Hybrid Vehicle Engine Control Using Background Noise Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid vehicles, operating the engine when background noise is small can impair interior comfort due to the risk of the engine's operation sound being noticeable to the driver.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling hybrid vehicles that operates the engine when background noise exceeds a noise threshold, using parameters like catalyst temperature and road noise to determine optimal engine operation times, ensuring the engine is only active when its sound is masked by high background noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the engine is operated when background noise is small, then the catalyst temperature can be maintained, but the interior comfort is impaired due to noticeable engine sound
Solution Approach 1:
The control method dynamically adjusts the engine operation decision based on changes in background noise parameters. When background noise increases above a threshold, the engine is allowed to operate even if the operation parameter hasn't reached the forced operating threshold, utilizing the noise mask to maintain catalyst temperature without compromising comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine operation control is made dynamic by continuously monitoring background noise levels and adjusting operation permissions in real-time. The system transitions from a static threshold-based control to a dynamic noise-adaptive control, allowing flexible engine operation decisions based on current acoustic conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the engine operation is restricted to maintain interior comfort, then engine sound is masked, but the catalyst temperature may drop below required levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of background noise levels to predict opportunities for engine operation. By detecting upcoming noise events (such as road noise increases) before they occur, the system can prepare to operate the engine in advance, ensuring catalyst temperature is maintained before it drops below required levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The control method implements feedback by continuously monitoring both the operation parameter (catalyst temperature) and background noise level, then adjusting engine operation decisions based on this combined feedback. This closed-loop control ensures catalyst temperature is maintained while respecting comfort constraints.
3Temperature
If the engine is operated frequently to maintain catalyst temperature, then the temperature is sustained, but the interior comfort is compromised due to increased engine sound exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes periodic opportunities for engine operation that arise from recurring background noise patterns (such as periodic road noise or traffic noise). By synchronizing engine operation with these periodic noise events, the system maintains catalyst temperature through intermittent operation rather than continuous operation, reducing overall engine sound exposure.
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid vehicle includes a motor serving as a drive source, a battery configured to supply electric power to the motor, and an engine capable of supplying electric power to the battery by driving a generator. In the hybrid vehicle, the engine is operated when a magnitude of background noise exceeds a noise threshold value, in a case where an operation parameter for operating the engine when a value of the operation parameter falls below a forced operating threshold value is larger than the forced operating threshold value, the operation parameter being a parameter whose value increases as an operation time of the engine increases.