Coasting Management Controller for Driveline Disengagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with transmissions that allow operator control over gear selection do not effectively realize improved fuel economy through coasting, as existing systems fail to optimize coasting conditions based on road grade and speed limits.
Innovation Solution
A coasting management controller predicts speed changes based on road grade and compares them against cancellation deltas to determine if the engine should be disengaged from the driveline, allowing the vehicle to coast automatically under specific drive cycle conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the engine is disengaged from the driveline to allow coasting, then fuel economy is improved, but vehicle speed control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coasting management controller continuously monitors vehicle speed, engine speed, and driveline conditions, using feedback signals to determine when to engage or disengage the engine. This closed-loop control enables automatic speed regulation during coasting without operator intervention, resolving the contradiction between fuel economy improvement and speed control difficulty
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-regulation by automatically managing engine disengagement and re-engagement based on pre-programmed conditions and real-time sensor data. The controller independently decides when coasting should occur and when the engine should re-engage, eliminating the need for manual operator control during coasting events
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transmission allows operator control over gear selection, then driving flexibility is maintained, but automatic coasting optimization cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The coasting management controller is integrated with the existing transmission control system, merging automatic coasting optimization with manual gear selection capabilities. The system operates cooperatively, allowing the transmission to maintain its adaptability while the controller adds automatic fuel economy optimization through coordinated engine disengagement events
3Use of energy by moving object
If the engine is disengaged from the driveline, then fuel consumption is reduced, but vehicle acceleration capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts engine engagement status based on real-time driving conditions, vehicle speed, and acceleration requirements. The controller continuously evaluates whether coasting is appropriate or if engine power is needed, enabling the vehicle to transition smoothly between fuel-efficient coasting and power-delivering acceleration modes
Solution Approach 2:
The coasting management controller predicts upcoming driving conditions and pre-coordinates engine re-engagement before acceleration is needed. By anticipating when power will be required based on vehicle speed, road grade, and driver behavior patterns, the system ensures engine power is available when needed while maximizing coasting opportunities
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and apparatus include a controller structured to predict a change in speed of a vehicle in advance of upcoming terrain and inhibit a coasting event if the speed exceeds a limit. In one form a velocity of the vehicle is predicted using a physics based model of the vehicle within a look ahead window in front of a vehicle. Such a look ahead window can be distance or time based. In another, speed of a vehicle is monitored during a coasting event and is compared against a threshold to determine whether to remain coasting or re-engage an engine to a driveline. The threshold is a function of road grade, and permits a larger deviation from set speed at low grade than at high grade. The function can be based on road grade and vehicle weight.