Drive Torque Control for Hybrid Vehicle Boost Zone Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers of hybrid vehicles find it difficult to recognize when the vehicle enters a boosting or assist zone, as the drive power gauge does not effectively indicate this transition, making it hard to feel when the vehicle reaches its maximum output zone during travel.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that control drive torque by adding a predetermined additional torque to the drive request torque when the vehicle enters a predetermined zone on the drive power gauge, allowing the driver to feel the maximum output zone without needing to watch the instrument cluster, with the additional torque distributed between the engine and drive motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a drive power gauge is installed to display drive power zones, then the vehicle can indicate when entering maximum output zone, but the driver still cannot effectively recognize or feel this transition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tactile feedback mechanism (torque adjustment) between the drive power gauge display and the driver's perception. When the drive power enters the maximum output zone, the system mediates by adjusting the torque transmission to create a noticeable change in vehicle response, serving as an intermediary signal that confirms zone entry without requiring the driver to visually monitor the instrument cluster.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely visual information system (drive power gauge) with a mechanical/tactile feedback system (torque adjustment). Instead of relying on the driver to interpret visual data from the instrument cluster, the system substitutes a mechanical sensation through torque transmission changes that directly communicate the maximum output zone entry to the driver's tactile senses.
2Loss of information
If additional torque is added to make the driver feel the maximum output zone, then driver awareness is improved, but the drive torque control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality to the torque control system by enabling it to serve both its primary function of controlling drive torque for power delivery and a secondary function of providing tactile feedback for zone entry notification. The same torque adjustment mechanism that controls power transmission also communicates system state information to the driver, eliminating the need for separate feedback hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque control system performs self-service by using its own torque adjustment capability to provide feedback about its operational state. Instead of requiring external sensors or separate notification systems, the system uses its inherent torque transmission function to communicate maximum output zone entry to the driver through tactile feedback, making the system self-sufficient and reducing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system that control a drive torque of a vehicle in which there is a change in a torque of a predetermined magnitude when drive power of the vehicle enters a zone in which a predetermined maximum output is generated to allow a driver to feel that the drive power of the vehicle enters the maximum output zone during traveling. The method may include calculating, by a controller, a drive request torque of a vehicle and calculating drive power displayed on a drive power gauge of an instrument cluster based on the calculated drive request torque. In addition, the method may include adding, by the controller, a predetermined additional torque to the drive request torque when the calculated drive power displayed on the drive power gauge enters a predetermined zone of the drive power gauge.