Vehicle Axle Hop Control via Torque Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

High torque transmitted to an axle combined with wheel slip causes vertical vibration or 'hop' in vehicles, which existing technologies have not effectively controlled.

Innovation Solution

A control system comprising sensors and an electronic controller that detect axle vibration and wheel slip, starting an engine traction control system when either exceeds predetermined thresholds to mitigate axle hop.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If high torque is transmitted to the axle, then power delivery is improved, but axle hop and vertical vibration occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower deliveryVSAvoidaxle hop

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors axle vibration levels and wheel slip conditions through sensors, comparing detected values against predetermined thresholds. When axle hop is detected (vibration exceeds threshold) or wheel slip occurs, the system provides feedback to the engine control unit, which then reduces engine torque output to eliminate the harmful vibration while maintaining power delivery when conditions are normal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the engine torque parameter based on detected operating conditions. When axle vibration or wheel slip exceeds thresholds, the engine control unit modifies the torque output parameter to reduce or eliminate axle hop. This allows the system to optimize power delivery by adjusting torque in real-time based on actual axle response and traction conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If wheel slip occurs during high torque transmission, then traction is reduced, but axle hop is caused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraction forceVSAvoidaxle vibration

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system monitors wheel slip conditions by comparing wheel speed sensor data against expected values during torque application. When wheel slip is detected, the system provides feedback to reduce engine torque, thereby eliminating the root cause of both traction loss and axle hop. The feedback loop continuously adjusts torque to maintain optimal traction without exceeding the threshold that causes vibration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the detection of wheel slip (a harmful condition) as an early warning signal to prevent axle hop before it occurs. By detecting wheel slip trends and responding with torque reduction, the system converts the harmful effect of wheel slip into a beneficial early intervention that prevents the more severe axle hop condition, improving overall vehicle control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS20240034323A1System and method of controlling axle hop in a vehicle

Publication Date: 2024.02.01 NISSAN NORTH AMERICA INC

AI summary

A control system for controlling axle hop in a vehicle includes a sensor and an electronic controller. The sensor is configured to detect a vibration of an axle and to detect a wheel slip of a wheel. The electronic controller is configured to determine whether one of the detected axle vibration exceeds a first predetermined threshold or the detected wheel slip exceeds a second predetermined threshold. An engine traction control system is started upon determining that the one of the detected axle vibration exceeds the first predetermined threshold or that the detected wheel slip exceeds the second predetermined threshold.