Dynamometer Mode Control for Vehicle Testing Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles with computer-controlled systems pose challenges during chassis dynamometer testing, as anti-lock brake and hybrid vehicle functions can lead to malfunction indications when all four wheels are not turning, inhibiting accurate testing of stop-start and regenerative brake functions, and resulting in non-representative emission and fuel economy test results.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented to control vehicle operation by detecting non-dynamometer vehicle conditions using existing sensors and systems, allowing the vehicle to switch into or out of dynamometer mode based on these conditions, ensuring accurate testing without activating dynamometer mode when not needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vehicle controllers operate under normal operating conditions during dynamometer testing, then the vehicle systems monitor and automatically change operation based on monitored vehicle systems, but anti-lock brake and other systems set malfunction indications when all four wheels are not turning, making test results non-representative
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of vehicle control systems by introducing a dynamometer mode that modifies how sensors and control algorithms interpret vehicle state. In this mode, the system recognizes that wheels are stationary on rollers and prevents false malfunction indications, while maintaining normal monitoring functions for actual vehicle health issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control mode (dynamometer mode) that acts as a mediator between normal vehicle operation and the constrained dynamometer environment. This intermediary mode allows the vehicle controllers to operate appropriately for testing conditions without triggering false alarms, while still maintaining system monitoring capabilities.
2Productivity
If dynamometer operation algorithms are employed to enable particular testing, then testing can be accomplished on the dynamometer, but additional component redundancy or complex algorithms are required to determine when to start and exit execution of the dynamometer control mode algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing vehicle sensors and control systems multi-functional by enabling them to operate in both normal mode and dynamometer mode. The same sensors that monitor vehicle operation during normal driving are repurposed to detect dynamometer conditions, eliminating the need for dedicated testing hardware or overly complex control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the vehicle's existing sensor system to self-identify when it is on a dynamometer by analyzing data from sensors already present for normal operation. The system uses existing wheel speed sensors, steering angle sensors, and other standard vehicle sensors to detect the unique conditions of dynamometer testing without requiring additional testing equipment.
3Measurement precision
If existing sensors and systems are used to detect non-dynamometer vehicle operating conditions, then dynamometer mode can be controlled accurately, but the system must reliably distinguish between actual vehicle operation and dynamometer testing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the control system continuously monitors sensor data and adjusts its interpretation based on the detected pattern. By analyzing feedback from multiple sensors simultaneously (wheel speed, steering angle, brake pressure), the system can reliably distinguish between actual vehicle movement and stationary conditions on a dynamometer, achieving high detection accuracy through multi-parameter feedback analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle and a method of controlling a dynamometer mode operation of a vehicle that includes requesting the dynamometer mode; monitoring for at least one non-dynamometer vehicle operating condition; if at least one of the non-dynamometer vehicle operating conditions is detected, prohibiting dynamometer mode; and if none of the non-dynamometer vehicle operating conditions is detected, operating the vehicle in dynamometer mode.