Active Roll Control Torque Limiting for Thermal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle suspension systems lack dynamic response to current usage scenarios, leading to inefficient operation of active roll control subsystems, which can result in overheating and forced shutdowns due to static interaction between subsystems.
Innovation Solution
A control system that receives high torque mode signals and determines a maximum allowed torque demand based on current vehicle status and usage, adjusting torque demands to prevent overheating by using a combination of sensors and operational mode modifiers to manage torque reduction factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the active roll control subsystem operates at maximum performance throughout the drive cycle, then vehicle performance is optimized, but the system overheats and may be forced to shut down
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the torque demand on the active roll control subsystem based on real-time temperature conditions and drive cycle phase. Instead of maintaining static maximum performance, the system modulates torque demands to keep the subsystem operating within thermal limits while maximizing performance during safe operating windows.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic torque reduction strategies during high-temperature phases of the drive cycle. By alternating between high-performance intervals and cooling intervals, the system prevents continuous overheating while maintaining overall vehicle performance across the complete drive cycle.
2Device complexity
If conventional static interaction between subsystems is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but all subsystems are forced to operate in de-rated mode leading to reduced overall performance
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates feedback from temperature sensors and drive cycle detection to dynamically adjust torque demands. This feedback loop enables the system to respond to actual thermal conditions rather than relying on static pre-programmed limits, allowing subsystems to operate at optimal performance levels when conditions permit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (torque demand limits) based on detected drive cycle phases and temperature conditions. During normal operating phases, higher torque demands are permitted, while during thermal stress phases, torque limits are adjusted downward, enabling dynamic performance optimization without requiring complete system redesign.
Data Source
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Figure 2b
AI summary
A control system (100) for a vehicle suspension system in a vehicle, the control system (100) comprising one or more controllers (110), the control system (100) configured to: receive (302) a high torque mode signal indicative of the vehicle operating in a high torque mode, the high torque mode signal being determined in dependence on a torque demand on the vehicle suspension system being above a threshold for a predetermined time period; determine (308) a maximum allowed value of the torque demand in dependence on the high torque mode signal and a current status of one or more components of the vehicle suspension system; and output (306) a torque demand signal indicative of the determined maximum allowed value of the torque demand.