Electric Drive Axle Torque Distribution for Low-Power Vehicle Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles with electric powertrains face inefficiencies in energy consumption due to the combined operation of drive axles and power assisted steering units, which can be improved by optimizing torque distribution and steering to minimize overall power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determines optimal wheel torques for left and right output shafts of an electric powertrain to minimize total power consumption while meeting longitudinal, lateral, and yaw moment targets, using a propulsion torque distribution unit and power assisted steering, with optional deactivation for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If torque vectoring is applied to enable curved trajectory driving, then steering support is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the torque distribution control and steering control into a unified system that optimizes both functions simultaneously. The control unit coordinates the propulsion torque distribution unit and power assisted steering unit to work together, merging previously separate control functions to achieve overall energy optimization while maintaining steering support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts multiple parameters including wheel torques, steering torque, and power distribution based on real-time driving conditions. By optimizing the distribution of longitudinal force, lateral force, and yaw moment targets across different wheels and steering components, the system achieves energy efficiency while maintaining steering performance.
2Reliability
If wheel torques are distributed differently to left and right output shafts for torque vectoring, then vehicle control is improved, but total power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic torque distribution that continuously adapts to current driving conditions. The control unit calculates optimal wheel torques based on real-time parameters including longitudinal force targets, lateral force targets, and yaw moment targets. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain reliable vehicle control while minimizing energy loss by optimizing torque distribution moment by moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control where the control unit receives information about current vehicle state and driving demands, then adjusts wheel torques and steering torque accordingly. The control unit optimizes the distribution of forces and moments based on feedback from sensors and driving conditions, ensuring reliable vehicle control while minimizing power consumption through continuous optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for controlling a motion of a vehicle. The vehicle can comprise an electric powertrain having at least one drive axle with a left output shaft and a right output shaft, a power assisted steering unit, and a propulsion torque distribution unit. The propulsion torque distribution unit can be configured to allocate wheel torques of different magnitudes to the left output shaft and the right output shaft respectively. The method can comprise receiving a total longitudinal force target value, a total lateral force target value and a total yaw moment target value. The method can further comprise determining a first wheel torque for the left output shaft and a second wheel torque for the right output shaft which minimize a total power consumption of the drive axle and the power assisted steering unit.