Engine Torque Control with Conditional Inertial Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine torque control methods in motor vehicle powertrains fail to effectively compensate for inertial torques during steep slope driving, leading to a feeling of loss of power and impaired driving pleasure, as inertial torque components subtract torque when the driver intends to accelerate and add torque when decelerating.
Innovation Solution
A method that deactivates the inertial torque component during engine torque setpoint calculation when it opposes the driver's torque will, using a control unit to continuously calculate and compare the inertial torque component with the driver's torque setpoint, and adjust the motor torque setpoint accordingly, ensuring the inertial torque does not subtract torque during acceleration or add torque during deceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inertial torque compensation is applied during engine torque control, then the drivetrain resistive torques are compensated to meet driver input, but the vehicle loses speed on steep inclines when the wheel speed gradient is negative, causing the inertial torque component to reduce the driver's input torque and decrease vehicle speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the inertial torque compensation conditional rather than fixed. The control system dynamically adjusts the compensation based on real-time detection of whether the inertial torque opposes or assists the driver's torque command, allowing the system to adapt to varying driving conditions such as steep inclines where the vehicle may be decelerating despite driver acceleration input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the wheel speed gradient and comparing the direction of inertial torque with the driver's torque command. This feedback mechanism detects when inertial torque becomes harmful (opposing driver intent) and automatically adjusts the compensation strategy by deactivating the inertial torque component, thereby maintaining vehicle speed and driving performance.
2Reliability
If inertial torque compensation is applied, then the drivetrain resistive torques are compensated, but the driver experiences a perceived loss of power from the powertrain, detracting from the driving experience
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses feedback to continuously assess whether inertial torque compensation is beneficial or harmful to the driver's intent. By monitoring the alignment between inertial torque direction and driver torque command, the system provides appropriate compensation only when it assists the driver, thereby maintaining a natural and responsive driving experience without perceived power loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of inertial torque compensation from a constant enabled state to a conditionally activated state. By adjusting the compensation parameter based on the detected operating condition (whether inertial torque assists or opposes driver intent), the system optimizes both torque control accuracy and driving experience, eliminating the perceived power loss while maintaining reliable torque compensation when beneficial.
3Speed
If the inertial torque component is deactivated, then the driver's input torque is not reduced on steep inclines, but the drivetrain resistive torques are not compensated during acceleration or deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two torque compensation strategies: active inertial torque compensation when it assists driver intent, and deactivated compensation when it opposes driver intent. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain torque compensation accuracy during normal acceleration and deceleration while preventing speed loss on steep inclines where the vehicle dynamics change.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the compensation parameter based on detected operating conditions. When the wheel speed gradient indicates deceleration despite positive driver torque demand (steep incline condition), the system changes the compensation parameter from enabled to disabled, thereby preventing harmful torque reduction while maintaining accurate compensation during favorable conditions.
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 enhances driving pleasure by preventing the inertial torque component from interfering with the driver's intended acceleration or deceleration, maintaining vehicle speed without the need for excessive accelerator pedal operation, thus improving running performance.
Implementation Method 1
The inertial torque component is the derivative of the wheel speed multiplied by the moment of inertia of the drivetrain between the drive unit and the vehicle's wheels
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling engine torque, making it possible to prevent the negative impact of the inertial torque component on the driver intention setpoint. To this end, the invention proposes a method for controlling an engine torque to be applied to the wheels by at least one set of wheels of a motor vehicle propulsion unit, comprising the calculation of an engine torque setpoint (CM) to be applied by the set of wheels and calculated as a function at least of a driver intention setpoint (CVC) and of an inertial torque component compensating for an inertia resistance torque of a driving power train of said set of wheels. According to the invention, the method consists in deactivating said inertial torque component during the calculation of the engine torque setpoint (CM) when said inertial torque component conflicts with the torque of the driver intention setpoint.