HEV Auto Start-Stop Controller Steering Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) experience unmanaged demands from driver commands and vehicle components, leading to repeated cycling of auto start-stop capabilities, which can inhibit fuel efficiency and responsiveness, particularly during steering operations.
Innovation Solution
Configuring one or more controllers in HEVs to manage automatic start-stop capabilities based on signals from drivers and vehicle components, such as torque, steering, and brake signals, with predetermined and adjustable thresholds to optimize ICE operation, ensuring optimal fuel economy and responsiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If auto start-stop capability is enabled to improve fuel efficiency, then fuel economy improves, but repeated cycling occurs due to unmanaged steering commands
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary between steering commands and the auto start-stop system. It receives steering angle, torque, and power signals, evaluates them against calibrated thresholds, and determines whether to inhibit or permit engine stop/start events. This mediation prevents unmanaged steering commands from causing repeated cycling while preserving fuel efficiency benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses calibrated threshold parameters for steering angle, torque, and power to determine when to inhibit auto start-stop. By comparing real-time steering signals against these predetermined parameters, the controller stabilizes the auto start-stop capability while maintaining fuel efficiency improvements.
2Speed
If steering commands are allowed to directly control ICE start-stop, then steering responsiveness improves, but fuel efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary engine starts
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically evaluates steering commands in real-time, adjusting the inhibition decision based on current operating conditions. It assesses whether steering torque or angle exceeds thresholds that would indicate genuine driver intent requiring immediate engine response, versus transient signals that do not warrant engine interruption. This dynamic approach preserves necessary steering responsiveness while preventing unnecessary engine starts that would reduce fuel efficiency.
3Reliability
If multiple thresholds are calibrated for different steering parameters, then auto start-stop stability improves, but controller complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller evaluates multiple independent steering parameters (steering angle, steering torque, steering power) against separate calibrated thresholds. This segmentation allows each parameter to be tuned independently for optimal performance, improving auto start-stop stability without requiring complex interdependent calculations. The modular threshold structure simplifies calibration while maintaining high reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid electric vehicle includes a combustion engine, and an electric machine and storage battery coupled to one or more controller(s) configured to respond to various signals from a driver and vehicle components. In response, such controller(s) enable an automatic or auto ICE start stop capability that is managed for optimal HEV lifecycle operation, and fuel economy and efficiency. The controller(s) automatically start and stop the ICE in response to one or more of a torque demand signal, a vehicle speed signal, a steering torque power signal, and a brake signal. The controller(s) inhibit automatic stop of ICE responsive to the steering torque power exceeding a stop threshold, and in contrast initiate or enable automatic start responsive to the steering torque power exceeding a start threshold. The start threshold is calibrated and adjusted to exceed the stop threshold by a stability factor that is predetermined and/or adjusted by the controller(s).