CVT Virtual Gear Map Adjustment for Driver Anticipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional continuously variable transmissions lack user control over engine speed, making it difficult for drivers to anticipate engine speed at specific vehicle speeds, which can lead to an uncomfortable driving experience and reduced fuel efficiency compared to transmissions with fixed gear ratios.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to adjust a gear map using virtual gears, enabling customization of engine speed for specific vehicle speeds through a processor-controlled continuously variable transmission, with options to modify the number, ratio, and location of virtual gears within a defined virtual gear placement area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a conventional continuously variable transmission is used, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the driver cannot anticipate engine speed for a specific automobile speed
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous variable transmission is segmented into virtual gears with discrete gear ratios. These virtual gears divide the continuous range into meaningful segments that provide predictable engine speed at specific vehicle speeds, allowing drivers to anticipate engine behavior while maintaining the fuel efficiency benefits of a CVT.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of gear ratio by introducing virtual gears with specific ratios into the continuous variable transmission. This allows the transmission to operate at predetermined engine speeds for given vehicle speeds, providing driver predictability while maintaining continuous variability for fuel efficiency optimization.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional transmission with fixed gear ratios is used, then the driver can anticipate engine speed, but fuel efficiency is reduced compared to continuously variable transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system combines the functions of both conventional fixed-ratio transmissions and continuously variable transmissions. It provides the predictability of fixed gears through virtual gears while maintaining the fuel efficiency advantages of continuous variability, making it universally suitable for different driving conditions and preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed gear ratios to dynamic virtual gears within a continuously variable transmission. The virtual gears can be adjusted and modified by users, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to different driving preferences and conditions while maintaining fuel efficiency.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the number of gears in a conventional transmission is increased, then performance and fuel efficiency are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of physically adding multiple gear sets, the system creates virtual copies of gear ratios through software and control algorithms. These virtual gears simulate the effect of multiple physical gears without the associated complexity, cost, and space requirements of actual mechanical gear components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of multiple physical gears with a computational system that simulates gear ratios. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical gear trains while achieving the same performance and fuel efficiency benefits through electronic control of the continuously variable transmission.
4Ease of manufacture
If a conventional continuously variable transmission uses fixed virtual gear placement, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to user preferences is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gear map transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, user-adjustable system. Users can modify the position and characteristics of virtual gears according to their preferences, allowing the transmission to adapt to different driving styles and conditions while maintaining a standardized base configuration for manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides a pre-configured default gear map that is optimized for general use and fuel efficiency. Users can then make preliminary adjustments to this default configuration to suit their specific preferences, combining the benefits of standardized manufacturing with user customization.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a method and system for adjusting a gear map. The present invention can be an automobile including a continuously variable transmission system, an ignition detecting ignition data, and/or a display unit. The continuously variable transmission system can include a continuously variable transmission, a memory storing a gear map including virtual gears, a gear adjustment mode input unit detecting gear adjustment mode data, and/or a processor. The processor can control the continuously variable transmission to operate at a desired engine speed for a specific automobile speed using the gear map. The processor can adjust the gear map using the gear adjustment mode data, and/or the ignition data. The processor can control the display unit to display information to prompt the user to supply the gear adjustment mode data.