Drive Train Zero-Transition Adaptation for Smooth Torque Reversal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drive train arrangements in modern motor vehicles experience uncomfortable jolts and mechanical noise during transitions from traction to overrun or vice versa due to zero-load clearance shifts, which are mitigated by storing large safety factors in control units at the expense of dynamics.
Innovation Solution
A drive train arrangement with an adaptable zero transition region, where the zero transition starting and end points, and angle are dynamically adjusted based on comparisons of rotational speed gradients and thresholds, allowing for more precise derivation and weighting of adaptation values to maintain vehicle dynamics over its service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the zero transition region is stored with a high safety factor in the control unit, then the reliability of avoiding hard impact is improved, but the dynamics in the torque region deteriorates due to unnecessary delays in torque build-up
Solution Approach 1:
The zero transition region is made dynamically adaptable rather than statically fixed. The control unit continuously adapts the zero transition region based on actual drive train conditions, allowing the system to maintain reliability while improving dynamics. This is achieved by monitoring parameters such as rotational speed gradients and comparing them against thresholds to determine when to enter and exit the zero transition region, enabling real-time optimization of torque build-up speed while still preventing hard impacts.
2Reliability
If the zero transition region is extended to cover all zero-load clearance regions with safety factor, then the protection against premature end points is improved, but the vehicle dynamics deteriorates due to delayed torque response
Solution Approach 1:
The boundaries of the zero transition region (starting point and end point) are made variable parameters that are continuously adjusted based on actual drive train conditions. Instead of using fixed extended boundaries, the system monitors parameters such as rotational speed gradients and compares them against thresholds to dynamically determine the optimal zero transition region boundaries, maintaining coverage while improving response efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring drive train parameters and using this information to adapt the zero transition region in real-time. The control unit compares actual rotational speed gradients against threshold values and adjusts the zero transition region boundaries accordingly, ensuring adequate coverage of zero-load clearance regions while avoiding unnecessary extensions that would delay torque response.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed zero transition region is used throughout service life, then the implementation simplicity is improved, but the adaptability to changing physical conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs self-adaptation by automatically adjusting the zero transition region boundaries based on monitored drive train conditions throughout the vehicle's service life. The system uses feedback from sensors and comparisons against thresholds to autonomously optimize the zero transition region without requiring manual recalibration or complex pre-programming for different service conditions, maintaining ease of implementation while achieving long-term adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive train arrangement for a motor vehicle includes at least one drive device, a start-up element arrangement, a gear drive arrangement, at least one driveshaft configured to drive drive wheels, an electronic operator control member configured to be operated, a torque control member, and a controller. The controller is configured to store torque regions for a change in load and to transmit a torque default value to the torque control member depending on an actuation of the electronic operator control member. The stored torque regions are zero transition regions with a zero transition starting point and a zero transition end point for covering all zero-load clearance regions. The controller is configured to adapt at least one respective zero transition region of at least one respective stored torque region.