Drive Axle Motor Control Switching for Torque and Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powertrain systems face inefficiencies and mechanical stress due to inadequate motor control strategies, leading to reduced lifespan and increased service costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamic motor control by strategically using combinations of Field-Oriented Control (FOC) and Direct Torque Control (DTC) in a drive axle system, based on real-time vehicle operating conditions, to optimize torque distribution and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single motor control strategy is used for all drive axles under all conditions, then the control system is simple, but powertrain efficiency cannot be optimized across different operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic motor control that automatically switches between FOC and DTC strategies based on real-time vehicle operating conditions. The system transitions from static single-strategy control to dynamic multi-strategy control, optimizing powertrain efficiency across different driving scenarios while maintaining manageable complexity through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter by switching between different motor control strategies (FOC and DTC) based on operating conditions. This parameter change allows the system to optimize for either efficiency (FOC during cruising) or dynamic response (DTC during acceleration), resolving the contradiction between simplicity and efficiency optimization.
2Loss of energy
If FOC is used for both drive axles during cruising, then steady-state efficiency is maximized, but the system cannot respond quickly to dynamic torque demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between FOC and DTC based on vehicle operating conditions. During cruising, FOC maximizes efficiency, while during acceleration events, the system dynamically transitions to DTC for fast torque response. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between steady-state efficiency and dynamic response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from vehicle operating conditions (acceleration demands, torque requirements) to determine which control strategy to apply. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain efficiency during normal cruising while automatically switching to high-response DTC when dynamic torque demands are detected.
3Speed
If DTC is used for both drive axles during hard acceleration, then fast torque response is achieved, but steady-state efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching that applies DTC only during hard acceleration conditions where fast torque response is needed, rather than continuously. This dynamic, condition-based approach allows the system to achieve fast response when necessary while maintaining efficiency during steady-state cruising by switching to FOC.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies DTC selectively and partially - only during hard acceleration conditions where its fast response capability is needed. This partial application of DTC (rather than continuous use) allows the system to benefit from DTC's rapid response when necessary while avoiding its efficiency penalties during steady-state operation.
4Productivity
If different control strategies are used for different drive axles, then individual axle optimization is possible, but control coordination becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic, condition-based assignment of control strategies to different drive axles. The system automatically determines which axles need FOC and which need DTC based on real-time operating conditions, enabling axle-level optimization without requiring complex manual coordination. The dynamic nature of the system manages complexity through automated decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods of dynamically modulating use of various motor control strategies (MCSs) to optimize powertrain efficiency. One or a combination of MCSs are strategically and dynamically implemented to regulate torque to drive axle motors of a drive axle based on vehicle operating conditions. In normal acceleration conditions, Field-Oriented Control (FOC) may be used to regulate torque applied to a first drive axle motor and Direct Torque Control (DTC) may be used to regulate torque applied to a second drive axle motor of the drive axle, where the first drive axle motor may operate at peak efficiency and the second drive axle motor may make up for fluctuating torque demand. In cruising speed conditions, FOC may be used to regulate torque applied to both the first and second drive axle motors to operate with high steady-state efficiency at cruising speeds.