Driveline Torque Coupling Control for Traction Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle systems fail to effectively manage driveline torque coupling between wheels during loss of traction, leading to potential surface degradation and changes in vehicle handling characteristics, especially when brake torque or pressure exceeds certain thresholds.

Innovation Solution

A control system that varies driveline torque coupling between wheel groups in response to detected loss of traction, applying brake torque to induce corrective yaw, and reduces coupling only when brake torque or pressure exceeds a threshold value, thereby preventing surface degradation and enhancing driver confidence by maintaining optimal vehicle handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the driveline reduces torque coupling between wheel groups when brake torque exceeds threshold, then surface degradation is prevented, but vehicle handling characteristics change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface degradationVSAvoidvehicle handling
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The driveline torque coupling is made dynamically adjustable based on real-time brake torque measurements. The system transitions from a static coupling state to a dynamic state where coupling magnitude varies with brake torque levels, allowing optimal balance between preventing surface degradation and maintaining vehicle handling characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the torque coupling parameter dynamically based on brake torque threshold exceedance. When brake torque exceeds the threshold, the driveline reduces torque coupling between wheel groups, thereby preventing surface degradation while managing vehicle handling through controlled parameter modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the driveline maintains torque coupling between wheel groups during braking, then vehicle handling is maintained, but surface degradation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle handlingVSAvoidsurface degradation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces continuous mechanical torque coupling with a controlled torque transfer mechanism that responds to brake torque levels. By using sensor feedback and control logic, the system substitutes passive mechanical coupling with an active control system that prevents harmful torque transfer to the surface while maintaining necessary vehicle handling.

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If brake torque is applied to induce corrective yaw, then vehicle stability is maintained, but torque transfer to other wheels causes surface degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle stabilityVSAvoidsurface degradation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The driveline torque coupling is segmented into controllable portions based on wheel group separation. When brake torque exceeds the threshold, the system selectively reduces torque coupling between the braked wheel and other wheel groups, isolating the brake torque effect to only where needed for stability while preventing harmful torque transfer to other wheels that would cause surface degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The system enhances vehicle stability and handling by decoupling wheels only when necessary, preventing torque transfer and maintaining stability, thus improving driver confidence and vehicle control during traction loss events.

Implementation Method 1

apply brake torque to a wheel of the first or second groups of one or more wheels in order to induce a corrective yaw to the vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

control a driveline of a vehicle to vary an amount of driveline torque coupling between first and second groups of one or more wheels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque transmission: Torque

Data Source

PatentEP2996895B1Vehicle driveline control system and method, and motor vehicle comprising such a system
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 JAGUAR LAND ROVER LTD
  • EP2996895B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2996895B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A control system for a vehicle (100) operable to control a driveline (105) of a vehicle to vary an amount of torque coupling between first (112, 113) and second (114, 115) groups of one or more wheels (112-115), the control system being operable automatically to cause application of brake torque to a wheel of the first or second groups of one or more wheels (112-115) in response to detection of loss of traction of one or more wheels (112-115), wherein if the amount of brake torque or brake pressure of a braking system employed to apply the brake torque exceeds a threshold value in response to the detection of loss of traction, the control system is operable to cause the driveline (105) to reduce the amount of torque coupling between the first (112, 113) and second (114, 115) groups of wheels.