Hybrid Vehicle Mode Change Control for EV to HEV Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid electric vehicles face deteriorated responsiveness due to sequential performance of engine clutch coupling and transmission shifting, which fails to meet driver acceleration demands during mode changes from EV to HEV mode.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that simultaneously perform engine clutch coupling and transmission shifting by determining the need for coupling and shifting based on input speed comparisons between the transmission and engine speed, allowing for simultaneous coupling and shifting when required, and sequential operations when not.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sequential coupling of engine clutch and shifting of transmission is performed, then control complexity is reduced, but responsiveness and acceleration performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the engine clutch coupling operation and transmission shifting operation into a single simultaneous execution phase. The controller coordinates both operations to occur concurrently during mode change from EV to HEV, eliminating the sequential delay between operations and improving acceleration responsiveness without significantly increasing control complexity.
2Ease of operation
If sequential coupling of engine clutch and shifting of transmission is performed, then operational simplicity is maintained, but acceleration demand satisfaction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation mode selection based on real-time driving conditions. The controller determines whether to execute simultaneous coupling and shifting (for acceleration demands) or sequential operations (for normal conditions), allowing the system to adapt its operational complexity dynamically. This enables high power delivery when needed while maintaining operational simplicity during routine operations.
3Speed
If simultaneous coupling of engine clutch and shifting of transmission is performed, then responsiveness is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary assessment of driving conditions and torque demands before executing simultaneous coupling and shifting operations. The controller evaluates whether simultaneous execution is necessary based on pre-established criteria (such as kickdown shift requirements), preparing the system in advance to execute coordinated operations only when beneficial. This reduces unnecessary control complexity while maintaining responsiveness when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for controlling mode change of a hybrid electric vehicle. For a system having an engine as a power source, a motor selectively connected to the engine via an engine clutch, and a transmission connected to the motor, a method includes determining whether coupling of the engine clutch during a mode change from EV to HEV mode and shifting of the transmission are required, comparing an input speed of a current gear of the transmission with an engine speed in an idle state when the coupling of the engine clutch and the shifting are required, determining whether a kick down shift is required when the input speed of the current gear of the transmission is greater than or equal to the engine speed in the idle state and simultaneously coupling the engine clutch and performing the kick down shift when the kick down shift is required.