Engine Restart Control Using Origin Torque Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine restart control systems for vehicles with idle stop functions and electric power steering (EPS) systems face issues due to midpoint shift and sensing errors in steering torque detection, leading to lateral differences in steering angle requirements for engine restart.
Innovation Solution
An engine restart control device that sets an origin torque or origin angle using a steering torque or angle detection means, allowing the engine to restart based on a predetermined threshold relative to this origin, thereby minimizing lateral differences in steering angle requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a steering torque detection means is used to detect steering torque for engine restart control, then the engine can be restarted based on steering input, but midpoint shift and sensing error cause lateral difference in steering angle required for engine restart
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting and storing the steering torque value when the steering wheel is in the neutral position before engine restart is requested. This pre-detected neutral position torque value is then used as a reference to compensate for midpoint shifts and sensing errors, ensuring accurate lateral direction determination during subsequent steering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring steering torque and comparing it against the stored neutral position reference value. This feedback mechanism allows the control unit to accurately determine lateral steering direction and magnitude despite sensor errors, enabling precise engine restart control based on actual steering input.
2Productivity
If a predetermined threshold steering torque is set for engine restart, then engine restart control can be implemented, but lateral difference in steering angle is caused due to sensing error in EPS control means
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary reference value (the detected steering torque at neutral position) that mediates between the raw sensor data and the restart decision logic. This intermediary reference compensates for sensing errors, allowing the predetermined threshold to work accurately and ensuring consistent steering angle requirements for engine restart in both lateral directions.
3Device complexity
If steering torque detection means with standard equipment is used, then system complexity is reduced, but midpoint shift causes offset in detected torque value
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by using the steering torque detection means to detect its own neutral position offset. The control unit automatically detects the torque value when the steering wheel is centered and stores it as a reference, allowing the system to self-correct for midpoint shifts without requiring additional calibration equipment or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an engine restart control device. A controller is configured to stop an engine which is adapted to generate a driving force for running a vehicle when a predetermined stop condition is met and configured to restart the engine when a predetermined restart condition is met after stopping the engine. A steering torque detector is configured to detect a steering torque of a steering wheel which is adapted to be operated by a driver. The controller includes an origin torque setting unit configured to set the steering torque detected by the steering torque detector when the predetermined stop condition is met and the engine is stopped as an origin torque. The controller restarts the engine when the steering torque detected by the steering torque detector exceeds a predetermined threshold with reference to the origin torque set by the origin torque setting unit.