needs, and is suitable for a variety of vehicle models.
Smart Images
Figure CN122323975A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicle safety control, and particularly relates to a protection method for a hybrid vehicle when driving through water. Background Art
[0002] In summer, there is more rain and frequent rainfall weather, which easily leads to water accumulation on the road surface. In some low-lying sections, even high water levels may occur, and vehicles face safety risks when driving through water. Among them, water entering the engine intake duct is one of the core safety hazards when driving through water. Once water enters, it is extremely easy to cause an engine liquid lock failure, which may lead to the engine being instantly scrapped, not only affecting driving safety but also causing extremely high maintenance costs.
[0003] For hybrid vehicles, in order to meet the requirements of fuel tank leakage detection in regulations, hybrid vehicles usually equipped with a DMTL pump, and the DMTL pump is connected with a DMTL air filter. In the carbon canister flushing stage, air needs to enter the engine through the air filter to complete the carbon canister flushing process. If water accidentally enters the DMTL air filter, not only will the DMTL pump be directly damaged, but water vapor may also be inhaled into the engine cylinder, affecting combustion and causing component corrosion. At the same time, when the three-way catalytic converter or gasoline particulate filter (GPF) in the vehicle exhaust system is working at a high temperature, if the exhaust pipe suddenly cools due to water entering the exhaust pipe, it may cause the ceramic carrier to burst and be damaged; although a relatively high exhaust back pressure may produce a certain sealing effect, as the water level rises, the accumulated water may still backflow into the exhaust pipe.
[0004] At present, the control strategy of traditional vehicles for water-crossing conditions is relatively single, usually only providing limited passive coping measures such as raising the suspension, closing the intake and exhaust valves, and parking, lacking the ability to identify water-crossing risks in advance, conduct hierarchical assessment, and give active warnings. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The present invention provides a protection method for a hybrid vehicle when driving through water, which can adjust the vehicle state hierarchically and progressively according to the real-time water-crossing depth to protect the driving safety of the vehicle.
[0006] To achieve the above technical purpose, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A protection method for a hybrid vehicle when driving through water, which obtains the water-crossing liquid level height H outside the vehicle in real time and executes a vehicle hierarchical protection strategy according to the liquid level height; the vehicle hierarchical protection strategy includes: When H < H1, the intake pipe, the exhaust pipe, and the DMTL air filter are all in the open state; when H ≥ H1, the vehicle enters the water-crossing mode, and the running mode of the vehicle is judged; If the vehicle is driving in the engine running mode, the following strategy is executed: When H1 ≤ H < H2, raise the suspension; When H2 ≤ H < H3, increase the engine power; When H3≤H<H4, the DMTL air filter is turned off; When H≥H4, determine whether to continue driving through water based on SOC; if SOC≥safety threshold, shut off the engine, intake manifold, and exhaust manifold, and switch the vehicle to pure electric operation mode to continue driving through water; if SOC<safety threshold, issue a vehicle warning message. If the vehicle operates in pure electric mode, the following strategy will be implemented: The vehicle's ability to continue driving through water is determined based on its State of Charge (SOC). If SOC is greater than or equal to the safety threshold, the suspension is raised, the engine, intake manifold, and exhaust manifold are shut off, and the vehicle continues to drive through water. If SOC is less than the safety threshold, a vehicle warning message is issued.
[0007] Furthermore, when SOC < safety threshold, the vehicle is parked and charged; the warning is lifted when SOC ≥ safety threshold.
[0008] Furthermore, when H < H1 is continuously detected, the vehicle will expel excess water from the pipeline through several acceleration and / or deceleration operations, and then open the intake pipe, exhaust pipe, and DMTL air filter to exit the wading mode.
[0009] Furthermore, the engine increases its power while simultaneously charging the battery.
[0010] A hybrid vehicle wading protection system includes a liquid level sensor mounted on the vehicle chassis, a first solenoid valve mounted on the intake manifold, a second solenoid valve mounted on the exhaust manifold, a third solenoid valve mounted on a DMTL air filter line, a vehicle controller, an engine controller, and a suspension controller. The vehicle controller is communicatively connected to the liquid level sensor, the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve, the third solenoid valve, the engine controller, and the suspension controller. The vehicle controller is configured to execute the aforementioned hybrid vehicle wading protection method.
[0011] Preferably, the liquid level sensor is a variable dielectric capacitive sensor.
[0012] Preferably, the liquid level sensor is an ultrasonic radar.
[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. Graded active protection with high safety: This invention achieves graded and progressive active protection by real-time monitoring of water depth and comparing it with multiple thresholds, from raising the suspension, increasing engine power, shutting down some pipelines to finally fully sealed pure electric driving; compared with passive warning, this solution can automatically take the best countermeasures, which significantly improves the success rate and safety of vehicle driving through water.
