Hybrid Vehicle Drive Switching Using Time and Distance Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles face inefficiencies in switching between internal combustion engine and electric drive principles, as existing methods lack effective time- and distance-dependent control mechanisms for optimizing energy usage and emissions.
Innovation Solution
A method and drive system that dynamically switch between combustion engine and electric machine drive principles based on time and distance parameters, using a controller to activate one unit and deactivate the other when predetermined limits are reached, with driver notification and automatic switching capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the driver manually switches between combustion engine and electric drive principles without automated control, then the driver has full control over drive mode selection, but the energy efficiency and emissions optimization are suboptimal due to lack of systematic parameter monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors time and distance parameters during drive cycles and provides feedback to automatically switch between combustion engine and electric drive principles when optimal switching points are reached, eliminating the need for manual driver intervention while maximizing energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The drive system performs self-control by automatically selecting and switching between drive principles based on pre-programmed time and distance criteria, making the system self-sufficient in optimizing energy usage without requiring continuous driver input or decision-making
2Loss of energy
If the system automatically switches between drive principles based on time and distance parameters, then energy efficiency and emissions are optimized, but the device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The existing controller in the hybrid vehicle is programmed to perform multiple functions: monitoring drive cycle progress, tracking time and distance parameters, determining optimal switching points, and executing drive principle switches, thereby achieving complex control functionality without adding separate dedicated hardware components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses variable time and distance parameters that can be adjusted and programmed to define different drive cycle characteristics and switching criteria, allowing the same control structure to adapt to different driving conditions and optimization goals without requiring structural modifications to the control system
3Stability of the object's composition
If drive cycles are defined with fixed time and distance limits, then the system provides structured and predictable operation, but the adaptability to varying driving conditions and driver preferences is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drive cycle parameters including time and distance limits are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the system to adapt switching criteria based on different driving conditions, vehicle states, and driver preferences while maintaining the structured approach of parameter-based control
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows pre-programming of multiple drive cycle configurations with different time and distance parameters that can be selected based on anticipated driving conditions or driver preference, enabling the system to prepare appropriate control strategies in advance while maintaining operational stability
4Device complexity
If only one drive principle is used per drive cycle without intermediate switching, then the control logic is simplified, but the opportunity to optimize energy usage through mid-cycle switching is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The drive cycle is segmented into multiple phases with potential switching points, allowing the system to transition between combustion engine and electric drive principles at optimized moments within the drive cycle rather than committing to a single drive principle for the entire duration, thereby improving energy optimization while maintaining manageable control logic through structured phase definition
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 optimizes energy usage, reduces emissions, and provides the driver with informed choices on driving modes, enabling efficient operation between electric and combustion engine modes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one internal combustion engine as the combustion engine drive unit is designed to carry out a combustion engine drive principle
Implementation Method 2
at least one electric machine as the electromechanical or electric machine drive unit is designed to carry out an electromechanical or electric machine drive principle
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method of operating a vehicle including at least two drive units that operates based on two different energy-involving drive principles, including at least one internal combustion engine that operates based on a combustion engine drive principle and at least one electric machine that operates based on an electromechanical drive principle, wherein one of the two different drive principles is utilized during each drive cycle based on a length of a distance traveled by the vehicle during the drive cycle as a distance-dependent parameter and a length of a time interval during which the drive cycle is utilized as a time-dependent parameter, and one of the at least two drive units is activated to carry out a primary one of the two different drive principles during a current drive cycle, while a second one of the at least two drive units is deactivated.