Electric Machine Control for Reduced Acceleration Latency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling electric machines in motor vehicles result in latency times when accelerating, as the magnetic field must be built up before speed and torque can be increased, leading to reduced acceleration capability and longer times to reach 0 km/h to 100 km/h.

Innovation Solution

A method that anticipates the driver's acceleration request by pre-magnetizing the electric machine using a control device that evaluates input signals, such as pedal positions and environmental information, to build up the magnetic field before a confirmation signal is received, allowing for immediate speed and torque increase.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the magnetic field in the electrical machine is reduced or switched off when the vehicle is stationary or coasting to improve energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but latency time increases when acceleration is requested

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidlatency time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control device performs preliminary action by building up the magnetic field in advance when the vehicle is stationary or coasting, rather than waiting until acceleration is requested. This pre-establishment of the magnetic field eliminates the latency that would otherwise occur when the field needs to be built up from scratch during acceleration requests.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the magnetic field state based on the vehicle's operating condition and the driver's input signals. The control device monitors accelerator pedal position and other inputs to determine when to maintain, build up, or reduce the magnetic field, creating a dynamic response that adapts to real-time driving conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If the magnetic field is built up immediately when acceleration is requested, then acceleration capability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacceleration capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field is built up in advance during periods when the vehicle is stationary or coasting, rather than waiting until acceleration is requested. This preliminary action ensures that when the driver requests acceleration, the magnetic field is already established and ready to produce immediate torque, improving acceleration capability without wasting energy during non-acceleration periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device continuously monitors the vehicle's operating state, accelerator pedal position, and other parameters to determine the optimal timing for building up or reducing the magnetic field. This feedback mechanism ensures the magnetic field is maintained at appropriate levels based on actual driving conditions, optimizing both acceleration response and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach reduces or eliminates latency times, enabling faster acceleration and a more agile driving experience without the need for additional power electronics or step-up converters.

Implementation Method 1

the control device (4) activates the electric machine (2) to increase at least one magnetic field generated in it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3383694B1Control method of an electrical machine to drive a vehicle and corresponding vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.05.20 AUDI AG
  • EP3383694B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

Method for controlling an electric machine (2) for driving a motor vehicle (1), wherein a flux density of at least one magnetic field generated in the electric machine (2) is increased when an announcement signal is present that announces an upcoming acceleration command by the driver, and when a confirmation signal is present that confirms the announced acceleration command, the electric machine (2) is controlled in such a way that the speed and/or torque thereof increases.