Hybrid Vehicle Controller Torque Converter Power Balance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) face challenges in balancing electric power generation and consumption during modes that increase running performance, as the lock-up mechanism of the torque converter restricts electric power generation when open, leading to energy loss and imbalance.

Innovation Solution

The vehicle controller switches between two running modes, limiting electric power generation under different conditions based on the coupling mechanism's state, allowing for direct or buffering coupling, and adjusts the accelerator operation map to enhance performance, thereby optimizing power transmission and balancing generation and consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the lock-up mechanism of the torque converter is opened to improve running performance, then running performance increases, but electric power generation is restricted causing energy loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverunning performanceVSAvoidenergy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the electric power generation limit adaptable to different running modes. The vehicle controller dynamically adjusts the electric power generation limit based on whether the vehicle is in the first or second running mode, allowing the system to optimize between performance and energy efficiency in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of electric power generation limit according to the running mode. In the second running mode (with accelerator operation map for improved performance), the electric power generation limit is set to a higher value compared to the first running mode, thereby resolving the contradiction between performance enhancement and energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the electric power generation limit is increased during the second running mode, then electric power generation efficiency improves, but power balance may be disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric power generation efficiencyVSAvoidpower balance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle controller implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the running mode and adjusting the electric power generation limit accordingly. The controller receives information about the coupling mechanism state and accelerator operation map selection, then determines the appropriate electric power generation limit to maintain power balance while improving generation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the electric power generation limit based on the running mode conditions. The electric power generation limit is not fixed but changes according to the vehicle's operational state, allowing the system to maintain power balance while optimizing generation efficiency in different modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This approach enables more efficient electric power generation and consumption during the second running mode, maintaining power balance even under varying load conditions and preventing overheating, while ensuring appropriate control for enhanced performance on bad roads.

Implementation Method 1

The coupling mechanism is located on a torque transmission route between the engine and the driving wheels and configured to switch coupling of the engine and the driving wheels between direct coupling and buffering coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque converter buffering:

Implementation Method 2

The electric power generating mechanism is configured to generate electric power from torque transmitted from the engine via the coupling mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11524677B2Hybrid electric vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 SUBARU CORP

AI summary

A hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine, a motor, a battery, a coupling mechanism, an electric power generating mechanism, and a vehicle controller. The engine and motor drive driving wheels. The battery supplies electric power for running to the motor. The coupling mechanism switches coupling of the engine and the driving wheels between direct coupling and buffering coupling. The electric power generating mechanism generates electric power. The vehicle controller switches a running mode of the hybrid electric vehicle between a first running mode and a second running mode with higher running performance. The vehicle controller limits the electric power generation under a first condition when the buffering coupling is applied during the first running mode and limits the electric power generation under a second condition less limited than the first condition when the buffering coupling is applied during the second running mode.