Dual-Drive Torque Control During Gear Backlash Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control devices for vehicles with two drive devices fail to increase torque output during backlash reduction, leading to uncomfortable driving experiences due to insufficient acceleration.

Innovation Solution

A control device with two drive devices, a first and second speed reducer, and a torque control section that allows one drive device to output torque for backlash reduction while the other drive device outputs torque based on the target torque, thereby maintaining acceleration and reducing abnormal noise and impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the torque outputted from drive devices is limited during backlash reduction, then abnormal noise and impact are suppressed, but acceleration and driver comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabnormal noise and impactVSAvoidacceleration

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the drive system into two independent drive devices (first and second drive devices), each capable of independent torque control. During backlash reduction, one drive device is controlled to output torque for backlash reduction while the other drive device outputs torque based on target torque requirements. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of noise suppression and acceleration maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If torque is limited to reduce backlash, then gear rattling is suppressed, but the driver's acceleration intent is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegear stabilityVSAvoiddriver's acceleration intent

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system segments the torque control function between two drive devices. One drive device handles backlash reduction while the other handles acceleration intent, allowing both gear stability and driver intent to be satisfied simultaneously without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If one drive device outputs torque for backlash reduction, then abnormal noise is suppressed, but total torque output is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabnormal noiseVSAvoidtotal torque output

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the torque output of two drive devices during backlash reduction. While one drive device outputs torque specifically for backlash reduction, the other drive device simultaneously outputs torque based on target torque requirements. The combined torque output from both drive devices ensures sufficient total power while suppressing abnormal noise through coordinated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12233717B2Control device

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 UNIVANCE CORP

AI summary

A control device for a vehicle is provided with: two drive devices; a first speed reducer that transmits the torque of one drive device to an output shaft; and a second speed reducer that transmits the torque of the other drive device to the output shaft. The control device is provided with a torque control unit that controls, according to a target torque, the torque output by the two drive devices. The torque control unit includes a restriction unit that controls the torque output by the two drive devices when the sign of the target torque is changed from a first sign to a second sign. While outputting torque that reduces the backlash of the first speed reducer or the second speed reducer to one of the drive devices, the restriction unit outputs torque according to the target torque to the other drive device.