Hybrid Power Steering for Stop Start Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

The management of the stop & start function in a moving vehicle with a single clutch unit is challenging, particularly due to issues with power steering, as the hydraulic power steering does not function when the thermal engine is stopped, and existing dual clutch systems may not effectively manage this function.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses a control logic to evaluate instant conditions for stopping and restarting the thermal engine while moving, incorporating variables like accelerator pedal release, vehicle speed, road slope, battery charging status, and electric power steering activation, and employs a hybrid power steering system combining hydraulic and electric components to ensure continuous power steering functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the thermal engine is stopped while the vehicle is moving to improve fuel efficiency, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the hydraulic power steering does not function

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidpower steering functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines hydraulic and electric power steering systems into a hybrid configuration. The hydraulic system provides primary steering assistance when the thermal engine is running, while the electric system takes over when the engine stops, ensuring continuous steering functionality without compromising fuel efficiency benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If a single clutch unit is used in the hybrid drive system, then device complexity is reduced, but the management of stop & start function while moving becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclutch unit quantityVSAvoidstop & start function management

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a sophisticated control logic unit that acts as an intermediary between the driver's stop/goal requests and the actual engine stopping/restarting actions. This control unit monitors multiple parameters (vehicle speed, acceleration, steering angle, brake status) and intelligently determines whether stopping the thermal engine is appropriate, thereby simplifying the single-clutch system while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the thermal engine is restarted quickly after stopping to maintain power steering, then power steering availability is improved, but fuel efficiency benefits are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower steering availabilityVSAvoidfuel efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical dependency where engine running is required for power steering with an electric power steering system that can operate independently of the thermal engine state, allowing the engine to remain stopped longer for fuel efficiency without compromising steering availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables the stop & start function in moving vehicles by ensuring continuous power steering through a hybrid electric and hydraulic power steering system, optimizing engine operation to increase electric motor usage and reduce thermal engine operation, thereby improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.

Implementation Method 1

Regenerative braking function: The kinetic energy of the vehicle is converted, during the braking phases, into electric energy by the motor-generator and is stored in the high tension electric drive battery by means of the inverter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRegenerative braking:

Implementation Method 2

an electric motor-generator 2, equipped with a DC/AC inverter and a high-tension electric drive battery 5

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion:

Implementation Method 3

employs a hybrid power steering system combining hydraulic and electric components to ensure continuous power steering functionality

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic power transmission: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS8666594B2Method for actuating the stop and start function in a moving vehicle, especially an industrial or commercial or special vehicle

Publication Date: 2014.03.04 IVECO SPA

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for actuating the stop & start function in a moving vehicle, especially an industrial or commercial or special vehicle, said vehicle being equipped with hybrid drive of the parallel type, comprising a thermal engine (1), an electric motor-generator (2), a single clutch unit (3) placed between the two engines, a transmission system (6) comprising an automated manual transmission, a hybrid power steering both hydraulic and electric, the method comprising the steps of enabling of the stop phase, activation of the stop phase, maintaining of the stop phase, activation of the start phase.