Automatic Manual Transmission Torque Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automatic manual transmissions experience imprecise torque control due to inaccurate engine models, leading to undesired engine rpm oscillations, which are particularly noticeable in high-performance sports engines, causing discomfort and perceived inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A control method for automatic manual transmissions that uses a combination of open-loop and closed-loop controls, where the transmission control unit communicates directly with the engine control unit through a dedicated synchronization wire, allowing for precise torque and rotation speed targets to be set, minimizing delays and using a PID regulator for feedback-based adjustments to stabilize engine speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If open-loop control based on engine model is used to pursue torque target, then torque control is simpler and faster, but torque control precision deteriorates due to model inaccuracies and component variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque control speedVSAvoidtorque control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements closed-loop feedback control by continuously monitoring actual engine torque and rotation speed, comparing them with target values, and adjusting control parameters accordingly. This feedback mechanism compensates for model inaccuracies and component variations, resolving the contradiction between fast open-loop control and precise torque control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts control parameters including torque target, rotation speed target, and PID regulator coefficients based on real-time engine operating conditions. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain both responsiveness and precision across different operating ranges, resolving the contradiction between control speed and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If PID regulator with feedback control is used to improve torque precision, then torque control precision improves, but control system complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque control precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies PID control selectively to specific parameters (torque and rotation speed) rather than all control variables. The controller focuses computational resources on the most critical parameters affecting torque precision, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining necessary precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-calculates and stores optimal PID regulator coefficients and control parameters for different operating conditions. This preliminary preparation reduces real-time computational requirements, allowing precise feedback control without excessive complexity or processing demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If dedicated synchronization wire is used for direct communication between control units, then communication delay is reduced and control precision improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol synchronization precisionVSAvoidcommunication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dedicated synchronization wire as an intermediary communication channel between the transmission control unit and engine control unit. This specialized communication path provides reliable, low-latency data exchange for critical control signals, resolving the contradiction between communication precision and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2226230B1Control method of shifting gear in an automatic manual transmission
Publication Date: 2015.06.17 FERRARI SPA
  • EP2226230B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2226230B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2226230B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control method of shifting gear in an automatic manual transmission (6) to pass from a current gear (A) to a successive gear (B); the automatic gear transmission (6) comprises a gearbox (7), which is provided with at least one primary shaft (15) and at least one secondary shaft (17) connected to driving wheels (3), and at least one clutch (16), which is interposed between the primary shaft (15) of the gearbox (7) and a drive shaft (5) of an engine (4); the control method comprises the steps of: determining, when the clutch (16) is at least partially closed, a target torque (TC-TAR) that has to be transmitted through the clutch (16); determining, when the clutch (16) is at least partially closed, a rotation speed target (ωE-TAR) of the drive shaft (5) of the engine (4); and determining a target engine torque (TE-TAR) of the engine (4) according to the target torque (TC-TAR) that has to be transmitted through the clutch (16) and according to the rotation speed target (ωE-TAR) of the drive shaft (5) of the engine (4).