Hybrid EV Filter Regeneration with Motor-Assisted Fuel Cut
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Solution Overview
Problem
When a lock-up clutch is not engageable, regeneration control of the filter cannot be executed, leading to a reduced filter regeneration frequency in hybrid electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid electric vehicle system that includes a control device with determination units to manage lock-up clutch engagement and motor assistance for auxiliary regeneration control, ensuring appropriate filter regeneration frequency by disengaging the lock-up clutch and using the motor to assist engine rotation during fuel cut.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lock-up clutch is engaged to prevent engine stalling during regeneration control, then engine stability is improved, but the filter regeneration frequency is reduced when the lock-up clutch is not engageable
Solution Approach 1:
The motor acts as an intermediary device to assist engine rotation during regeneration control when the lock-up clutch cannot be engaged. The motor provides the necessary torque to maintain engine rotation and prevent stalling, enabling regeneration control to proceed without requiring lock-up clutch engagement. This resolves the contradiction by providing an alternative mechanism (motor assistance) that achieves the same goal of preventing engine stalling while allowing regeneration to occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by switching from relying solely on lock-up clutch engagement to a hybrid approach where the motor assists engine rotation. By controlling motor torque and rotation speed, the system enables regeneration control under conditions where the lock-up clutch would normally prevent engagement, thus increasing filter regeneration frequency while maintaining engine stability.
2Productivity
If the lock-up clutch is disengaged to enable auxiliary regeneration control with motor assistance, then filter regeneration frequency is improved, but the risk of engine stalling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor serves as a mediator that takes over the function of preventing engine stalling when the lock-up clutch is disengaged. By providing assisted rotation torque, the motor ensures the engine maintains sufficient rotation speed to prevent stalling while allowing the lock-up clutch to remain disengaged, thus enabling regeneration control to proceed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical lock-up clutch engagement mechanism with an electrical motor assistance mechanism. Instead of relying on the mechanical connection through the lock-up clutch to prevent stalling, the system uses electric torque from the motor to maintain engine rotation, enabling regeneration control without lock-up clutch engagement.
3Reliability
If the motor assists with engine rotation during auxiliary regeneration control, then engine rotation stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor provides only the minimum necessary torque required to assist engine rotation and prevent stalling during regeneration control, rather than providing full propulsion torque. This partial action approach maintains engine rotation stability while minimizing energy consumption from the battery and motor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts motor torque parameters during auxiliary regeneration control to provide only the essential assistance needed for engine rotation stability. By optimizing the torque level and duration of motor assistance, the system maintains reliable engine rotation while reducing overall energy consumption compared to sustained high-torque operation.
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
Ensures an appropriate filter regeneration frequency by disengaging the lock-up clutch and utilizing motor assistance, preventing engine stalling and maintaining filter regeneration efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a motor located on a power transmission path between the engine and a drive wheel
Implementation Method 2
a torque converter located on the power transmission path between the motor and the drive wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid electric vehicle comprising: an engine; a filter for collecting particulate matter from the engine; a motor provided on a power transmission path between the engine and the drive wheels; a torque converter having a lock-up clutch provided on the power transmission path between the motor and the drive wheels; and a control device, wherein the control device includes: a first determination unit that determines whether there is a request for regeneration control of the filter by a fuel cut in the engine; a second determination unit that determines whether the lock-up clutch cannot be engaged; and a regeneration control unit that, when an affirmative determination is made in the first determination unit and a negative determination is made in the second determination unit, executes auxiliary regeneration control that assists the rotation of the engine by the motor while releasing the lock-up clutch and executing the fuel cut.