Vehicle Driveline Control for Moving 2WD-4WD Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dynamic driveline systems for motor vehicles often require the vehicle to be stationary during mode transitions between two and four wheel drive, and they may not efficiently adapt to changing conditions such as traffic congestion or low fuel levels, leading to suboptimal performance and fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A control system that dynamically manages the driveline to switch between two and four wheel drive modes based on conditions like speed, geographical location, surface friction, fuel availability, and malfunction detection, using electronic controllers and sensors to override default settings and adjust driveline configurations accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the driveline operates in four wheel drive mode below a certain speed to provide enhanced low speed performance, then low-speed performance is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes based on real-time driving conditions. The control system monitors vehicle speed, acceleration demands, and traffic conditions to determine when four-wheel drive is necessary, allowing the driveline configuration to adapt rather than remain static. This resolves the contradiction by enabling four-wheel drive only when performance is needed while maintaining fuel efficiency during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (driveline configuration) based on varying conditions. By monitoring vehicle speed thresholds and acceleration requests, the control system adjusts the driveline mode between two-wheel and four-wheel drive. This parameter change approach allows the system to optimize the balance between low-speed performance and fuel consumption by selecting the appropriate driveline configuration for current operating conditions.
2Reliability
If the vehicle requires stationary position for mode transitions between two and four wheel drive, then driveline reconnection reliability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static to dynamic driveline reconnection. Instead of requiring the vehicle to be stationary for mode transitions, the control system enables four-wheel drive engagement while the vehicle is moving. The system dynamically adjusts clutch engagement and power distribution based on real-time wheel slip detection and vehicle acceleration demands, maintaining reliability without stationary requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical interlocking mechanisms that required stationary positioning with electronically controlled clutch systems. The control unit manages power distribution and clutch engagement through electronic signals, allowing smooth transitions between drive modes during vehicle motion. This substitution of mechanical constraints with electronic control enables continuous operation while maintaining driveline reconnection reliability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the driveline operates in two wheel drive mode to reduce fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency is improved, but adaptability to varying driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates continuous feedback from wheel speed sensors, acceleration sensors, and vehicle control units to monitor driving conditions. When wheel slip is detected or when acceleration demands exceed thresholds, the control system automatically transitions from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive mode. This feedback mechanism ensures the system adapts to varying conditions while maintaining fuel efficiency during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between fuel economy and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The driveline system is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated control architecture. The same control system manages both fuel-efficient two-wheel drive operation and high-performance four-wheel drive engagement based on conditions. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to various driving scenarios (normal road conditions, slippery surfaces, acceleration demands) while prioritizing fuel efficiency, eliminating the need for separate systems for different operating modes.
Data Source
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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 cause the driveline to operate in a first configuration and not a second configuration in dependence on a first set of one or more conditions, the system being further configured to override operation in the first configuration and cause the driveline to operate in the second configuration and not the first configuration in dependence on the first set of one or more conditions and in addition a second set of one or more conditions.