Hydraulic Module Torque Regulation via Pressure and Angular Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Compact hydraulic modules in hydraulic hybrid vehicles require advanced torque regulation to ensure optimal operation and comfort, particularly in transmitting motor torque to the drive wheels while minimizing unwanted torque jumps and noise.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for controlling a hydraulic module that regulates torque based on high and low pressure values and angular position, using sensors to calculate fluid flow and output torque, with PID or state feedback regulation, and including diagnostic management for malfunctions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a compact hydraulic module with integrated differential is used, then space under the bonnet is saved and hydraulic architecture is simplified, but special regulation is required to achieve expected performance in torque control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace under bonnetVSAvoidregulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the differential inside the hydraulic motor to create a compact module, merging two previously separate components (differential and hydraulic motor) into a single integrated unit. This consolidation reduces the space required under the bonnet while maintaining the necessary functions of both components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a control device with sensors that monitor the angular position of the hydraulic module and provide feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adjust the hydraulic pressure and torque output dynamically, compensating for the complexity introduced by the integrated design and ensuring optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If torque regulation is implemented based on pressure values and angular position, then unwanted torque jumps at drive wheels are prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunwanted torque jumpsVSAvoidcontrol device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device uses sensors to continuously monitor pressure values in the hydraulic circuit and angular position of the hydraulic module. This real-time feedback allows the control unit to detect and correct torque variations before they manifest as unwanted torque jumps at the drive wheels, ensuring smooth torque delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces purely mechanical torque transmission with a hybrid system that incorporates electronic sensing and control. Instead of relying solely on mechanical components to manage torque, the system uses electronic sensors and a control unit to regulate hydraulic pressure and torque output, thereby eliminating mechanical torque jumps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of energy

If floating cylinder technology is used, then mechanical and hydraulic efficiencies are improved, but torque regulation becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical and hydraulic efficienciesVSAvoidtorque regulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device incorporates sensors that monitor the angular position and pressure values, providing feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables precise regulation of torque in floating cylinder technology, compensating for the challenges posed by the floating architecture and ensuring efficient energy transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts hydraulic pressure parameters based on real-time sensor data regarding angular position and load conditions. By changing pressure parameters adaptively, the system optimizes the performance of floating cylinder technology, maintaining high mechanical and hydraulic efficiencies while enabling precise torque control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution enhances driving comfort and complies with noise criteria by precisely controlling torque at the wheels, preventing unwanted torque jumps and ensuring efficient operation of the hydraulic module.

Implementation Method 1

the hydraulic motor converting the energy coming from the pressurized fluid into mechanical energy in the form of a driving torque

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic energy conversion: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

The hydraulic pump converts mechanical energy into hydraulic energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVolumetric energy conversion: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP3003763B1Method and device for controlling/commanding a hydraulic module for a hybrid vehicle
Publication Date: 2018.05.16 TECHNOBOOST
  • EP3003763B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3003763B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3003763B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention concerns a method and a device for controlling/commanding a hydraulic module installed in a hybrid vehicle, the module comprising at least one hydraulic engine driving a differential incorporated in the module, the engine having a fixed piston and a floating cylinder and being connected to a hydraulic circuit selectively at low pressure or at high pressure, the engine converting the energy coming from the pressurised fluid into mechanical energy in the form of a drive torque of the differential transmitting it to the drive wheels of the vehicle, said method carrying out, on request of a torque value (21) from the module transmitted by the control/command of the power train (52), a regulation of the engine torque, characterised in that the torque regulation is carried out according to the high and low pressure values of the hydraulic circuit and according to the angular position of the module, said regulation being carried out by controlling the pressure in the circuit.