eLSD Torque Control Using Aerodynamic Downforce for Vehicle Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle control systems fail to optimally balance aerodynamic load and torque coupling across differentials, leading to suboptimal vehicle performance, especially when transitioning between braking, coasting, and accelerating.
Innovation Solution
A method that actively controls an electronic limited slip differential (eLSD) and aerodynamic systems in conjunction, using controllers to adjust coupling torque and aerodynamic downforce based on vehicle state, ensuring optimal vehicle balance and downforce distribution across axles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If aerodynamic downforce is increased to improve vehicle balance, then vehicle stability improves, but the coupling torque capacity of the differential is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the differential coupling torque variable rather than fixed. The coupling torque is dynamically adjusted based on real-time aerodynamic load conditions, allowing the system to optimize vehicle balance while respecting the maximum coupling torque capacity of the differential under varying aerodynamic loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of coupling torque based on aerodynamic load conditions. By monitoring aerodynamic forces and adjusting the differential coupling torque accordingly, the system ensures that the differential operates within its capacity limits while maintaining optimal vehicle balance under different aerodynamic conditions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If aerodynamic element position is adjusted to change downforce distribution, then vehicle balance can be optimized, but response time during transient conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring aerodynamic load conditions and vehicle state, then adjusting the differential coupling torque in real-time. This closed-loop control system enables rapid response to transient conditions without requiring physical adjustment of aerodynamic elements, thereby optimizing vehicle balance while maintaining fast response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical adjustment of aerodynamic elements with electronic control of the differential system. Instead of physically moving aerodynamic components to adjust downforce distribution, the system uses electronic control of differential coupling torque to achieve the same vehicle balance optimization, significantly reducing response time.
3Reliability
If differential coupling torque is maximized to improve traction, then wheel slip reduces, but vehicle balance deteriorates under high aerodynamic loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the coupling torque parameter dynamically based on aerodynamic load conditions. Under high aerodynamic loads, the system reduces coupling torque to maintain proper vehicle balance, while under lower aerodynamic loads, it increases coupling torque to maximize traction. This adaptive parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between traction and vehicle balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the differential coupling torque adaptive rather than fixed at maximum. The system dynamically adjusts coupling torque based on real-time aerodynamic conditions, allowing optimal traction when aerodynamic loads are low and proper vehicle balance when aerodynamic loads are high.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for actively controlling the balance characteristics of a vehicle includes the following steps: (a) determining an aerodynamic balance, vehicle balance, or both of a vehicle, wherein the vehicle includes a vehicle body, an aerodynamic element coupled to the vehicle body, a rear axle, a front axle, a pair of wheels coupled to the rear axle, a pair of rear wheels coupled to the rear axle, a pair of front wheels coupled to the front axle, an electronic limited slip differential (eLSD) coupled to the rear axle, and the vehicle balance is based on an aerodynamic downforce on the vehicle; (b) determining that there is surplus downforce capacity available based on the vehicle balance; and (c) controlling, by a controller, the eLSD in response to determining that there is surplus downforce capacity available.