Creep Torque Control Using Ultrasonic Sensors for Low-Speed Efficiency

Solution Overview

Problem

Drivers of environmentally-friendly vehicles experience fatigue due to frequent operations of the accelerator and brake pedals in low-speed situations, and existing solutions like advanced smart cruise control require expensive radar equipment.

Innovation Solution

A creep torque control apparatus and method that uses ultrasonic sensors to measure vehicle-to-vehicle distance and calculates rolling resistance to variably control creep torque, allowing for reduced pedal operations without additional hardware, thereby enhancing user convenience and fuel efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If advanced smart cruise control (ASCC) technology is used to reduce frequent pedal operations, then user convenience is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring high-priced radar equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepedal operation frequencyVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling ultrasonic sensors, originally designed for smart parking assist systems, to serve dual purposes: both parking assistance and creep torque control in low-speed situations. This allows the system to provide cruise control functionality without requiring dedicated radar equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes existing sensors and control units already present in the vehicle for smart parking assist functions to also perform creep torque control. By making existing components serve additional functions, the patent avoids the need for separate dedicated hardware, reducing overall device complexity while still providing automated control to reduce pedal operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If advanced smart cruise control (ASCC) technology is used to reduce frequent pedal operations, then user convenience is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to requiring high-priced radar equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepedal operation frequencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling ultrasonic sensors, originally designed for smart parking assist systems, to serve dual purposes: both parking assistance and creep torque control in low-speed situations. This allows the system to provide cruise control functionality without requiring dedicated radar equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes existing sensors and control units already present in the vehicle for smart parking assist functions to also perform creep torque control. By making existing components serve additional functions, the patent avoids the need for separate dedicated hardware, reducing overall device complexity while still providing automated control to reduce pedal operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If creep torque is increased to improve vehicle movement in low-speed situations, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle movement efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by dynamically adjusting the creep torque based on real-time detection of vehicle-to-vehicle distance and rolling resistance conditions. The control unit varies the torque output according to the detected environment, providing sufficient torque when needed for vehicle movement while reducing torque when conditions allow, thereby improving productivity without excessive energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the creep torque parameter based on detected rolling resistance and distance conditions. The control unit adjusts torque magnitude dynamically according to environmental parameters, ensuring efficient energy utilization while maintaining adequate vehicle movement capability in low-speed situations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively reduces the need for frequent pedal operations in low-speed situations, improving user convenience and fuel efficiency while avoiding the cost of additional hardware by utilizing existing smart parking assist system sensors.

Implementation Method 1

a distance detector that detects a distance from another vehicle located in front of the vehicle in a progress direction, and the distance detector may detect the distance from the other vehicle through one or more ultrasonic sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic detection: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS10814874B2Apparatus and method for controlling creep torque in environmentally-friendly vehicle

Publication Date: 2020.10.27 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for controlling a creep torque in an environmentally-friendly vehicle. The apparatus includes detectors that detect driving-related information of the vehicle and a controller that calculates rolling resistance based on the driving-related information and variably controls the creep torque in consideration of the calculated rolling resistance depending on whether the vehicle satisfies a creep cruise control operating condition.