Hybrid Vehicle Cruising Control Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hybrid electrical vehicle cruising control methods result in wasted fuel due to unnecessary engine start-ups, failing to meet user requirements for different driving modes and being inconvenient for drivers, as they do not effectively utilize EV mode for constant-speed driving.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for hybrid electrical vehicle cruising control that detects current speed and working mode, allowing the vehicle to switch between EV and HEV modes based on power and torque demands, ensuring the engine starts only when necessary, thereby optimizing energy utilization and reducing fuel consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the engine is started in conventional cruising control mode, then the vehicle can maintain constant speed, but fuel consumption increases due to unnecessary engine operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstant speed maintenanceVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic mode switching between EV mode and HEV mode based on real-time power demand assessment. The system dynamically evaluates whether the electric motor can meet the required power for constant-speed cruising, and only engages the engine when necessary, transforming the static engine-always-on approach into a dynamic, demand-responsive system that reduces unnecessary fuel consumption while maintaining cruising reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the hybrid powertrain by introducing mode-specific control strategies. In EV cruising mode, the system operates with electric motor only, while in HEV cruising mode, both power sources are utilized. This parameter change in operational mode allows the system to optimize fuel consumption by selecting the appropriate power source configuration based on power demand thresholds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If the vehicle only cruises in HEV mode, then power availability is sufficient, but user convenience decreases due to limited driving mode selection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower availabilityVSAvoiddriving mode selection
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cruising function into two distinct modes: EV cruising mode for low-power demand scenarios and HEV cruising mode for high-power demand scenarios. This segmentation allows users to select their preferred driving mode based on specific conditions, providing convenience and choice while ensuring sufficient power availability through the HEV mode option

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the cruising system universal by enabling it to operate in multiple modes (EV mode and HEV mode) to accommodate different user preferences and driving conditions. The system can function as a pure electric vehicle during suitable cruising conditions or switch to hybrid mode when additional power is needed, providing multi-functionality that enhances user convenience while maintaining power sufficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3044059B1Hybrid electrical vehicle and method for cruising control
Publication Date: 2023.05.17 BYD CO LTD
  • EP3044059B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3044059B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3044059B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A hybrid electrical vehicle and a method for cruising control of the same are provided. The vehicle includes: a transmission device (1) connected with wheels (2a, 2b) of the hybrid electrical vehicle; an engine (3) and a gearbox (4), the engine (3) being connected with the transmission device (1) via the gearbox (4); an electric motor (5) and a gear reducer (6), the electric motor (5) being connected with the transmission device (1) via the gear reducer (6); a power battery (7) configured to supply power to the electric motor (5); and a controller configured to start the engine (3) and the electric motor (5) according to a working mode selected by a user from a plurality of working modes, and to control the vehicle to switch between the plurality of working modes according to a driving state of the vehicle and/or a working state of the power battery.