Hybrid Vehicle Torque Distribution Based on Grip Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles using a 4x4 mode to improve grip inadvertently increase fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions when the heat engine is used, as users often forget to deactivate this mode after low grip situations, leading to unnecessary energy expenditure.
Innovation Solution
A method to distribute torque between the heat engine and electric machine based on vehicle grip measurements, transferring torque from the heat engine to the electric machine when a critical grip threshold is not triggered, with the transfer speed influenced by slope and vehicle speed, ensuring constant torque sum and eventual shutdown of the heat engine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the 4x4 mode is activated to improve grip, then the vehicle's traction performance is improved, but fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts torque distribution between the heat engine and electric machine based on real-time grip conditions. When grip is sufficient, torque is transferred to the electric machine; when grip is critical, torque is directed to the heat engine. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing energy use according to actual traction needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors grip conditions through the ESP system and uses this feedback to adjust torque distribution. The system detects when grip becomes critical and automatically activates the heat engine, then monitors when grip is restored and transfers torque back to the electric machine, creating a closed-loop control that eliminates unnecessary fuel consumption.
2Reliability
If the heat engine is used in 4x4 mode to ensure traction, then the vehicle's grip is improved, but carbon dioxide emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between electric-only mode and hybrid 4x4 mode based on real-time grip assessment. By transferring torque to the electric machine when grip is sufficient, the system eliminates CO2 emissions during normal driving while maintaining traction capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the ESP grip monitoring system, originally designed for safety purposes, to also optimize emissions. The same sensor data that detects wheel slip is repurposed to trigger torque transfer decisions, converting a safety feature into an emissions reduction mechanism.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the torque transfer decision uses complex algorithms to optimize energy use, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing ESP grip monitoring system to make torque distribution decisions, eliminating the need for a separate complex decision-making system. The ESP system's existing sensors and logic are repurposed to trigger torque transfer, allowing the system to achieve energy optimization using already-available information and infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for distributing torque between the front axle (12) and the rear axle (13) of a hybrid vehicle (11) comprising: a heat engine (15) that can drive one of the axles (12, 13) of the vehicle (11); an electrical machine (21) that can drive the other axle (12, 13) of the vehicle (11); and a means for measuring the grip of the vehicle (11), wherein said measuring means sends a critical grip signal when the grip of the vehicle (11) falls below a critical threshold. The torque distribution method is characterized in that it comprises a step of: estimating the distance travelled by the vehicle (11) without activating the critical grip signal, and transferring the torque applied to the heat engine (15) to the electric machine (21) when the distance is above a distance travelled threshold.