Hybrid Powertrain Start Control with Delayed Authorization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for starting a powertrain system in electric or hybrid vehicles are complex and restrictive, requiring users to hold a key in a specific position for an extended period, and are prone to failures due to untimely loss of motor traction, which complicates the compromise between availability and safety.

Innovation Solution

A method that introduces a delay in the start-up process, triggered by user action on a start control member, where the powertrain system initiates only if start authorization occurs before the delay expires, with the delay duration set automatically based on vehicle state, speed, and other conditions, allowing for voice or visual notifications to guide the user in correcting the gear position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the user must hold the key in a specific position for several seconds to start the powertrain system, then the safety is improved by preventing accidental starts, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the complex and restrictive starting procedure

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary checks of starting conditions (gear position, brake status, service plug status) before the actual start command is executed. The control unit evaluates all necessary conditions during the key holding period, and if conditions are met, the powertrain starts automatically when the key is released, eliminating the need for prolonged key holding while maintaining safety through pre-validation of all starting conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the start-up process requires multiple user actions and checks, then the safety is improved by preventing incorrect starts, but the productivity deteriorates due to the extended starting time and potential boot failures

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit autonomously manages the entire starting sequence without requiring continuous user intervention. After the user initiates the start request by holding the key, the control unit independently checks all starting conditions, manages the powertrain startup process, and handles any failures automatically. This self-service approach eliminates multiple user actions while maintaining comprehensive safety checks, reducing both starting time and boot failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the system requires the vehicle to be in PARK position for starting, then the safety is improved by preventing starts during movement, but the adaptability deteriorates when the vehicle needs to start in other gear positions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the acceptable gear positions for starting based on vehicle speed and operational context. At low speeds, the system permits starting in PARK or NEUTRAL positions. When the vehicle is already moving or in drive position, the system allows starting without requiring gear changes, provided safety conditions are met. This dynamic adaptation maintains safety by preventing starts during unsafe conditions while allowing flexible operation in various driving scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2760693B1Method for operating a power train for driving an electric or hybrid automobile
Publication Date: 2019.11.06 RENAULT SA
  • EP2760693B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2760693B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2760693B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a power train (10) for driving an electric or hybrid automobile, characterized in that a user actuating a starting control member triggers a time delay, and the starting of the power train is only implemented if a starting authorization occurs before the time delay elapses.