Hybrid Control Unit Sensor Abnormality Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles face challenges in ensuring safe retraction when an abnormality occurs in the internal combustion engine's sensor system, as existing fail-safe processes may lead to insufficient power for vehicle movement.
Innovation Solution
A control device for hybrid vehicles that includes a hybrid control unit capable of switching between travel modes (EV, series, and parallel) based on sensor abnormalities, using a hybrid fail-safe process to ensure safe operation by adjusting the power sources and engine operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the internal combustion engine is stopped due to sensor abnormality (fail-safe process), then sensor safety is improved, but vehicle power becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between EV mode and hybrid mode based on sensor abnormality detection. When sensor abnormalities are detected, the system dynamically transitions to EV mode (electric motor only) for safe operation. When no abnormalities are detected, the system dynamically transitions to hybrid mode (internal combustion engine + electric motor) for full power operation. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize between safety and power based on real-time sensor conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the internal combustion engine from 'running' to 'stopped' based on sensor abnormality detection. By changing this key parameter dynamically, the system can switch between different operational modes (hybrid mode with engine running vs. EV mode with engine stopped), thereby resolving the contradiction between sensor safety and vehicle power availability.
2Reliability
If the vehicle is driven only by electric motor during sensor abnormality, then vehicle safety is improved, but power for retraction becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching between EV mode (electric motor only) and hybrid mode (internal combustion engine + electric motor) based on sensor abnormality detection. During sensor abnormalities, the system dynamically operates in EV mode for safety. When sensor abnormalities are resolved, the system dynamically transitions to hybrid mode to restore full retraction capability, thereby resolving the contradiction between vehicle safety and retraction productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational state of the internal combustion engine from 'stopped' to 'running' when sensor abnormalities are resolved, thereby changing the vehicle's operational mode from EV mode to hybrid mode. This parameter change restores the internal combustion engine's contribution to vehicle power, resolving the contradiction between vehicle safety and retraction capability.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are used for engine control, then detection reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the hybrid control unit continuously monitors the operational state of multiple sensors and dynamically adjusts the vehicle's travel mode based on sensor abnormality detection. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain high detection reliability through multiple sensors while managing complexity by automatically responding to sensor conditions through pre-defined mode switching logic, eliminating the need for complex manual intervention systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An ignition switch is turned on, and when an abnormality is detected in any of electronic control instruments or sensors, real failure is established, and a fail-safe process is performed. After a lapse of a predetermined period from the establishment of the real failure, fault determination is established, a failure level is sent, and a hybrid fail-safe process is performed. Then, when the abnormality is eliminated, the real failure is not established, and the fail-safe process of an engine is finished. Then, when the ignition switch is turned off and then again turned on, sending of the failure level to a hybrid control unit is stopped, and the hybrid fail-safe process is finished.