Clutch-Kick Vehicle Stabilization for Oversteer Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle stabilization systems, such as electronic stability control, become less effective as vehicle sideslip grows, and are unable to rapidly stabilize vehicles experiencing oversteer or avoid obstacles effectively, especially in situations where steering control is unavailable or the vehicle's drive unit is not powerful enough to break traction on front tires.
Innovation Solution
A stabilization system that uses a processor and sensor data to detect oversteer conditions and execute a clutch kick maneuver, which involves momentarily disengaging and rapidly reengaging the clutch, along with throttle adjustments and potential gear shifts, to generate a burst of longitudinal force and stabilize the vehicle or avoid obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic stability control is used, then vehicle stabilization is provided under normal conditions, but stabilization effectiveness decreases as vehicle sideslip grows and cannot rapidly stabilize during oversteer
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its response based on the severity of the oversteer condition. When oversteer is detected, the system transitions from normal electronic stability control to an aggressive clutch kick maneuver, dynamically adjusting the stabilization approach according to the emergency level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes critical parameters (clutch engagement state, throttle position) rapidly to generate a sudden torque pulse. This parameter change approach enables the system to overcome the gradual response limitation of conventional stability control and achieve rapid vehicle redirection.
2Speed
If clutch kick maneuver is executed, then rapid vehicle stabilization and obstacle avoidance are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch kick module serves multiple functions: it can rapidly stabilize the vehicle during oversteer, redirect the vehicle path to avoid obstacles, and work in conjunction with the electronic stability control system. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile emergency response capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch acts as an intermediary component that enables rapid torque transmission changes. By introducing this intermediary element between the engine and transmission, the system can generate sudden torque pulses without requiring direct engine control modifications, thus managing complexity while achieving rapid response.
3Ease of operation
If conventional actuators (brakes and steering) are used, then vehicle control is maintained under normal conditions, but control becomes ineffective when rear tires lose lateral traction
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the conventional mechanical control approach (brakes and steering) with a torque-based mechanical substitution. Instead of relying on brake force or steering geometry changes that become ineffective when rear tires slide, the system uses direct torque application through the clutch kick to redirect the vehicle, providing reliable control when traditional methods fail.
Data Source
AI summary
System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to stabilizing a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method for stabilizing a vehicle with a drivetrain having a clutch includes obtaining data indicating one or more aspects of a turning condition of the vehicle, detecting that a hazard state exists based on a comparison of one or more parameters of the turning condition against one or more predetermined thresholds, and executing a clutch kick in response to detecting the hazard state. The clutch kick includes disengaging the clutch and rapidly reengaging the clutch.