EV Accelerator Rate Control for Responsive Economy-Mode Acceleration

Solution Overview

Problem

Electric vehicles operating in economy or power-saving modes experience reduced responsiveness and can feel sluggish, prompting users to switch to less restrictive modes that increase energy consumption and reduce range.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize an accelerator actuation rate to dynamically adjust powertrain output, allowing higher power outputs within the current mode to enhance responsiveness without switching modes, by determining the actuation rate and applying scaling factors to acceleration and power limits based on the accelerator position and actuation speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the vehicle operates in economy or power-saving mode, then energy consumption is reduced and range is extended, but vehicle responsiveness deteriorates and the vehicle feels sluggish

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidvehicle responsiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts powertrain output limits based on accelerator actuation rate. When the operator rapidly actuates the accelerator, the system temporarily increases power output beyond the economy mode limit, providing responsive acceleration while maintaining energy efficiency during gradual acceleration. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the power output adaptable to operator intent rather than fixed by operating mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power output parameter based on accelerator actuation rate. By monitoring how quickly the accelerator is moved, the system adjusts the powertrain output limit in real-time, allowing high power output during rapid actuation (indicating need for responsive acceleration) while maintaining lower power limits during gradual actuation (indicating economy operation). This parameter change enables the vehicle to provide responsive acceleration without permanently leaving economy mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the vehicle operates in economy or power-saving mode, then energy consumption is reduced and range is extended, but acceleration capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidacceleration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts powertrain output limits based on accelerator actuation rate. When the operator rapidly actuates the accelerator, the system temporarily increases power output beyond the economy mode limit, providing responsive acceleration while maintaining energy efficiency during gradual acceleration. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the power output adaptable to operator intent rather than fixed by operating mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power output parameter based on accelerator actuation rate. By monitoring how quickly the accelerator is moved, the system adjusts the powertrain output limit in real-time, allowing high power output during rapid actuation (indicating need for responsive acceleration) while maintaining lower power limits during gradual actuation (indicating economy operation). This parameter change enables the vehicle to provide responsive acceleration without permanently leaving economy mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If the operator switches to a less restrictive operating mode, then vehicle responsiveness improves, but energy consumption increases and range is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle responsivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts powertrain output limits based on accelerator actuation rate. When the operator rapidly actuates the accelerator, the system temporarily increases power output beyond the economy mode limit, providing responsive acceleration while maintaining energy efficiency during gradual acceleration. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the power output adaptable to operator intent rather than fixed by operating mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the accelerator actuation rate itself as the trigger for power output adjustment. The operator's natural input method (how quickly they press the accelerator) directly controls the power output level, eliminating the need to switch operating modes. The system serves the operator's responsiveness needs automatically based on their input characteristics, maintaining economy mode while providing sport-mode-like responsiveness when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250206430A1System and method for operating an electric vehicle based on accelerator actuation rate

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 TAIGA MOTORS INC

AI summary

A method of operating an electric vehicle includes receiving, via an operator-actuated accelerator of the electric vehicle, a propulsion command for propelling the electric vehicle. When an actuation rate of the accelerator associated with the propulsion command is a first value, the electric vehicle is accelerated at a first acceleration. When the actuation rate of the accelerator associated with the propulsion command is a second value higher than the first value, the electric vehicle is accelerated at a second acceleration higher than the first acceleration.