BEV Torque Control With Speed-Switched Pseudo-Clutch Response

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery electric vehicles (BEVs) lack the ability to optimally simulate the torque change characteristics of manual-transmission internal combustion engine vehicles, as the change characteristic of a pseudo-clutch pedal is not necessarily optimal and is mechanically determined, leading to suboptimal driving experiences.

Innovation Solution

A battery electric vehicle equipped with an electric motor and a controller that utilizes two indicators to control torque output, allowing for programmable torque change characteristics based on vehicle speed and pseudo-clutch pedal operation, switching between high-speed and low-speed torque change profiles to enhance driving feel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the torque change characteristic is mechanically determined like in manual-transmission internal combustion engine vehicles, then the system structure is simple, but the driving experience is suboptimal and cannot be adjusted according to different situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque change characteristic adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the torque change characteristic adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically switches between high-speed characteristic and low-speed characteristic based on vehicle speed conditions, allowing the system to adapt to different operating scenarios. This resolves the contradiction by transforming a static mechanical determination into a dynamic programmable control that can optimize driving experience across various speed ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of torque change characteristic from a fixed mechanical property to a variable programmable parameter. By defining different torque change characteristics for high-speed and low-speed conditions and switching between them based on vehicle speed, the system achieves adaptability without requiring complex mechanical structures. The controller modifies the torque output parameters according to the selected characteristic, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a single torque change characteristic is used for all speed ranges, then the control system is simple, but the driving experience is suboptimal at both high and low speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving experienceVSAvoidcontrol logic complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the torque change characteristic dynamic by switching between high-speed and low-speed characteristics based on vehicle speed. At high speeds, the high-speed characteristic provides appropriate torque response, while at low speeds, the low-speed characteristic optimizes acceleration feel. This dynamic adaptation improves driving experience across all operating conditions without requiring overly complex control logic, as the switching is based on a simple vehicle speed threshold.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by optimizing the torque change characteristic for specific speed ranges rather than using a single universal characteristic. The high-speed characteristic is tailored for high-speed driving conditions, while the low-speed characteristic is optimized for low-speed acceleration. This localized optimization improves driving experience in each speed range independently, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Speed

If the torque increases rapidly from minimum to basic torque, then the response to driver input is direct and responsive, but excessive acceleration changes occur at low speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque response speedVSAvoidexcessive acceleration change
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the torque change characteristic based on vehicle speed. At high speeds, the high-speed characteristic allows rapid torque increase for direct and responsive driver input response. At low speeds, the low-speed characteristic moderates the torque increase rate to prevent excessive acceleration changes. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the torque response speed to the current operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by implementing different torque change characteristics for different speed ranges. The high-speed characteristic provides rapid torque response appropriate for high-speed driving, while the low-speed characteristic provides moderated torque increase suitable for low-speed acceleration. This localized approach ensures that the torque response is optimized for each speed range, resolving the contradiction between responsive acceleration and excessive acceleration changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4703183A1Battery electric vehicle and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP4703183A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4703183A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4703183A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A battery electric vehicle (100) including an electric motor (6) as a drive source, a controller (101), a first indicator (42, 52), and a second indicator (44, 54) is provided. The first indicator (42, 52) outputs a continuous indication according to an operation amount to the controller (101). The second indicator (44, 54) is operable simultaneously with the first indicator and outputs a continuous indication according to an operation amount to the controller (101). In a state where the second indicator (44, 54) is not being operated, the controller (101) makes the electric motor (6) output a basic torque according to an operation amount of the first indicator (42, 52) and a vehicle speed. The controller (101) switches a change characteristic of the torque between a high-speed characteristic that is selected when the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed and a low-speed characteristic that is selected when the vehicle speed is lower than the predetermined speed.