Driveline Control System for Brake Force Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dynamic driveline systems face challenges in efficiently transitioning between two-wheel and four-wheel drive modes, particularly during braking, as they often require the vehicle to be stationary and may not optimally distribute brake force across wheels, leading to increased friction braking and reduced efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A control system that adjusts the driveline configuration based on brake force demands, allowing for driveline braking and regenerative braking to enhance brake force distribution, reducing the load on friction brakes by coupling additional wheels to the driveline during braking scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the vehicle uses traditional friction braking system, then braking function is achieved, but energy is lost and brake wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking energy lossVSAvoidbrake wear
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of kinetic energy dissipation during braking into useful electrical energy through regenerative braking. The motor generator acts as a generator during deceleration, converting the vehicle's kinetic energy into electrical energy that charges the energy storage device, thereby transforming energy loss into energy recovery and reducing brake wear

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces part of the mechanical friction braking system with an electrical regenerative braking system. Instead of relying solely on friction between brake pads and rotors, the system uses the motor generator to provide electromagnetic braking torque, substituting mechanical friction with electromagnetic force conversion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the driveline disconnects wheels during two-wheel drive mode, then fuel efficiency improves, but braking performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidbraking performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the driveline configuration based on vehicle operating conditions. The controller dynamically switches between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes, and between friction braking and regenerative braking, based on real-time monitoring of vehicle speed, acceleration demand, and energy storage state, optimizing both efficiency and performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The motor generator serves multiple functions: it acts as a motor during acceleration, as a generator during regenerative braking, and provides electromagnetic braking torque independently of the driveline configuration. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain braking performance whether in two-wheel or four-wheel drive mode

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution enables improved vehicle performance during braking by optimizing brake force distribution, reducing the need for friction braking and enhancing energy recovery through regenerative braking, thus improving efficiency and wear reduction.

Implementation Method 1

a motor generator arranged to be driven by the driveline to provide a regenerative braking function... arranged to be recharged by the motor generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a friction braking system arranged to slow the vehicle upon actuation by the driver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3303040B1Control system and method of controlling a driveline
Publication Date: 2020.12.30 JAGUAR LAND ROVER LTD
  • EP3303040B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3303040B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3303040B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

Some embodiments of the present invention provide a control system configured to control a driveline of a motor vehicle to operate in a selected one of a plurality of configurations, the system being configured to receive a brake signal responsive to the application of a braking system, the system being configured to cause the driveline to operate in a second configuration and not a first configuration in dependence at least in part on the brake signal, wherein in the first configuration a first group of one or more wheels and in addition a second group of one or more wheels are arranged to be driven by the driveline and in the second configuration the first group of one or more wheels and not the second group are arranged to be driven by the driveline.