Dynamic Torque Management for Fuel Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle torque management systems do not effectively limit engine torque based on varying load conditions, road grades, and driver behavior, leading to inefficient fuel use, especially for inexperienced drivers who may accelerate aggressively.
Innovation Solution
Implement a method to dynamically calculate and limit the maximum allowable engine torque using onboard mass sensors, slope estimators, and longitudinal dynamics equations, taking into account the vehicle's mass, road slope, and cruise control status, while allowing exceptions for passing or low speed conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the maximum torque curve is programmed into the ECU to allow maximum acceleration, then the vehicle can achieve maximum performance, but fuel efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic torque management by continuously adjusting the maximum torque curve based on real-time vehicle conditions (mass, road grade, cruise control status) rather than using a fixed torque curve. This allows the system to optimize between acceleration capability and fuel efficiency by adapting torque limits to actual operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the torque parameter dynamically by calculating a condition-specific maximum torque curve that modifies the standard torque curve based on vehicle mass, road grade, and cruise control engagement. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing full torque when needed and limiting torque when not needed for performance.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the torque is limited based on vehicle mass and road grade, then fuel efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing ECU perform multiple functions by adding torque management capabilities to the standard engine control unit. The ECU now handles both conventional engine control and the new dynamic torque limiting function, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated control device and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses data already available from existing vehicle sensors (mass sensors, slope estimators, cruise control status) to perform torque calculations. By leveraging existing infrastructure and data sources, the patent minimizes additional hardware requirements while achieving fuel efficiency improvements.
3Loss of energy
If the torque limiting is applied continuously, then fuel consumption is minimized, but the adaptability to different driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the ECU continuously monitors vehicle conditions (mass, road grade, cruise control engagement) and adjusts the maximum torque curve accordingly. This closed-loop approach ensures both fuel efficiency through continuous torque optimization and adaptability through real-time response to changing driving conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts torque limits based on real-time conditions rather than applying a static torque curve. The maximum torque curve is recalculated as vehicle mass, road grade, or cruise control status changes, ensuring both energy efficiency and adaptability to varying operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A torque management system and method is described by which the torque provided by an engine can be controlled based on a mass of the vehicle and, if available, instantaneous and/or predictive slope information. Also, in some modes of operation, torque can be controlled based on speed limit information for upcoming road segments to be traveled by a vehicle. In addition to controlling the maximum allowable torque, optionally the minimum allowable torque can also be controlled to prevent inadvertent decelerations of the vehicle. A driver/operator can optionally override the torque control and the history of override requests can optionally be used to adjust overrides of the system. A plurality of torque control approach sub-methods can be made available with the appropriate sub-mode being selected depending, for example, upon the extent of the available information.