Automatic Transmission Gearshift Calibration for Online Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated calibration methods for gearshift controllers in automatic transmissions require a large number of gearshifts and are not suitable for online adaptation, as they rely heavily on design-of-experiments approaches that are inefficient and cannot account for system changes over time due to wear and use.
Innovation Solution
A model-based learning method that simultaneously learns all gearshift control parameters, using speed sensor signals to update gearshift control parameters and system models, reducing the number of gearshifts required for calibration and enabling online adaptation by iteratively learning and updating control parameters during vehicle operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If design-of-experiments approach is used for automated calibration, then calibration can be performed in controlled lab environment, but the number of gearshifts required increases dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming the dynamometer with test plans that automatically execute calibration sequences before actual vehicle operation. The calibration parameters are pre-configured and the system performs automated gearshift sequences in advance, eliminating the need for manual calibration during vehicle operation and significantly reducing the total number of gearshifts required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensor data from gearshift operations is automatically acquired and used to adjust calibration parameters. The system monitors gearshift performance metrics and iteratively refines control parameters based on this feedback, reducing the number of trial gearshifts needed compared to traditional DoE approaches that require exhaustive testing of all parameter combinations.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional calibration methods are used, then initial calibration can be completed, but online adaptation during normal driving is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static calibration parameters to dynamic, adaptive parameters that change in real-time based on operating conditions. The system continuously updates gearshift control parameters during normal vehicle operation based on sensor feedback and learned system behavior, enabling the transmission controller to adapt to wear and changing vehicle characteristics throughout its service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automated calibration and adaptation routines that the transmission controller performs autonomously during normal operation. The system uses its own sensor data to self-adjust calibration parameters without requiring external intervention or specialized calibration equipment, enabling continuous adaptation during regular driving cycles.
3Manufacturing precision
If sequential phase-by-phase calibration method is used, then control parameters can be updated iteratively, but the number of gearshifts required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple phase-by-phase calibration procedures into a single integrated automated calibration sequence. Instead of executing separate calibration routines for each gearshift phase sequentially, the system combines all phase calibrations into one coordinated test sequence that simultaneously optimizes parameters across all phases, reducing the total number of gearshifts required while maintaining calibration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by implementing continuous parameter updates throughout the calibration process rather than discrete, interruptive adjustments. The system continuously monitors gearshift performance and iteratively refines control parameters throughout the entire calibration sequence, eliminating idle time between calibration phases and reducing the overall number of gearshifts needed to achieve optimal parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for automated calibration adaptation of a gearshift controller are disclosed. In one aspect, the method automates calibration of a gearshift controller in an automatic transmission having one or more speed sensors, each configured to generate a signal, and allowing one or more gearshifts with associated gearshift output sets ji that are functions of speed sensor signals and the desired gearshift output sets ∞i. The gearshift controller has one or more gearshift control parameter sets Urji to be calibrated, each set including gearshift control parameters for an allowed gearshift at one operating condition, and learning controllers Li sets of system models Hr, and positive definite matrices Pi for updating Urji during sequences of allowed gearshifts. The method incudes acquiring speed sensor signals, computing the gearshift output set jj; and updating the gearshift control parameter set pi.