Hybrid Powertrain State Stabilization via Preferential Weighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing powertrain systems face challenges in efficiently managing transmission operating range states and engine states to optimize fuel economy, emissions, and drivability, particularly in electro-mechanical hybrid transmissions, where frequent changes in operating conditions require dynamic adjustments to balance torque output, battery state-of-charge, and fuel delivery.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling the powertrain system that determines current and potential transmission and engine states, weights preferability factors, and selectively changes operating states based on these factors to stabilize shifts and optimize performance, using a distributed control module system that includes an engine control module, transmission control module, battery pack control module, and hybrid control module to coordinate clutch states and torque management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If frequent changes in transmission operating range state and engine state are made to adapt to changing operating conditions, then adaptability is improved, but system stability deteriorates due to excessive state transitions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to operating conditionsVSAvoidstability of transmission and engine states

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts transmission operating range state and engine state based on real-time operating conditions. The system transitions between different states (e.g., transmission ranges, engine on/off states) according to changing demands, making the system adaptable while maintaining stability through controlled transition timing and conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system continuously monitors operating conditions and uses feedback to determine when state transitions are appropriate. By evaluating current state, predicted future states, and preferability factors, the system makes informed decisions about when to change states, balancing adaptability with stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If optimal transmission operating range state and engine state are selected to maximize fuel economy, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple preferability factors and state evaluations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel economyVSAvoidcomplexity of control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control problem is segmented into discrete transmission operating range states and engine states. Each state has associated preferability factors that can be independently evaluated. This segmentation allows the complex optimization problem to be broken down into manageable comparisons between specific state combinations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses preferability factors as parameters to evaluate and compare different state combinations. By changing the values of these preferability factors based on operating conditions, the system optimizes fuel economy without requiring complex real-time calculations, simplifying the control logic while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If aggressive state changes are made to respond quickly to operating condition changes, then response speed is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to excessive wear and power loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speed to operating conditionsVSAvoidreliability of transmission and engine system

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system predicts future operating states and prepares for transitions in advance. By evaluating preferability factors for potential future states, the system can make smoother, more planned transitions rather than reactive aggressive changes, reducing wear and improving reliability while maintaining adequate response speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system buffers against excessive state changes by using preferability factor thresholds and stabilization logic. This cushioning prevents unnecessary or overly aggressive transitions, protecting the system from excessive wear and power loss while still responding appropriately to genuine operating condition changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP2055561B1Method for stabilization of mode and fixed gear for a hybrid powertrain system

Publication Date: 2015.10.14 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG

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AI summary

A powertrain system includes an engine mechanically coupled to an electro-mechanical transmission selectively operative in one of a plurality of transmission operating range states and one of a plurality of engine states. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes determining a current transmission operating range state and a current engine state, determining at least one potential transmission operating range state and engine state, determining preferability factors associated with the current and potential transmission operating range state and the engine state, preferentially weighting the preferability factors for the current transmission operating range state and engine state, and selectively commanding changing the present transmission operating range state and engine state based upon the preferability factors.