EV Powertrain Virtual Shift Feel From Gear Tooth Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles lack the ability to simulate the driving sensations and sounds of internal combustion engine vehicles, such as vibrations and direct shift feelings, which can make the driving experience less exciting for drivers seeking a fun and engaging experience.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented in electric vehicles to generate virtual vibrations and sounds linked to the tooth surface pressures of the powertrain gears, simulating the characteristics of an internal combustion engine vehicle, using a controller to determine input torque and gear pressures to create realistic virtual effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a motor replaces an internal combustion engine in an electric vehicle, then ride comfort is improved due to the absence of engine vibrations, but driving excitement and engagement are reduced due to the lack of vibrations and direct shift feeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by generating controlled vibrations through the motor or vibration actuators to simulate the tactile sensations of an internal combustion engine. This allows the vehicle to produce desired vibration patterns that mimic engine vibrations during different driving conditions, thereby restoring driving excitement while maintaining the fundamental benefits of electric powertrain smoothness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by creating rhythmic vibration patterns that correspond to the periodic nature of engine vibrations. These periodic vibrations are generated in response to driving conditions such as acceleration, deceleration, and gear changes, providing the driver with familiar tactile feedback that enhances driving engagement without requiring an actual internal combustion engine.
2Device complexity
If a fixed gear ratio reducer is used instead of a multi-speed transmission, then the powertrain structure is simplified and efficiency is improved, but the direct shift feeling and driving sensibility are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by generating virtual signals that replicate the sensory experience of gear shifts and powertrain characteristics. Through audio outputs that simulate gear shift sounds and vibration patterns that mimic the tactile sensations of multi-speed transmissions, the system creates a copied version of the internal combustion engine driving experience, allowing drivers to perceive shift points and power delivery characteristics without actual mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical multi-speed transmission system with an electronic control system that uses motor torque modulation and virtual effect generation to achieve similar driving sensations. Instead of physical gear changes, the system uses electronic control to adjust motor output and generate corresponding vibration and audio signals that simulate the feeling of direct shifts, thereby eliminating mechanical complexity while preserving driving engagement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the powertrain generates power through electric energy conversion, then smooth operation is achieved without interruption from gear shifting, but the rough and trembling sensations necessary for high performance feeling are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the vibration characteristics adjustable and adaptive based on driving conditions and driver preferences. The system dynamically modifies vibration intensity, frequency, and patterns in response to accelerator pedal input, vehicle speed, and selected driving modes, allowing the powertrain to transition between smooth operation and excited states. This dynamic control enables the system to provide both smooth cruising and performance-oriented trembling sensations as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of virtualizing characteristics of an internal combustion engine vehicle in an electric vehicle, the method includes: determining, by a controller, a current input torque applied to a powertrain from a motor that makes a vehicle move, determining, by the controller, tooth surface pressures of gears in the powertrain between the motor and driving wheels from the determined current input torque, generating, by the controller, a virtual effect signal for generating a virtual effect that simulates powertrain characteristics of an internal combustion engine vehicle based on the determined tooth surface pressures of the gears in the powertrain, and generating, by the controller, the virtual effect that simulates the powertrain characteristics of the internal combustion engine vehicle by controlling operation of a virtual effect generation device that generates the virtual effect according to the generated virtual effect signal.