Hybrid Vehicle Drive State Switching via Actuation Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for hybrid vehicle operation do not allow for intentional switching between drive states, limiting user control over free-wheeling and propulsion behavior.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a hybrid vehicle that uses a control unit to determine the duration and intensity of an operating element's actuation, comparing it to threshold values to intentionally switch between different drive states, including a free-wheeling and propulsion mode, without requiring additional operating elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the hybrid vehicle operates in free-wheeling mode with the internal combustion engine switched off, then fuel consumption is reduced and driving comfort is increased, but the user cannot intentionally switch between drive states
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit evaluates parameters such as the duration and intensity of operating element actuation to determine whether to switch between free-wheeling and propulsion modes. By changing the evaluation parameters (time threshold, actuation strength), the system enables intentional user control while maintaining fuel efficiency benefits.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the hybrid vehicle operates in free-wheeling mode with the internal combustion engine switched off, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the user lacks intentional influence over free-wheeling and propulsion behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the actuation of operating elements and provides feedback by evaluating whether the actuation meets predefined criteria (duration, intensity). This feedback mechanism enables the user to intentionally influence drive state transitions while the system automatically manages the switching between free-wheeling and propulsion modes.
3Ease of operation
If the brake pedal is actuated to terminate free-wheeling mode, then the vehicle switches to propulsion mode, but the user cannot distinguish between unintentional and intentional braking actions
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is pre-programmed with evaluation criteria for operating element actuation, including time thresholds and intensity thresholds. Before the actual mode switching occurs, the control unit preliminarily evaluates whether the actuation meets these criteria, thereby distinguishing between unintentional and intentional user actions and enabling precise control over drive state transitions.
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
Enables intuitive user control over hybrid vehicle drive states, optimizing energy recovery and propulsion modes, and enhancing driving comfort by allowing intentional changes between gliding and propulsion modes.
Implementation Method 1
an electric machine that can be operated for recuperation purposes
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid vehicle has a drive comprising an internal combustion engine, has an energy converter comprising an electric machine that can be operated for recuperation purposes, and has a control unit that is operatively connected to an operating element, to the drive and to the energy converter. The hybrid vehicle glides when the drive is not in the propulsion mode of operation and with an electric motor operated in a recuperation intensity stage in a first drive state. Based on the control unit having made the determination that the operating element was actuated, the determination is made in the control unit as to whether a condition is present, whereby the duration of the actuation of the operating element is determined and it is determined in a comparison that the duration is below the time threshold value. If the condition is present, a changeover is made from the first drive state to a second drive state in which the hybrid vehicle is then operated.