Dynamic Traction Control Adjusting Engine Torque for Vehicle Acceleration

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Solution Overview

Problem

State-of-the-art anti-skid devices for motor vehicles face inefficiencies in traction control, particularly on low-grip terrain, leading to difficulty in controlling the vehicle on slopes and frustration due to engine cuts during take-off, and inadequate traction on high-grip surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A traction control device for motor vehicles that adjusts engine control based on the driver's desired acceleration, incorporating sensors for ground grip and inclination, dynamically regulating engine torque to optimize wheel traction and prevent slippage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If state-of-the-art anti-skid devices control wheel slip by immediately cutting engine torque, then wheel slippage is reduced, but vehicle acceleration performance deteriorates and driver frustration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraction control reliabilityVSAvoidvehicle acceleration performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the target slip ratio based on terrain type (snow, ice, mud, dry road) and vehicle operating conditions (acceleration, deceleration, steering). Instead of using a fixed slip control threshold, the controller modifies the target slip ratio in real-time to optimize both traction control and acceleration performance across different driving scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the control parameter from a fixed slip ratio threshold to a dynamic target slip ratio that varies with terrain conditions and vehicle state. The controller adjusts engine torque based on the difference between actual and target slip ratios, allowing optimized torque delivery that maintains traction control while improving acceleration response

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If anti-skid devices apply aggressive torque reduction to prevent wheel spin, then wheel slippage is minimized, but vehicle control on slopes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel slip preventionVSAvoidvehicle control on slopes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts the target slip ratio based on slope conditions and vehicle acceleration state. On slopes, the controller adjusts the target slip ratio to maintain better vehicle control while still preventing excessive wheel spin, rather than applying uniform aggressive torque reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller continuously monitors wheel slip ratio, vehicle acceleration, and steering angle to provide feedback for real-time torque adjustment. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain vehicle control on slopes by modulating torque based on actual driving conditions rather than applying fixed aggressive reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If engine torque is immediately cut to regulate wheel slip, then traction control is achieved, but engine cuts occur on high-grip surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraction regulationVSAvoidtake-off speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes from immediate engine torque cutting to progressive torque regulation based on the difference between actual and target slip ratios. The controller adjusts engine torque smoothly according to terrain type and slip conditions, preventing abrupt engine cuts on high-grip surfaces while maintaining effective traction control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects different control strategies based on terrain type (snow, ice, mud, dry road) and vehicle operating conditions. On high-grip surfaces, the controller uses milder torque regulation to maintain take-off speed, while applying stronger control only when and where slip occurs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If fixed setpoint control is used for wheel slip regulation, then control simplicity is maintained, but traction performance on varied terrain deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system simplicityVSAvoidtraction performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic target slip ratio adjustment based on terrain type and vehicle operating conditions instead of fixed setpoints. The controller adapts the target slip ratio in real-time according to acceleration, deceleration, steering state, and terrain conditions to optimize traction performance across varied terrain while maintaining manageable control complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2132076B1Device and method for adjusting the driveability of an automobile
Publication Date: 2011.08.03 PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP2132076B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2132076B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2132076B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for adjusting the driveability of at least one wheel of a vehicle, in particular an automobile, that comprises a wheel driving engine (50), engine control means (40), means (62) for supplying information on an acceleration level desired by the vehicle driver, means (22) for providing information on the vehicle acceleration level, and an electronic control unit including computing means (70) for receiving the different information. The computing means (70) are adapted in order to obtain a vehicle acceleration level that corresponds to the acceleration level desired by the driver. The device further includes means for providing information on the vehicle inclination.