Electric Machine Coupling Control with Time Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing multiple traction power sources in vehicles is problematic, leading to issues with frequent changes in coupling states of electric machines, which can cause inefficiencies and wear.
Innovation Solution
A control system for electric machines that includes input means to receive attribute signals, processing means to determine coupling states, and output means to control coupling, with a mechanism to defer changes in coupling states until a predetermined period has elapsed, preventing excessive frequent changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the electric machine is selectively coupled to provide torque to the wheel, then the vehicle can utilize multiple traction power sources, but frequent changes in coupling state cause inefficiencies and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements periodic action by establishing a predetermined time period between coupling state changes. The processing means is configured to prevent changes in coupling state until this time period has elapsed, creating a rhythmic, periodic control pattern that stabilizes the system while still allowing necessary coupling transitions for utilizing multiple power sources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coupling state changes are allowed frequently, then the system can adapt to varying vehicle conditions, but excessive frequent changes cause wear and inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The control system applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a time period threshold before allowing coupling state changes. The processing means evaluates whether the predetermined time period has elapsed before permitting any coupling state transition, proactively preventing excessive frequent changes before they occur and thereby reducing wear and inefficiencies.
3Productivity
If the processing means controls coupling based on attribute signals, then the system can optimize powertrain performance, but without time delay the coupling state changes too frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The predetermined time period functions as an intermediary element between the attribute signals and the coupling state changes. The processing means uses this time period as a mediating constraint that filters rapid fluctuations in attribute signals, allowing only sustained changes to trigger coupling state transitions, thereby optimizing performance while maintaining stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide An electric machine control system for a vehicle, the electric machine control system comprising one or more controllers, wherein the vehicle comprises an electric machine arranged to be selectively coupleable to provide torque to at least one wheel of an axle of the vehicle, the control system comprising input means (330) to receive at least one attribute signal (410-4X0) indicative of one or more attributes of the vehicle (100), output means (340) arranged to output a coupling signal (345) to control coupling of the electric machine to the at least one wheel of the axle (222), and processing means (310) arranged to determine (1310) a coupling state of the electric machine (212) to the at least one wheel of the axle in dependence on the at least one attribute signal, wherein the processing means is arranged to control the output means to output the coupling signal (345) indicative of the determined coupling state, wherein the processing means is arranged to defer (1320, 1330) controlling the output means to output the coupling signal indicative of a change in the coupling state until expiry of a predetermined period of time since a last change in the coupling state indicated by the coupling signal.