Vehicle Drive Torque Control for Manual Shift Feel Imitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive force control systems for vehicles with electric motors struggle to accurately imitate the drive force changes experienced in vehicles with manual transmissions, due to differences in transmission structures between hybrid/electric vehicles and those with only an engine as a prime mover.
Innovation Solution
A drive force control system that includes a controller with a drive torque simulator and an actual torque calculator, which computes a virtual drive torque based on torque changing factors like inertia moment, elastic coefficient, and attenuation coefficient of the powertrain, and adjusts the motor torque accordingly to mimic the behavior of a vehicle with a manual transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the motor torque is changed in a similar fashion to a change in engine torque based on time constant and dead time, then the response delay in engine torque is accounted for, but the difference in transmission structures between hybrid/electric vehicles and vehicles with only engine prevents accurate imitation of manual transmission shift feel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual model of a manual transmission system that replicates the torque transmission characteristics and shift behavior of conventional manual transmissions. This virtual model includes simulated clutch engagement, gear shifting, and torque converter behavior, allowing the electric motor to reproduce authentic manual transmission shift feel without requiring an actual mechanical transmission system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the physical manual transmission mechanical system with a computational model implemented in software. The virtual transmission model uses algorithms to simulate the mechanical behavior of clutches, gears, and torque converters, substituting physical mechanical components with electronic control and mathematical modeling to achieve the same functional outcome.
2Ease of operation
If the motor torque is temporarily decreased to create a virtual shift shock, then the driver can feel a shift-like sensation, but the drive force to propel the vehicle is not changed in a similar fashion to a manual shifting operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic torque adjustment that adapts to the simulated transmission state. Instead of fixed torque reduction, the system continuously adjusts motor torque based on the virtual transmission's current gear ratio, clutch engagement level, and simulated vehicle dynamics. This creates a dynamic response that accurately mirrors how a real manual transmission would affect drive force during shifting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the simulated transmission state, vehicle speed, acceleration, and driver input to continuously adjust the motor torque output. The system uses this feedback to refine the torque modulation during virtual shifting operations, ensuring that the drive force changes match the expected behavior of a manual transmission under identical operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive force control system for a vehicle configured to accurately imitate a change in a drive force in a model vehicle. A drive torque simulator computes a virtual drive torque supposed to be delivered to drive wheels of the model vehicle in response to a manual operation to manipulate the vehicle, based on torque changing factors of a powertrain of the model vehicle. An actual torque calculator computes a target torque of a motor that is practically delivered to the drive wheels in the vehicle based on the virtual drive torque computed by the drive torque simulator, taking account of torque changing factors of the powertrain of the vehicle.