Adaptive Transfer Function for Vehicle Weight-Based Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles designed for higher gross vehicle weights often perform differently at GVW versus base weight, leading to inconsistent acceleration and decreased fuel economy when operating at lower weights, with potential wear on driveline components.
Innovation Solution
Adapting a transfer function based on driver demand torque to adjust engine operation in response to varying vehicle weights, ensuring consistent performance and improved fuel efficiency across a range of weights by modifying parameters such as turbocharger settings and valve timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle is designed to operate at gross vehicle weight (GVW) with adequate accelerator pedal performance, then the vehicle meets performance metrics at GVW, but the vehicle accelerates better at base weight and fuel economy decreases when operating at GVW
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer function is made adaptive and dynamic, automatically adjusting its parameters based on the detected vehicle weight. The system transitions from a static transfer function designed for GVW to a dynamic function that modifies accelerator pedal response characteristics according to whether the vehicle is operating at GVW, partial load, or base weight, thereby optimizing fuel economy across different operating conditions while maintaining performance consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the transfer function based on vehicle weight detection. When the vehicle is detected to be operating below GVW, the transfer function parameters are modified to reduce accelerator pedal sensitivity or adjust torque demand characteristics, which improves fuel economy while maintaining adequate performance. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the same vehicle to operate efficiently across different weight conditions
2Use of energy by moving object
If the transfer function is adapted to provide consistent vehicle performance at lower weights, then fuel efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring vehicle weight (through sensors detecting actual vs. expected GVW) and using this information to adapt the transfer function parameters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically optimize fuel efficiency across different operating conditions without requiring complex manual intervention or multiple pre-programmed modes, thereby achieving fuel efficiency improvements with manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting its own operating weight condition and adapting the transfer function accordingly. The controller monitors vehicle parameters and autonomously modifies the accelerator pedal transfer function without external intervention, enabling the system to serve itself in optimizing performance and fuel economy across different weight scenarios while minimizing the need for additional complex control mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for adjusting vehicle operation in response to vehicle weight are described. In one example, an adaptive driver demand correction is adjusted in response to vehicle weight. The methods and systems may provide for more consistent powertrain response and lower vehicle emissions at lower vehicle weights.