[0014] 2. Comprehensive protection for key components and high reliability: This invention physically isolates the path of water intrusion by setting controllable valves in the intake pipe, exhaust pipe and DMTL air filter pipeline, and actively closing them when the water level is high. This effectively avoids damage to core components such as the engine, DMTL pump, and three-way catalytic converter, and reduces the user's maintenance costs.
[0015] 3. Intelligent and efficient strategy, taking multiple objectives into account: This invention increases engine power at specific water levels, which not only uses exhaust back pressure to prevent water from entering the exhaust pipe, but also charges the vehicle battery at the same time, reserving power for the pure electric driving mode that may be entered into deeper waters later, achieving intelligent control with two benefits at once.
[0016] 4. Low cost and wide applicability: This invention mainly relies on the vehicle's own sensors, controllers and actuators, without relying on external network facilities. Therefore, it is low in cost and highly reliable, and can be easily applied to various hybrid vehicle models, with good prospects for widespread application. Attached Figure Description
[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0018] Figure 1 This is a layout diagram of the wading protection system on the vehicle body of a hybrid vehicle. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a hybrid vehicle's wading protection system. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the water wading protection strategy under engine operating mode. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the water protection strategy in pure electric operation mode. In the diagram: 1-Intake pipe, 2-Exhaust pipe, 3-DMTL air filter, 4-Liquid level sensor. Detailed Implementation
[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.
[0020] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the indicated orientation or positional relationship is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that the product of this application is usually placed in when in use, or the orientation or positional relationship that is commonly understood by those skilled in the art. It is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this application.
[0021] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0022] It should be noted that the algorithms for data acquisition, transmission, storage and processing steps not specifically described in the embodiments, as well as the hardware structures and circuit connections not specifically described, can all be implemented using content already disclosed in the prior art.
[0023] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, a hybrid vehicle wading protection system includes a liquid level sensor 4 installed on the vehicle chassis, a first solenoid valve installed on the intake pipe 1, a second solenoid valve installed on the exhaust pipe 2, a third solenoid valve installed on the DMTL air filter 3 pipeline, a vehicle controller, an engine controller, and a suspension controller. The vehicle controller is communicatively connected to the liquid level sensor, the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve, the third solenoid valve, the engine controller, and the suspension controller.
[0024] Preferably, the liquid level sensor 4 is a variable dielectric capacitive sensor. The dielectric constant of a capacitive sensor varies at different liquid levels or when exposed to air, resulting in different output voltages. The liquid level affects the capacitance, ultimately influencing the output voltage. The output voltage is then converted into the corresponding liquid level to determine the water level. Alternatively, the liquid level sensor is an ultrasonic radar. The ultrasonic radar emits ultrasonic waves vertically downwards and receives the echoes reflected from the water surface. By calculating the flight time of the sound waves, the distance from the sensor to the water surface is accurately determined, and the wading liquid level height is calculated.
[0025] Preferably, the liquid level sensor is installed on the vehicle chassis near the front of the vehicle, enabling faster detection of the water level ahead. When the vehicle is driving through water, its speed decreases, allowing for more stable detection of the water level.
[0026] The vehicle control unit is configured to execute a protection method for a hybrid vehicle during water-crossing driving. This method uses a liquid level sensor 4 to continuously obtain the water-crossing liquid level height H outside the vehicle, and then executes a vehicle classification protection strategy based on the liquid level height to adjust the vehicle state. The classification protection strategy is divided into five levels according to four liquid level thresholds. In a specific embodiment, the four liquid level thresholds are: H1 = 15 cm, H2 = 30 cm, H3 = 45 cm, H4 = 60 cm.
[0027] Embodiment 1 As Figure 3 shown, when the vehicle initially travels in the engine operation mode, the following strategy is executed: When H < H1, the intake pipe 1, the exhaust pipe 2, and the DMTL air filter 3 are all in the open state (initial state); when H ≥ H1, the vehicle enters the water-crossing mode.
[0028] When H1 ≤ H < H2, the vehicle control unit sends a command to the suspension controller to control the suspension to be raised by 8 cm.
[0029] When H2 ≤ H < H3, the vehicle control unit sends a command to the engine controller to increase the engine power by 20% and increase the exhaust back pressure. While increasing the engine power, the battery can be charged to reserve power for the next stage of forced pure-electric operation mode that may occur at a higher water level.
[0030] When H3 ≤ H < H4, the vehicle control unit controls the third solenoid valve on the pipeline of the DMTL air filter 3 to close.
