Hybrid Vehicle Power Distribution With Adaptive Engine Start Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

The constant accelerator pedal opening threshold in hybrid vehicles fails to accurately meet the needs of different drivers due to variations in driving habits, leading to inefficient engine starting and power distribution.

Innovation Solution

A power distribution management method that calculates a driver feature coefficient based on the opening change rates of the accelerator pedal during starting and overtaking intervals, dynamically determining an adaptive accelerator pedal opening threshold for engine starting, considering the driver's habits and vehicle performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a constant accelerator pedal opening threshold is used for engine starting, then the control strategy is simple and easy to implement, but it cannot accurately meet the needs of different drivers with varying driving habits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol strategy simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to different driving habits
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static constant threshold into a dynamic adaptive threshold by introducing a driver feature coefficient that evolves with driving behavior. The threshold is no longer fixed but dynamically adjusted based on real-time accelerator pedal operation patterns, allowing the system to adapt to individual driving habits while maintaining operational simplicity through automated coefficient calculation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of the accelerator pedal opening threshold from a constant value to a variable value influenced by the driver feature coefficient. By modifying this key parameter based on driving behavior analysis, the system achieves better adaptability to different drivers without significantly complicating the control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If the engine is started early based on a low accelerator pedal opening threshold, then the power distribution responds quickly to driver demands, but the fuel consumption increases due to unnecessary engine starts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque response speedVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the driver feature coefficient is continuously updated based on accelerator pedal operation patterns. This feedback loop allows the system to learn from past driving behavior and make more accurate predictions about when the driver truly needs engine power, reducing false positives that would cause unnecessary engine starts and fuel consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of accelerator pedal operation patterns to calculate the driver feature coefficient before making engine start decisions. By pre-processing the driving behavior data and establishing a baseline coefficient, the system can more accurately distinguish between genuine power demands and transient pedal movements, thereby avoiding premature engine starts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of energy

If the engine is started late based on a high accelerator pedal opening threshold, then the fuel consumption is reduced, but the torque response becomes slow and cannot meet sudden power demands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidtorque response speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the driver's own driving patterns as the basis for determining the adaptive threshold. By self-learning from the driver's accelerator pedal operations and automatically adjusting the threshold accordingly, the system eliminates the need for manual configuration or conservative fixed thresholds, achieving both fuel efficiency and rapid response tailored to each driver's actual behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4159562B1Power distribution management method and device for hybrid vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.03.26 GREAT WALL MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4159562B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4159562B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4159562B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A power distribution management method and device for a hybrid vehicle, the method comprising: receiving accelerator pedal opening information sent by a hybrid vehicle; on the basis of the accelerator pedal opening information, respectively compiling statistics on a first opening change rate when the accelerator pedal opening is in a starting interval and when the accelerator pedal opening is increased and a second opening change rate when the accelerator pedal opening is in an overtaking interval and when the accelerator pedal opening is increased, the starting interval corresponding to a first preset range of the accelerator pedal opening, and the overtaking interval corresponding to a second preset range of the accelerator pedal opening; calculating a driver feature coefficient on the basis of the first opening change rate and the second opening change rate; and sending the driver feature coefficient to the hybrid vehicle. The present application enables the starting of an engine to better meet the requirements of different drivers.