Hybrid Powertrain Engine Autostart Torque Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an efficient method to automatically start an internal combustion engine in a hybrid powertrain system during ongoing vehicle operation, especially when the engine is in an OFF state, to optimize power management and torque transmission.
Innovation Solution
A control method for the powertrain that determines a desired input torque and selects an engine autostart process, cranking and fueling the engine based on this process, allowing for smooth, normal, or aggressive engine startups depending on the torque requirements, using a combination of engine control modules and electric machines to manage the engine state transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the engine is kept in OFF state during vehicle operation, then fuel economy is improved, but power availability and torque transmission capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The engine operating state is made dynamic rather than static, allowing automatic transitions between OFF and ON states based on real-time vehicle conditions, torque demands, and power requirements. The control system continuously monitors system state and dynamically adjusts engine operation to optimize the balance between fuel economy and power availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring vehicle operating conditions, torque demands, and powertrain state to determine optimal moments for engine autostart. The system uses feedback from sensors and control modules to make informed decisions about when to transition the engine from OFF to ON state, ensuring power availability when needed while maintaining fuel efficiency.
2Power
If the engine is automatically started during vehicle operation, then power availability is improved, but system complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a unified autostart control framework that handles torque management, power coordination, and engine state transitions through a single control module. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity by consolidating control logic rather than requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically determines when engine autostart is needed and executes the startup sequence without requiring manual intervention or complex external control. The system self-manages the transition process, coordinating torque demands, power availability, and engine state changes autonomously based on real-time conditions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If different engine autostart processes are selected based on torque requirements, then torque transmission smoothness is improved, but decision-making complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system selects different autostart processes by changing key operational parameters such as torque ramp rates, fuel injection timing, and air intake control based on desired torque requirements. By adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes torque transmission smoothness for different operating conditions without requiring fundamentally different hardware systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Internal combustion engine autostarting includes selecting from among several autostart processes in accordance with desired input torque from the engine to the transmission, cranking the engine, and fueling the engine during the engine cranking based upon the selected engine autostart process.