Vehicle Actuator Bandwidth Control for Accurate Wheel Slip Response

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle control systems, such as CN 10 4228609, while improving vehicle operation, still fall short in enhancing operator comfort and reducing energy consumption, particularly in low-, medium-, and heavy-duty trucks.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling vehicle actuators that adjusts torque application based on a control bandwidth, which is set according to the current operating conditions, allowing for rapid torque response when needed and more moderate responses otherwise, using a control function that considers current and target rotational speeds, and incorporates speed-based control to improve slip control performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a fixed high bandwidth control function is used for rapid torque response, then torque response speed is improved, but operator comfort deteriorates due to excessive rapid torque application in non-critical situations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque response speedVSAvoidoperator comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control bandwidth is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system continuously adapts the control bandwidth based on current operating conditions (wheel slip, vehicle speed, acceleration demands) to provide rapid torque response only when necessary while maintaining comfort during normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control bandwidth parameter is changed dynamically based on operating conditions. The system adjusts the control bandwidth from high values (for rapid response during wheel slip) to low values (for comfort during normal driving), resolving the contradiction between response speed and comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If a fixed high bandwidth control function is used for rapid torque response, then torque response speed is improved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous rapid torque application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque response speedVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control bandwidth dynamically adapts to operating conditions, consuming high energy only when wheel slip detection requires rapid torque response. During normal operation, the reduced bandwidth significantly lowers energy consumption while maintaining necessary control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control bandwidth parameter is adjusted based on operational needs. High bandwidth (high energy consumption) is applied only during wheel slip events, while low bandwidth (low energy consumption) is used during normal driving, resolving the energy consumption contradiction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If torque-based control methods are used, then control simplicity is maintained, but slip control precision deteriorates due to communication latency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol method simplicityVSAvoidslip control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Wheel rotational speed serves as an intermediary parameter that enables precise local control at the actuator level. The speed-based control function processes wheel speed data locally to generate torque commands, avoiding the latency of centralized torque control while maintaining system simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional centralized torque-based control with a distributed speed-based control system. This substitution enables faster local decision-making at each wheel actuator, improving slip control precision without significantly increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11794747B2Method for controlling an actuator of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 VOLVO TRUCK CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling at least one actuator of a vehicle, the actuator being configured to apply a torque on at least one wheel of the vehicle, wherein the applied torque is determined by a control function associated with a control bandwidth, the method comprising configuring the control function to control the applied torque to reduce a difference between a first parameter value related to a current rotational speed of the wheel and a second parameter value related to target rotational speed of the wheel; obtaining data indicative of a current operating condition of the vehicle; setting the control bandwidth of the control function in dependence of the current operating condition of the vehicle; and controlling the actuator using the control function.