Adaptive Torque Blending for Smooth Powertrain Mode Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic changes in engine operating mode due to vehicle-sensed changes in terrain conditions can be disconcerting for drivers, especially when these changes occur frequently and without driver input on the accelerator pedal.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for adaptive blending of accelerator pedal position and output torque characteristics, where the blending rate is adjusted based on the driver's pedal movement during mode changes, increasing the rate if the pedal is moved in the direction of torque change and reducing it if the pedal is not moved or moved oppositely, to minimize disruption and align with the driver's torque demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If automatic mode changes are implemented based on vehicle-sensed terrain conditions, then vehicle adaptability to different terrains is improved, but driver disconcertion increases due to unexpected torque changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the blending rate adaptive rather than fixed. The blending rate automatically adjusts based on accelerator pedal position and movement, allowing the system to transition smoothly between torque maps when the driver is not actively demanding torque changes, and transition more quickly when the driver's actions indicate acceptance of the mode change. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the system both adaptive to terrain and comfortable for the driver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from the accelerator pedal position sensor and pedal movement detection to control the blending rate. The ECU continuously monitors driver input and adjusts the torque map blending accordingly. When the pedal is released or moved opposite to the torque change direction, blending occurs at a slower rate to prevent driver disconcertion. When the pedal is moved in the direction of torque change, blending accelerates. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction between adaptability and driver comfort.
2Productivity
If frequent automatic mode changes occur in response to terrain variations, then vehicle performance optimization is improved, but driver disconcertion increases due to repeated unexpected torque changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the blending rate based on real-time detection of accelerator pedal position and movement. During frequent mode changes, when the driver releases the pedal or moves it opposite to the torque change direction, the blending rate slows down, preventing disconcerting repeated torque changes. When the driver's actions indicate acceptance, blending accelerates to maintain performance optimization. This dynamic response resolves the contradiction between productivity and driver comfort during frequent mode changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by detecting when the driver is not actively demanding torque changes (pedal released or moved opposite to torque change direction) and preemptively slowing down the blending rate. This prevents the harmful effect of disconcerting frequent torque changes before they occur, while still allowing performance optimization through automatic mode changes. The system anticipates potential driver disconcertion and counteracts it by adjusting the blending rate in advance.
3Speed
If torque map changes are implemented immediately upon mode selection, then response time is improved, but driver disconcertion increases due to abrupt torque changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the torque map transition speed dynamic rather than fixed. The blending rate adjusts based on accelerator pedal position and movement: slower when the pedal is released or moved opposite to torque change direction (preventing driver disconcertion), and faster when the pedal is moved in the direction of torque change (maintaining quick response). This dynamic speed adjustment resolves the contradiction between response time and driver comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of blending rate based on driver input conditions. When the driver releases the accelerator pedal or moves it opposite to the torque change direction, the blending rate parameter is reduced to prevent abrupt torque changes. When the driver moves the pedal in the direction of torque change, the blending rate is increased for faster response. This parameter change strategy resolves the contradiction between response time and driver comfort.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for blending between different torque maps of a vehicle so that step changes of torque output are avoided as accelerator pedal position is changed. Different blending rates are provided so as to reduce the blending time if driver demand is in the direction of torque change.