Hybrid Gear Shift via Engine Torque and Motor Speed Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gear shift methods in parallel hybrid vehicles require long synchronization times due to high inertia of the internal combustion engine, leading to prolonged shifting processes, high switching forces, and potential wear, as well as uncomfortable shifting noises and fuel inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A method that combines torque-controlled operation of the internal combustion engine with speed-controlled operation of the electric machine for speed synchronization, allowing the two to work together during gear changes, reducing shifting times and improving driving comfort and fuel efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the electric machine operates in speed control mode to synchronize the transmission speed to the target speed, then the speed synchronization is achieved, but the synchronization time becomes comparatively long due to the high inertia mass of the internal combustion engine

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization speedVSAvoidsynchronization time
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines speed-controlled operation of the electric machine with torque-controlled operation of the internal combustion engine to perform speed synchronization. The control unit coordinates both machines to work together, with the electric machine providing speed control and the internal combustion engine providing torque control, thereby reducing the synchronization time compared to using the electric machine alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically switches between different control modes (speed control and torque control) for the electric machine and internal combustion engine during the gear shift process. The control unit adjusts the operational mode based on the synchronization requirements, enabling faster adaptation to the target speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If very high switching forces are applied to achieve gear shifting at very low temperatures, then the gear shift becomes possible, but the actuator may no longer be able to supply the required forces and excessive wear or transmission damage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegear shift capabilityVSAvoidactuator reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the operational capabilities of the electric machine and internal combustion engine to provide the necessary switching forces during gear shifts. By coordinating both machines, the system can generate sufficient torque at low temperatures without overloading the actuator, as the combined torque from both machines reduces the burden on individual components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the electric machine operates alone to synchronize speed during gear shifts, then the gear change is achieved, but the shifting time is prolonged and fuel consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegear shift speedVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the operational strengths of both the electric machine and internal combustion engine to achieve faster gear shifts. The internal combustion engine contributes torque control while the electric machine provides speed control, resulting in reduced synchronization time and improved productivity, while the coordinated operation optimizes energy utilization and reduces overall fuel consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3075620B1Method for performing a gear change in parallel hybrid vehicles
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP3075620B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3075620B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3075620B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for implementing gear shifting in a parallel hybrid vehicle whose drivetrain comprises an internal combustion engine, an electric machine capable of both motor and generator operation, and a transmission. During a gear change, the electric motor is used to synchronize the transmission speed with a target speed of the internal combustion engine. According to the invention, speed synchronization is achieved via torque-controlled operation of the internal combustion engine and speed-controlled operation of the electric machine (S3), thereby achieving shorter shift times.