Driveline Control System for Pre-emptive Braking Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dynamic driveline systems face challenges in seamlessly transitioning between two-wheel and four-wheel drive modes, particularly in scenarios requiring pre-emptive braking, which can lead to increased wear on friction-based braking systems and inefficient energy recovery.
Innovation Solution
A control system that receives environment indication signals to determine the need for pre-emptive braking, switching the driveline configuration from two-wheel to four-wheel drive, enabling driveline braking and regenerative braking to reduce the load on friction brakes and optimize energy recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the driveline operates in two-wheel drive mode during normal operation, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the braking system experiences increased wear when pre-emptive braking is required
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary action by switching the driveline to four-wheel drive mode before the braking event occurs. When the system detects upcoming braking demands (such as approaching traffic signals or downward slopes), it proactively engages the four-wheel drive configuration, enabling the driveline to provide braking torque through the electric machine and regenerative braking mechanisms, thereby preventing excessive wear on the friction-based braking system before it is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The driveline acts as an intermediary between the vehicle's motion and the braking system. By engaging the driveline in four-wheel drive mode, the system introduces an intermediate braking mechanism (driveline braking through electric machine torque reversal) that shares the braking load, reducing the direct demand on the friction braking system and extending its durability while maintaining fuel efficiency during normal two-wheel drive operation.
2Reliability
If the driveline switches to four-wheel drive mode for pre-emptive braking, then braking system wear is reduced, but driveline complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driveline system employs dynamic configuration switching between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes based on real-time braking demand predictions. The system dynamically adjusts its operational state by engaging or disengaging the electric machine and switching driveline configurations, allowing it to optimize between fuel efficiency and braking system protection without requiring permanently complex hardware arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The driveline system is designed with multi-functionality, where the same driveline components serve both propulsion and braking functions. The electric machine can operate in motor mode for propulsion or in generator mode for regenerative braking, and the driveline can switch between two-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations. This universal design reduces the need for separate dedicated braking components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
3Loss of energy
If regenerative braking is enabled in four-wheel drive mode, then energy recovery is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring vehicle speed, acceleration demands, battery state of charge, and upcoming braking events (through environment indication signals). Based on this feedback, the system intelligently determines when to engage four-wheel drive mode and when to activate regenerative braking, optimizing energy recovery while managing control complexity through adaptive decision-making rather than rigid control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The driveline system provides self-service by using its own kinetic energy to generate electrical power through regenerative braking. When switching to four-wheel drive mode, the system automatically captures energy that would otherwise be lost during deceleration, converting it into electrical energy stored in the battery. This self-service energy recovery mechanism reduces overall energy loss without requiring external energy sources or complex external control systems.
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 approach reduces wear on friction brakes, enhances energy recovery through regenerative braking, and improves the vehicle's ability to anticipate and manage braking demands, especially in scenarios like approaching traffic signals or terrain changes.
Implementation Method 1
the control system is configured to employ regenerative braking whereby wheels connected to the driveline cause one or more electric machines coupled to the driveline to generate electrical current
Data Source
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 control system being configured to receive an environment indication signal indicative of an environment surrounding the vehicle, the control system being configured to determine, based on the environment indication signal, whether there is a need to pre-emptively brake the vehicle before brake torque is demanded of a braking system of the vehicle and the control system being configured, when it is determined that there is a need to pre-emptively brake the vehicle, to cause the driveline to operate in a second configuration and not a first configuration, wherein in the first configuration a first 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 in addition a second group of one or more wheels are arranged to be driven by the driveline.