Hybrid Vehicle Coasting Control via Creep Torque Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coasting operation control methods for hybrid vehicles are inefficient due to complex logic and inaccurate control, particularly on flat roads, requiring extensive mapping time and frequent driver intervention, which affects fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that simplify coasting operation control logic by determining a target vehicle speed and using creep torque variation to maintain distance from a front vehicle, allowing coasting operation even on flat roads, through units such as coasting operation control mode entrance time point determination, target vehicle speed reach time point calculation, and creep torque variation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple map-based manner is used to map front vehicle to distance, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and control accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameters from simple distance-based mapping to time-point-based control with creep torque variation. By determining entrance time point, target speed, and reach time point, and by varying creep torque dynamically, the system achieves higher precision without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring present vehicle speed, comparing it with target vehicle speed, and adjusting creep torque accordingly. This closed-loop approach improves measurement precision while maintaining manageable system complexity
2Ease of operation
If map-based coasting control is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity and fuel efficiency deteriorate due to extended mapping time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment through automatic determination of entrance time point and target speed based on real-time vehicle speed and distance data. This eliminates the need for extensive pre-mapping and manual calibration, reducing mapping time while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent calculates target vehicle speed and reach time point in advance based on predicted coasting behavior, allowing the system to prepare control parameters before actual coasting begins. This reduces real-time computational burden and mapping requirements
3Ease of operation
If traditional coasting control is used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the adaptability deteriorates as it cannot effectively control coasting on flat roads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal coasting control system that works across multiple road conditions including downhill, uphill, and flat roads. By using creep torque variation and time-point-based control rather than road-gradient-specific logic, the system achieves multi-functionality while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts creep torque based on real-time speed differences and road conditions rather than using fixed control parameters. This dynamic adaptation enables the same control logic to effectively handle various road conditions including flat roads where traditional methods fail
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for controlling a coasting operation in a hybrid vehicle are provided. The apparatus includes: a coasting operation control mode entrance time point determination unit to determine a time point at which a subject vehicle enters a coasting operation control mode; a target vehicle speed reach time point calculation unit to calculate a target vehicle speed of the subject vehicle and a time point, at which the subject vehicle reaches the target vehicle speed, when the subject vehicle enters the coasting operation control mode; and a creep torque variation control unit to control creep torque of the subject vehicle using a difference between the target vehicle speed and a present vehicle speed of the subject vehicle.