Transmission Control Unit for Electric Vehicle Load Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrically driven vehicles face inefficiencies in managing rotational speed ratios across varying load situations, such as trailer operation or uphill travel, which can lead to increased torque demands, without the complexity and weight of transmissions with powershift capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A method and control unit that adapt the rotational speed ratio of a standard transmission by determining special load situations through sensor data and user input, allowing for automatic decoupling and recoupling of the drive machine from the wheels, enabling efficient torque management without interrupting traction power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a transmission with powershift capability is used to manage rotational speed ratios across varying load situations, then the vehicle can efficiently handle special load situations (trailer operation, uphill travel), but the transmission complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle varying load situationsVSAvoidtransmission complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit determines in advance whether a special load situation is present or will be present before initiating a shift process. This allows the transmission to be prepped for the upcoming load condition, enabling efficient handling of varying loads while using a simpler standard transmission rather than a complex powershift transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If a standard transmission is used without powershift capability, then the transmission is lighter and more energy-efficient, but the vehicle cannot efficiently handle special load situations requiring high torque

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission simplicityVSAvoidability to handle special load situations

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit evaluates sensor data and user input to determine in advance whether a special load situation exists or will occur, allowing the transmission to shift rotational speed ratios proactively rather than reactively. This enables a simple standard transmission to adapt to varying load conditions efficiently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit continuously evaluates sensor data from the vehicle and user input to detect special load situations. This feedback mechanism allows the transmission to automatically adapt its rotational speed ratio to match actual driving conditions, enabling a simple transmission to perform like a complex one

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If a change of rotational speed ratio requires decoupling between input shaft and output shaft, then the transmission can change ratios, but torque transmission is interrupted causing noticeable effects during shifting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational speed ratio adaptabilityVSAvoidshifting comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit determines a shift time or shift vehicle position in advance when the load on the drive machine is low or zero, or when deceleration is occurring. This timing allows the decoupling and recoupling to happen when least noticeable to occupants, maintaining comfort while enabling ratio changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potentially harmful interruption of torque transmission during shifting into a benefit by strategically timing the shift to occur during deceleration phases or low-load conditions. What would normally be a disruptive event becomes imperceptible to occupants

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Productivity

If shifting occurs during high load conditions, then the transmission can change ratios when needed, but the load on the drive machine increases causing noticeable interruptions in traction power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshift timing efficiencyVSAvoidoccupant comfort during shifting

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit proactively determines the optimal shift time before the vehicle enters high-load conditions, using sensor data and user input to predict when special load situations will occur. This allows shifting to be completed in advance during low-load periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the timing of rotational speed ratio changes based on real-time vehicle conditions, load requirements, and predicted future states. This dynamic approach ensures shifts occur at the most favorable moments, balancing productivity needs with occupant comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10807586B2Method and control unit for operating a transmission

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG

AI summary

A method for operating a transmission of a vehicle, where the transmission couples a drive machine of the vehicle to a driven wheel of the vehicle and has different rotational speed transmission ratios. The method determines that a special load situation prevails or will prevail at the driven wheel of the vehicle. The method determines a shift time or a shift vehicle position, at which a load on the drive machine is less than or equal to a load threshold value. The method adapts the rotational speed transmission ratio of the transmission for the special load situation at the shift time or at the shift vehicle position.