Hybrid Vehicle Weight Estimation via Acceleration and Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid vehicles, determining whether a trailer is mounted is challenging, affecting drivability, climbing performance, and fuel consumption, as conventional methods are unreliable without a dedicated cable.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that estimate vehicle weight by using an acceleration detector, data detector, engine clutch, integrated starter-generator, and vehicle controller to calculate basic and final vehicle weights based on engine torque, motor torque, and longitudinal direction acceleration, allowing determination of a towing level and trailer presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated cable of the trailer is used to determine trailer mounting, then the detection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the trailer detection function from the dedicated cable method and implements it through existing vehicle sensors (acceleration detector, data detectors). By taking out the requirement for a dedicated cable and using already-present sensing capabilities, the system maintains detection reliability while eliminating the operational burden of cable management
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's existing sensors and control systems serve the dual purpose of their original function and trailer detection. The acceleration detector and data detectors automatically provide trailer mounting information without requiring additional driver action or dedicated trailer cables, making the system self-sufficient
2Ease of operation
If the trailer mounting status is not accurately determined, then the ease of operation is improved, but the drivability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors vehicle state data and acceleration patterns to provide feedback on trailer mounting status. The controller compares detected parameters against expected values to determine trailer presence, enabling accurate drivability control without additional driver input or complex manual detection procedures
3Device complexity
If the vehicle weight is not accurately estimated, then the device complexity is reduced, but the fuel consumption deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing sensors and control systems multi-functional by using them for both their primary purposes and vehicle weight estimation. The acceleration detector and data detectors serve dual roles, eliminating the need for dedicated weight sensing equipment while enabling accurate fuel consumption optimization through proper weight-based control strategies
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Improves drivability and reduces fuel consumption by accurately determining trailer weight and controlling vehicle performance, stabilizing driving conditions and optimizing fuel use.
Implementation Method 1
an acceleration detector configured to detect a longitudinal direction acceleration of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus of estimating a vehicle weight may include: an acceleration detector detecting a longitudinal direction acceleration of the vehicle; a data detector detecting state data to estimate the vehicle weight; an engine clutch disposed between an engine and a drive motor and selectively connecting the engine to the drive motor; an integrated starter-generator for starting the engine and generating electric energy; and a vehicle controller calculating a basic vehicle weight based on an engine torque, a motor torque and the longitudinal direction acceleration detected by the acceleration detector. The vehicle controller estimates a final vehicle weight based on the basic vehicle weight and a predetermined weight when an estimating entrance condition is satisfied from the state data.