[0031] When H ≥ H4, the vehicle control unit checks the state of charge SOC of the battery, sets the safety threshold of SOC to 40%. If SOC ≥ the safety threshold, the vehicle control unit immediately sends a command to the engine controller to shut down the engine, and at the same time closes the first solenoid valve on the intake pipe 1 and the second solenoid valve on the exhaust pipe 2, and the vehicle switches to the pure-electric operation mode; if SOC < the safety threshold, the vehicle control unit issues a command to prompt a warning message of "insufficient power, water-crossing danger" on the central control large screen, and the vehicle needs to park and charge; until SOC ≥ the safety threshold, the warning is解除, the engine, the intake pipe 1, and the exhaust pipe 2 are closed, and the vehicle switches to the pure-electric operation mode.
[0032] Embodiment 2 As Figure 4 shown, if the vehicle initially travels in the pure-electric operation mode, the following strategy is executed: First, check the battery's State of Charge (SOC) and set the safe threshold for SOC to 40%. If SOC > 40%, continue driving normally. When H < H1, intake manifold 1, exhaust manifold 2, and DMTL air filter 3 are all open. When H ≥ H1, the vehicle enters wading mode. The vehicle controller immediately sends a command to the suspension controller to raise the suspension and simultaneously close the three solenoid valves on the intake manifold, exhaust manifold, and DMTL air filter line. The vehicle continues to drive in pure electric mode in a fully sealed state.
[0033] If the State of Charge (SOC) is less than the safety threshold, the vehicle controller will issue a warning message on the central control screen, indicating "low battery and danger of water wading," and the vehicle will need to be parked and charged. The warning will be lifted when the SOC is greater than or equal to the safety threshold.
[0034] During the wading process, when the liquid level sensor 4 continuously monitors H < H1, the vehicle will expel excess water from the pipeline through several acceleration and / or deceleration operations. Then, the vehicle controller will issue a command to open the solenoid valves on the intake pipe 1, exhaust pipe 2, and DMTL air filter 3 pipelines, thus exiting the wading mode. At this time, the vehicle can switch to engine operation mode for driving.
[0035] This invention can accurately implement graded protection based on real-time water depth, effectively preventing water from entering critical components of the vehicle when wading through water, and providing a safe pure electric passage option when the water level is high, greatly improving the vehicle's all-weather adaptability.
[0036] Of course, the present invention may have other various embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications according to the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A method for protecting hybrid vehicles during wading, characterized in that, The vehicle's external wading water level height H is acquired in real time, and a vehicle-level protection strategy is executed based on the water level height; the vehicle-level protection strategy includes: When H < H1, the intake pipe (1), exhaust pipe (2), and DMTL air filter (3) are all in the open state; when H ≥ H1, the vehicle enters the wading mode and the vehicle's operating mode is determined. If the vehicle is operating in engine mode, the following strategy will be executed: When H1≤H<H2, raise the suspension frame; When H2≤H<H3, increase engine power; When H3≤H<H4, turn off the DMTL air filter (3). When H≥H4, determine whether to continue driving through water based on SOC; if SOC≥safety threshold, shut off the engine, intake pipe (1), and exhaust pipe (2), and switch the vehicle to pure electric operation mode to continue driving through water; if SOC<safety threshold, issue a vehicle warning message. If the vehicle operates in pure electric mode, the following strategy will be implemented: The vehicle is allowed to continue driving through water based on its State of Charge (SOC). If SOC is greater than or equal to the safety threshold, the suspension is raised and the engine, intake pipe (1), and exhaust pipe (2) are shut off, allowing the vehicle to continue driving through water. If SOC is less than the safety threshold, a vehicle warning message is issued.
2. The method for protecting hybrid vehicles during wading as described in claim 1, characterized in that: When SOC < safety threshold, the vehicle is parked and charged. The warning will be lifted when SOC reaches or exceeds the safety threshold.
3. The method for protecting hybrid vehicles during wading as described in claim 2, characterized in that: When H < H1 is continuously detected, the vehicle will expel excess water from the pipeline by accelerating and / or decelerating several times, and then open the intake pipe (1), exhaust pipe (2) and DMTL air filter (3) to exit the wading mode.
4. The method for protecting hybrid vehicles during wading as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The engine increases its power while simultaneously charging the battery.
5. A hybrid vehicle wading protection system, characterized in that: The system includes a liquid level sensor (4) mounted on the vehicle chassis, a first solenoid valve mounted on the intake pipe (1), a second solenoid valve mounted on the exhaust pipe (2), a third solenoid valve mounted on the DMTL air filter (3) pipeline, a vehicle controller, an engine controller, and a suspension controller. The vehicle controller is communicatively connected to the liquid level sensor, the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve, the third solenoid valve, the engine controller, and the suspension controller. The vehicle controller is configured to perform the hybrid vehicle wading protection method described in any one of 1-4.
6. The hybrid vehicle wading protection system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The liquid level sensor (4) is a variable dielectric capacitive sensor.
7. The hybrid vehicle wading protection system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The liquid level sensor (4) is an ultrasonic radar.