Hybrid Powertrain Active Damping Control Algorithm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hybrid powertrains experience driveline vibrations due to multiple torque-generating devices, leading to hardware degradation and inadequate damping, especially when single feedback/single control systems fail to manage oscillations effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for regulating active damping in hybrid powertrains by monitoring damping torque commands, detecting improper oscillations, and adjusting damping torque multipliers to prevent strain on the drivetrain, using a control algorithm that filters torque commands and sets thresholds to stabilize damping torque.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single feedback/single control system is used to manage driveline vibrations, then the system complexity is reduced, but the damping effectiveness is insufficient to prevent hardware degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoiddamping effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the control system into multiple independent control channels, each handling a specific torque-generating device (engine, motor/generator 1, motor/generator 2). Each channel has its own feedback controller that independently manages vibrations from its respective device, allowing complex vibration control without requiring a single complex centralized system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring driveline vibrations and adjusting torque commands from each torque-generating device based on detected vibration levels. The control system uses vibration feedback to dynamically modify torque output, ensuring effective damping while maintaining system reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If multiple torque-generating devices are used to reduce reliance on the engine, then fuel economy is improved, but driveline vibrations increase causing hardware degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel economyVSAvoiddriveline vibrations

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful vibrations generated by multiple torque-generating devices into useful control information. By detecting vibration patterns and using them as feedback signals, the system adjusts torque distribution to eliminate harmful vibrations while maintaining the fuel economy benefits of multiple power sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes torque parameters of each generating device based on detected vibration conditions. When vibrations are detected, the system modifies torque magnitude and timing parameters to counteract harmful vibrations, allowing the hybrid system to maintain fuel efficiency while protecting against vibration-induced hardware degradation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If signal conditioning filters are used to cancel torque oscillations, then vibration cancellation is achieved, but system responsiveness is slowed causing bump or overshoot

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque oscillationsVSAvoidsystem responsiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial filtering by using signal conditioning filters with carefully selected characteristics that provide sufficient vibration cancellation while minimizing phase lag. The filter design balances oscillation cancellation with maintaining adequate system responsiveness, avoiding excessive filtering that would cause bump or overshoot

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS8140230B2Apparatus and method for regulating active driveline damping in hybrid vehicle powertrain

Publication Date: 2012.03.20 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for regulating active damping in a hybrid vehicle powertrain. The method includes: monitoring the damping command sent to the active damping system; determining a mean reference point, which may be a filtered value of the damping torque command; determining if the unfiltered damping torque command value switches from one side to the other of the mean reference point; if a switch is detected, determining if the size of the switch exceeds a predetermined minimum; if it does, then increasing a total number of switches; determining if the total number of switches exceeds a switch threshold; if the total number of switches exceeds the switch threshold, determining if the current damping torque exceeds a damping torque threshold; and decreasing the damping torque if the total number of switches exceeds the switch threshold and the current damping torque exceeds the damping torque threshold.