Driveline Damper Oscillation Control via Regenerative Torque Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing control systems for automotive drivelines fail to effectively reduce damper oscillation in hybrid electric vehicles, leading to potential fatigue of damper components and increased noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) issues during regenerative operation, especially on rough roads.

Innovation Solution

A controller in the vehicle system monitors parameters such as damper deflection and speed differences between the electric machine and torque converter, applying regenerative torque feedback to dampen oscillations by adjusting the electric machine's torque based on calculated feedback proportional to these differences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If regenerative braking is applied during damper oscillation, then energy recovery is improved, but damper oscillation amplitude increases causing fatigue and NVH issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy recoveryVSAvoiddamper component durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors damper deflection parameters and uses this feedback to modulate the regenerative torque applied by the electric machine. When oscillation is detected, the controller adjusts the regenerative torque to counteract the oscillation, thereby reducing damper deflection amplitude while still recovering energy during non-oscillatory conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the regenerative torque based on real-time damper oscillation conditions. The controller modulates the electric machine torque output according to the oscillation state, transitioning between energy recovery mode and oscillation damping mode as needed, rather than applying fixed regenerative braking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If regenerative torque is applied to slow vehicle speed, then braking performance is improved, but damper oscillation and vibration increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle speed controlVSAvoidnoise, vibration and harshness

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The controller monitors damper deflection parameters and uses this feedback to modulate the regenerative torque. When oscillation is detected through parameter analysis, the system adjusts torque application to reduce oscillation amplitude, thereby suppressing NVH while maintaining speed control capability during non-oscillatory periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the potentially harmful oscillatory effects of regenerative braking into a beneficial damping action. By detecting oscillation through parameter monitoring and applying counter-phase torque modulation, the regenerative braking system inadvertently provides oscillation damping, transforming a harmful effect into a useful function.

Inventive Principle:

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

3Device complexity

If existing control systems are used during regenerative operation, then system simplicity is maintained, but damper oscillation cannot be effectively reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoiddamper oscillation control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system incorporates feedback based on damper deflection parameters to actively control oscillation. By monitoring these parameters and adjusting regenerative torque accordingly, the system achieves oscillation reduction without requiring complex additional hardware, leveraging existing sensors and control infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system performs multiple functions using the same electric machine and control unit: it provides regenerative braking for energy recovery, maintains vehicle speed control, and actively damps damper oscillation. This multi-functionality avoids the need for separate dedicated damping systems, maintaining relative simplicity while achieving comprehensive control.

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 approach effectively reduces damper oscillation amplitude, preventing excessive spring deflection and associated NVH issues, thereby enhancing the durability and quiet operation of the driveline during regenerative braking.

Implementation Method 1

applying regenerative torque feedback to dampen oscillations by adjusting the electric machine's torque based on calculated feedback proportional to these differences

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

The controller operates the electric machine to apply a regenerative torque based on a parameter indicative of a deflection of the damper and a parameter indicative of a difference between a rotor speed of the electric machine and an output speed of the torque converter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRegenerative braking:

Data Source

PatentUS9481360B1Vehicle driveline damper oscillation control

Publication Date: 2016.11.01 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A vehicle includes an electric machine, a torque converter and damper, and a controller. The controller is programmed to operate the electric machine to apply a regenerative torque according to a deflection of the damper and a difference between a speed of the electric machine and an output speed of the torque converter.