Torque Monitoring via Gear Twist Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powertrain systems face challenges in precisely estimating and timely responding to torque changes during acceleration and deceleration events, which affects vehicle drivability, and dedicated torque sensors increase costs and complexity while potentially affecting vehicle reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method for monitoring torque in a gear train by determining the angles of rotation of rotationally coupled members using rotational position sensors and calculating torque based on the twist angle between these members, eliminating the need for dedicated torque sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated torque sensors are used to detect actual torque, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rotational position sensors as intermediary devices that indirectly measure torque by detecting the twist angle between rotationally coupled members. Instead of directly measuring torque with dedicated sensors, the system uses position sensors to detect angular displacement caused by torque, which then serves as a mediator to calculate the actual torque value. This approach achieves accurate torque measurement while avoiding the complexity of dedicated torque sensors and their associated wiring harnesses.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated torque sensors are used to detect actual torque, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a functional copy of torque sensing capability using existing rotational position sensors. Instead of manufacturing and installing expensive dedicated torque sensors, the system replicates the torque measurement function by calculating twist angles from position sensor data. This copying approach maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing manufacturing costs and part content.
3Device complexity
If estimated torque is used in closed-loop control, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where rotational position sensors continuously provide angular position data, which is processed to calculate twist angles and determine actual torque values. This feedback loop replaces simple open-loop torque estimation with real-time closed-loop torque measurement, achieving both reduced device complexity and improved measurement precision through continuous monitoring and calculation based on actual sensor data.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for monitoring torque in a gear train includes coincidently determining angles of rotation of first and second rotationally coupled members of the gear train. Each of the members employs a respective rotational position sensor. Each of said angles of rotation are determined based upon times corresponding to a last signal pulse, a next-to-last signal pulse, and a total quantity of signal pulses generated by the respective rotational position sensor during a current sampling interval. A twist angle corresponding to a difference between the angles of rotation of the first and second rotationally coupled members of the gear train is determined, and torque corresponding to the twist angle is calculated.