Drive Shaft Protection via Torque Reduction Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for protecting drive shafts from damage due to high torque output during reverse speed and full turn conditions, particularly when the stall condition of a transmission is satisfied, often result in increased stress and potential deformation or damage, leading to noise and potential chassis deformation, and are costly and weight-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a vehicle state detector, traction control portion, and engine control portion that detects vehicle information such as shift-speed, steering angle, and engine RPM to reduce engine output torque when predetermined conditions are met, ensuring the torque applied to the drive shaft remains below the limit torque, thereby preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high torque output is maintained during reverse speed and full turn conditions, then engine power output is maximized, but limit torque is applied to the drive shaft causing damage and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts engine torque output based on real-time detection of driving conditions (reverse speed, full turn steering angle, and stall condition). When all three conditions are met, the engine control portion reduces torque output below the limit torque threshold, preventing drive shaft damage while maintaining normal power output during other operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the torque parameter of the engine output based on detected driving conditions. By monitoring shift-speed, steering angle, and the relationship between vehicle speed and engine RPM, the system adjusts the torque parameter to remain below the limit torque value when damage risk is detected, thereby protecting the drive shaft.
2Strength
If joint size is increased to maintain strength in high drive shaft angle conditions, then drive shaft strength is improved, but vehicle cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of dangerous driving conditions (reverse speed, full turn, and stall condition) before limit torque is applied to the drive shaft. By proactively reducing engine torque output when these conditions are detected, the system prevents excessive stress on the drive shaft and joint, eliminating the need for oversized strengthening components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful high torque output into a beneficial protective action by automatically reducing torque when damage conditions are detected. This transforms what would be a harmful force into a protective mechanism, preventing drive shaft damage without requiring additional structural reinforcements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If stopper is installed near knuckle or lower arm to prevent suspension geometry change, then drive shaft angle is controlled, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical protection methods (such as stoppers or geometric constraints) with an electronic control system. By using sensors to detect driving conditions and an engine control unit to adjust torque output, the system achieves drive shaft protection without adding mechanical components that would complicate the suspension geometry or increase device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for protecting a drive shaft including determining whether a currently selected shift-speed may be a reverse speed, determining, in a case that the currently selected shift-speed may be the reverse speed, whether current steering angle may be full turn angle, determining, in a case that the current steering angle may be the full turn angle, whether stall condition may be satisfied, and controlling torque applied to the drive shaft to be smaller than limit torque by reducing output torque of an engine in a case that the stall condition may be satisfied may be disclosed.