Hybrid Engine Start-Stop via Paddle Shifter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid electric vehicles face challenges in efficiently managing the operation of internal combustion engines, particularly in situations where the engine is not needed, leading to inefficiencies and delays in torque delivery to the wheels.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that allows drivers to selectively operate the engine in different modes, including continuous operation, automatic stop, and automatic start, based on driver inputs and anticipated vehicle acceleration or deceleration events, using driver-activated selectors and a display to signal mode changes and availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the engine is shut down during times when it operates inefficiently and is not needed, then fuel economy is improved, but torque delivery to the wheels is delayed when the engine needs to be started
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-charging the starter motor and pre-warming the engine coolant and oil when the engine is shut off. This prepares the engine for rapid restart, reducing the torque delivery delay while maintaining fuel economy benefits during idle shutdown periods
2Loss of energy
If the engine is turned off based on automatic control logic, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the driver cannot ensure engine operation when needed for immediate torque delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between automatic control mode and manual override mode. The driver can activate paddle shifters to force the engine on or off, providing real-time control flexibility while the system adapts to driver intentions, thus maintaining both fuel efficiency and driver operational control
3Speed
If the engine is kept running continuously, then immediate torque delivery is ensured, but fuel consumption increases during periods when the engine is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operational parameters by monitoring vehicle speed, acceleration demands, and driver behavior patterns to intelligently determine when to shut off the engine. This allows the system to optimize between continuous operation for immediate torque and shutdown for fuel savings, adapting to real-time driving conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, a driver interface having a first driver-activated selector, and a controller. The controller selectively operates the engine according to a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode the engine runs continuously. In the second mode the engine is turned off in response to a first set of operating conditions and turned on in response to a second set of operating conditions. The controller further, in response to a driver activation of the first selector, controls the engine according to the first mode and, in response to an anticipated end of a first vehicle acceleration event subsequent the driver activation of the first selector, controls the engine according to the second mode.