EV Motor Torque Control for Virtual Engine Vibration Feel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric vehicles lack the vibrational feedback typically experienced in internal combustion engine vehicles, leading to a less engaging driving experience for enthusiasts, and there is a need to simulate the engine vibration effect to enhance driving sensibility.

Innovation Solution

A method to virtually generate internal combustion engine vibration in electric vehicles by adjusting torque commands based on driving information and using a virtual engine model to simulate the vibration characteristics, incorporating a virtual transmission feel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional motor control method is used in electric vehicle, then smooth driving without interruption is achieved, but harsh and trembling effect cannot be provided to driver

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving smoothnessVSAvoiddriving sensibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by generating vibration torque commands that create periodic torque fluctuations at the motor output. These periodic torque variations simulate the characteristic vibrations of internal combustion engines, providing drivers with familiar tactile feedback and engagement without disrupting the overall smooth operation of the electric motor drive system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent directly implements mechanical vibration by intentionally generating controlled vibrations through the motor torque output. The control device superimposes vibration components onto the motor torque command, creating realistic engine-like trembling effects that enhance driving sensibility while maintaining the fundamental smoothness of electric motor operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Adaptability or versatility

If vibration torque command is generated to simulate engine vibration, then driving sensibility is enhanced, but drive system backlash and impact may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving sensibilityVSAvoiddrive system durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the vibration torque command adaptive rather than fixed. The control device continuously adjusts the vibration torque magnitude and characteristics based on real-time motor operating conditions such as speed and load. This dynamic adaptation ensures that vibrations remain within safe limits across all operating ranges, preventing excessive forces that could cause backlash or impact damage while maintaining realistic driving feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary anti-action by incorporating protective measures before damage can occur. The control device monitors motor operating conditions and preemptively adjusts vibration torque levels to prevent conditions that would lead to backlash or impact. By anticipating potential harmful effects and counteracting them in advance, the system maintains driving sensibility enhancement without compromising drive system durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Enhances driving sensibility by providing a realistic engine vibration effect, while maintaining drive system durability by preventing backlash and impact.

Implementation Method 1

a driving motor configured to drive a vehicle, a controller that controls an operation of the driving motor according to a torque command, wherein the controller generates a virtual internal combustion engine vibration by correcting the torque command

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3967542B1Method of generating virtual vibration effect of internal combustion engine in electric vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3967542B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3967542B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3967542B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of generating a virtual internal combustion engine vibration in an electric vehicle includes collecting driving variable information, determining a virtual internal combustion engine vibration characteristic on the basis of the collected driving variable information, determining a vibration torque command having the determined virtual engine vibration characteristic, determining a final motor torque command using a basic motor torque command determined from the collected driving variable information and the determined vibration torque command, and controlling the operation of a vehicle driving motor according to the determined final motor torque command.