Hybrid Powertrain Boost Control Using Trigger-Based Torque Assist
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid vehicle systems require explicit user commands for boost activation, limiting the flexibility and efficiency of powertrain operation.
Innovation Solution
A controller in a hybrid vehicle detects triggering events, determines battery state of charge and available excess torque, and applies boost automatically when conditions are met, without additional user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If explicit user commands are required for boost activation, then user control over powertrain operation is maintained, but system flexibility and responsiveness to driving conditions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The powertrain control system automatically monitors driving conditions, battery state of charge, and motor torque availability to autonomously determine when boost should be applied. The system serves itself by eliminating the need for explicit user commands, instead using sensor data and control algorithms to automatically activate boost when conditions are favorable, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously receives feedback from sensors monitoring driving conditions, battery state of charge, and motor-generator unit torque availability. This feedback loop enables the system to dynamically adjust powertrain operation and automatically apply boost when conditions warrant, resolving the contradiction by making the system responsive to real-time conditions without requiring additional user input
2Productivity
If boost is applied automatically based on detected events, then powertrain efficiency and performance are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing powertrain controller is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it continues to manage normal powertrain operation while also monitoring for boost conditions, evaluating battery state of charge, assessing motor torque availability, and executing boost activation. By making the controller universal and multi-functional, the system improves powertrain efficiency without adding separate dedicated hardware systems
Solution Approach 2:
The boost control functionality is merged with the existing powertrain control system. The controller integrates monitoring of driving conditions, battery state, and motor torque with the existing powertrain management algorithms, combining these functions into a unified control architecture that improves efficiency while minimizing additional complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances powertrain operation by applying boost in various scenarios based on detected events, improving vehicle performance and efficiency without requiring explicit user commands.
Implementation Method 1
a motor-generator unit, a battery electrically connected to a motor-generator unit
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for operating a hybrid vehicle including hybrid powertrain a controller for controlling the hybrid powertrain. The hybrid powertrain includes a motor-generator unit, a battery electrically connected to a motor-generator unit, an engine, and a transmission engageably connected to the engine and the motor-generator unit. The controller is configured to (1) detect if a triggering event occurs, (2) determine if a boost drive mode is enabled, (3) determine a state of charge of the battery, and (4) determine an amount of excess torque or power available from the motor-generator unit. The controller is configured to signal the motor-generator unit to apply additional motor torque to the hybrid powertrain when (1) the triggering event occurs, (2) the boost drive mode is enabled, (3) a state of charge of the battery is above a threshold, and (4) excess torque or power from the motor-generator unit is available.