EV Drive Torque Stepping for Driver Alertness During Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous variable transmissions in electric vehicles lack the traction interruptions and acoustic signaling during acceleration, leading to reduced driver alertness and increased fatigue, negatively impacting road safety.
Innovation Solution
A method allowing the drive unit to operate in two modes: an uninterrupted torque output mode and a stepped torque output mode, with the latter simulating gear changes to induce traction interruptions and acoustic signals, which can be customized for sport or comfort modes, and individualized with adjustable parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a continuously variable transmission is used in electric vehicles, then the acceleration is smooth and uninterrupted, but the driver alertness decreases and fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by introducing simulated gear change interruptions at regular intervals during acceleration. The control unit generates stepped torque output patterns that mimic traditional gear shifts, creating periodic traction interruptions and acoustic signals that restore driver alertness while maintaining overall continuous operation of the electric motor
2Reliability
If gear changes are simulated in continuously variable transmission, then driver alertness is improved, but the acceleration becomes interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by replicating the sensory experience of traditional gear changes without actual mechanical gear shifts. The control unit simulates the torque characteristics, traction interruptions, and acoustic signals of conventional transmissions, providing the familiar driving cues that enhance driver alertness while maintaining the benefits of continuous variable transmission operation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has a drive unit which is designed in such a way that, in case of acceleration, the motor vehicle is accelerated using a continuous torque output. The drive unit is operable in a first and second operating mode. In the first operating mode the motor vehicle is accelerated without interruption by the continuous torque output, and in the second operating mode the continuous torque output is changed over to a stepped torque output, so that in the second operating mode the motor vehicle is accelerated subject to interruption by the stepped torque output.