Hybrid Vehicle Clutch Failure Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid vehicles, when the clutch fails to engage completely, battery power is continuously consumed, limiting the vehicle's travel distance.
Innovation Solution
A control system that determines clutch failure and estimates torque transmission capacity, selecting drive modes to power the vehicle by the engine if capacity is above a threshold and by the motor if below, while attempting to re-engage the clutch during stops to increase capacity and conserve battery power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clutch fails to engage completely, then the vehicle can still operate in motor-only mode, but battery power is continuously consumed limiting travel distance
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically changes the drive mode parameters based on the clutch's actual engagement state. By estimating the torque transmitting capacity and comparing it with threshold values, the system switches between engine-powered mode and motor-powered mode, optimizing battery usage while maintaining reliable vehicle operation during clutch failure
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors clutch engagement status and provides feedback to the drive mode selection. By detecting whether the clutch is properly engaged or has failed, and estimating its torque capacity, the system adjusts the power source selection in real-time to prevent excessive battery consumption while ensuring the vehicle remains operational
2Use of energy by moving object
If the clutch is attempted to be re-engaged during stops, then travel distance is extended by conserving battery power, but shocks and noise may occur during re-engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs periodic attempts to re-engage the clutch only during vehicle stops rather than continuously. This periodic re-engagement strategy conserves battery power by allowing engine-powered operation when the clutch is functional, while limiting shock and noise events to discrete moments during stops rather than continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The control system prepares for potential re-engagement shocks by selecting drive modes that minimize the impact of clutch engagement. By anticipating the re-engagement event during stops and having the engine ready to provide torque, the system cushions the transition and reduces the harmful effects of clutch engagement shocks and noise
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for hybrid vehicle for extending a possible travelling distance of the vehicle in the event of clutch failure is provided. The control system is configured to select a first drive mode in which the vehicle is powered by an engine in case an estimated torque transmitting capacity of the clutch in trouble is larger than a first threshold value, and to select a second drive mode in which the vehicle is powered by a motor in case the estimated torque transmitting capacity of the clutch in trouble is smaller than the first threshold value. The control system is further configured to reduce an engine torque to be smaller than the estimated torque transmitting capacity of the clutch in case the first drive mode is selected.