Hybrid Vehicle Start Control Device Clutch Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hybrid vehicles require different clutch operations depending on whether they start using the internal combustion engine or the electric motor, leading to the possibility of engine stall, especially when the driver needs to operate the manual-type clutch during internal combustion engine startup.

Innovation Solution

A start control apparatus that includes a control device managing the operations of the electric motor, internal combustion engine, and second clutch, allowing the vehicle to start using either power source with consistent driver operations by ensuring the first clutch is engaged and the second clutch is in a release state, thus preventing engine stall.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the driver operates the manual-type clutch during internal combustion engine startup, then the vehicle can start using the internal combustion engine, but the driver burden increases and engine stall may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclutch operation consistencyVSAvoidengine stall prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device automatically engages the second clutch before the driver releases the clutch pedal, preparing the power transmission path in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for the driver to manually operate the clutch during engine startup, reducing driver burden while ensuring reliable power transmission and preventing engine stall.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The second clutch acts as an intermediary between the internal combustion engine and the rotating member, providing automatic control of power transmission. This intermediary mechanism allows the driver to focus on clutch pedal operation without needing to manually manage the second clutch, thereby preventing engine stall while simplifying the overall operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If the second clutch is engaged during internal combustion engine startup, then power transmission is established, but engine stall occurs due to sudden load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmissionVSAvoidengine stall prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device increases the output power of the internal combustion engine before engaging the second clutch, preparing the engine to handle the incoming load. This preliminary power increase ensures that when the second clutch engages, the engine can smoothly transmit power without stalling, achieving both reliable power transmission and engine stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device dynamically adjusts the output power of the internal combustion engine based on the engagement state of the second clutch. By continuously monitoring and adjusting engine power during the clutch engagement process, the system ensures smooth power transmission while preventing engine stall, adapting to the changing mechanical load in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If different clutch operations are required for different power sources, then each power source can be optimized, but the driver operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower source flexibilityVSAvoidclutch operation consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device provides a universal clutch operation mode that works for both internal combustion engine startup and electric motor startup. By automatically managing the second clutch based on the selected power source, the system maintains consistent driver operations while preserving the flexibility to choose between different power sources, eliminating the need for driver-specific clutch manipulation for each power source type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2818375B1Start control device for hybrid vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.09.25 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP2818375B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2818375B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2818375B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A start control apparatus is applied to a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle (1) includes: a manual transmission (10); an MG (3) which is connected with an input shaft (11) of the manual transmission (10) via a first clutch (20) to be actuated in response to an operation of stepping on a clutch pedal (CP) ; and an internal combustion engine (3) which is connected with a rotor shaft (3a) of the MG (3) via a second clutch (21) . The start control apparatus makes the vehicle to start off by using power of at least any one of the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, when the predetermined start conditions are satisfied. The start conditions include: the second clutch (21) is in a release state; the first clutch (20) is in an engaged state by releasing the clutch pedal (CP); and an accelerator opening of the vehicle (1) is greater than zero.