Hybrid Drive Train ECU Control for Inertial Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles with both Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) and Electric Motor/Generators (EMG) face challenges in managing energy storage capacity, regeneration, and maintaining fuel efficiency and emission control, while requiring a compact and efficient control system that mimics the drivability of vehicles with only ICEs.
Innovation Solution
A drive train system with an ICE connected to an EMG via a Main Clutch, utilizing a mechanical transmission with synchronized gears, and an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) that controls the system to optimize energy generation and usage based on battery State Of Charge, allowing for efficient mode changes from idling to driving, leveraging inertial energy for quick starts and smooth acceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a hybrid drive train system with ICE and EMG is implemented, then fuel efficiency and emission control are improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ICE and EMG into a unified hybrid drive train system where both propulsion units share common control architecture and physical space. The ECU integrates control functions for both engines, and the mechanical transmission system serves both power sources, reducing overall system complexity despite having dual propulsion units.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical transmission system is designed to handle power from both the ICE and EMG, serving multiple functions. The same transmission gears and shafts are used regardless of which propulsion unit is active, eliminating the need for separate transmission systems for each engine type.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact hybrid drive train system is used, then space requirements are reduced, but control accuracy and drivability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control mechanisms with electronic control systems. The ECU uses electronic sensors and actuators to precisely control the ICE and EMG, substituting mechanical linkages and manual controls with electronic signal processing, thereby maintaining control accuracy in a compact package.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts operational parameters such as engine speed, torque output, and clutch engagement timing to optimize performance. By continuously monitoring and adjusting these parameters, the system maintains high control accuracy despite the compact physical arrangement of components.
3Device complexity
If the ICE and EMG are directly coupled, then system simplicity is improved, but control flexibility and regeneration management are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a clutch mechanism as an intermediary between the ICE and EMG. This clutch allows the system to easily engage or disengage the ICE from the transmission, enabling flexible mode changes between ICE-only, EMG-only, and hybrid operation without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch system provides dynamic control over the connection between ICE and EMG, allowing real-time switching between different operational modes. This dynamic engagement and disengagement capability enables the system to adapt to varying driving conditions and battery charge states while maintaining a simple overall architecture.
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
The solution enables faster vehicle response to driver inputs, improved energy efficiency, and reduced emissions by optimizing ICE and EMG operation, enhancing the hybrid vehicle's range and performance compared to purely electric or ICE vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
engaging the synchronization arrangement of the gear in order to slow down the EMG
Data Source
AI summary
An Electronic Control Unit (ECU), and a method and a computer program product are provided for the control of a drive train for a hybrid vehicle, and a drive train including such a control device is also provided. The hybrid vehicle includes an upstream located Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) which is connected to an Electronic Motor/Generator (EMG) via a Master Clutch (MC). The EMG is connected to the wheels via a Mechanical Transmission (MT) including synchronization. The ECU is programmed to control the MC and the MT when shifting from a generating mode, in which the ICE is powering the EMG at or near standstill, to a driving mode in such a way that at least a part of the inertial energy liberated when retarding the EMG in order to synchronize the rotational speed of the EMG and the MT is transferred to the wheels by using the synchronization in the MT to retard the EMG and transfer of power to the wheels.


