Drive Force Control System Torque Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive force control systems for vehicles with motors connected to each drive wheel suffer from inefficiencies due to excessive slip and power loss, particularly when operating at low speeds or requiring high torque, leading to reduced acceleration and increased wear on wheels.
Innovation Solution
A drive force control system that includes a controller to optimize the output torques of two motors connected to opposite wheels, allowing variable torque transmission between them, and an electrical power source to minimize electric power output, thereby reducing slip and power loss by selecting combinations of interim torques that achieve the required torque while minimizing electric power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If one pair of wheels establishes drive force and the other pair establishes brake force, then the drive force control is simplified, but the slip amount between road surface and wheels increases and power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drive force and brake force functions into a unified control system where all four wheels can simultaneously contribute to drive force generation. The controller coordinates torque distribution across all motors, allowing the vehicle to utilize drive force from multiple wheels rather than separating them into drive and brake pairs, thereby reducing slip and power loss while maintaining controlled complexity through centralized management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic torque distribution that adapts to real-time vehicle conditions. The controller continuously adjusts the torque output of each motor based on wheel speed, vehicle acceleration, and road conditions, enabling optimal utilization of all wheels for drive force generation. This dynamic coordination reduces excessive slip compared to static drive-brake pair configurations while maintaining manageable control complexity through adaptive algorithms.
2Power
If the vehicle is propelled by the output power of a single motor, then the motor can generate a large torque and operate at an optimum operating point, but the motor is less efficiently operated for generating a larger torque not smaller than a predetermined torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the torque generation function across multiple motors instead of relying on a single motor. Each motor operates within its optimal efficiency range by contributing a portion of the total required torque. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high total torque output while maintaining efficient operation of individual motors, avoiding the inefficiency that occurs when a single motor is overloaded beyond its optimal range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the operating parameters (torque output) of multiple motors based on the total torque requirement. When high torque is needed, the controller distributes the demand across multiple motors, keeping each motor within its efficient operating range. This parameter adjustment strategy maintains motor efficiency while achieving the necessary power output, unlike single-motor systems that must operate inefficiently when demanding high torque.
3Power
If the vehicle is propelled by the output powers of two motors, then the drive force is sufficient for high torque requirements, but the motor operating efficiency is lower compared to single motor operation at low speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic motor coordination system that adaptively determines the optimal number of motors to operate based on real-time torque requirements and vehicle conditions. At low speeds and low torque demands, the system can operate with fewer motors at high efficiency. When high torque is required, it dynamically engages additional motors, distributing the load to maintain overall system efficiency. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between sufficient drive force and motor operating efficiency.
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 system improves vehicle efficiency by reducing wheel slip and power loss, minimizing damage to wheels, and optimizing torque distribution between motors, resulting in enhanced overall efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a friction clutch is provided to enable a torque to be transmitted between these motors. The friction clutch has a torque transmitting capacity controlled depending on a road condition.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive force control system to improve efficiency of a vehicle by controlling motors connected to drive wheels. A controller is configured to: calculate a total required torque of the drive unit; obtain combinations of a first interim torque of a first motor and a second interim torque of a second motor to achieve the total required torque; select a combination of the first interim torque and the second interim torque to minimize an output of a power source; and output the first interim torque of the first motor and the second interim torque of the second motor based on the selected combination.