Creep Torque Control for Auto Hold Brake Energy Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hybrid electric, electric, and fuel battery vehicles with Auto Hold function face challenges in controlling creep torque, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and reduced driving quality due to inefficient brake energy management.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that detect brake and start signals to activate and deactivate brake force, thereby controlling creep torque, specifically by activating brake force to reduce creep torque when stopped and deactivating it to increase creep torque when starting, using a control unit that includes a brake detection unit, start detection unit, braking unit, and activation unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If creep torque is maintained during Auto Hold operation, then driving stability is improved, but brake energy consumption increases and brake judder occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving stabilityVSAvoidbrake energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the creep torque adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the creep torque based on vehicle operating conditions (brake pedal position, vehicle speed, gear position). When the brake pedal is fully pressed, creep torque is reduced to minimize energy consumption and prevent brake judder. When the brake pedal is partially pressed or during normal driving, creep torque is maintained to ensure driving stability. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining stability and reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If creep torque is increased to improve driving quality, then vehicle responsiveness is improved, but unnecessary creep torque occurs during Auto Hold leading to energy waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving qualityVSAvoidenergy waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring brake pedal position, vehicle speed, and gear position, then adjusting the creep torque accordingly. The control unit receives feedback from sensors and modifies the creep torque output to match actual driving conditions. During Auto Hold operation, when the brake pedal is fully pressed, the system detects this condition and reduces creep torque to eliminate energy waste. This feedback mechanism ensures driving quality is maintained while preventing unnecessary energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If brake force is continuously applied during Auto Hold, then vehicle stationary stability is improved, but brake judder and gear-shift shock increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle stationary stabilityVSAvoidbrake judder
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the creep torque parameter based on brake pedal position. When the brake pedal is fully pressed during Auto Hold, the control unit reduces the creep torque parameter to minimize the difference between engine torque and brake torque. This reduces brake judder and gear-shift shock while maintaining vehicle stationary stability. The parameter adjustment is smooth and controlled, preventing harmful vibrations and shocks during the Auto Hold operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10118620B2Control method and system for creep torque of vehicle
Publication Date: 2018.11.06 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US10118620B2 patent drawing
  • US10118620B2 patent drawing
  • US10118620B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of controlling creep torque of a vehicle being provided with an Auto Hold function, includes: a brake detection step for detecting a brake signal of the vehicle; a braking step for activating a brake force and reducing creep torque according to the brake signal; a start detection step for detecting a start signal of the vehicle after the vehicle is stopped; and a starting step for deactivating the brake force and increasing the creep torque according to the start signal.