Integrated Powertrain Controller Dynamic Shift Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of integration between engine and transmission manufacturers leads to independent operational improvements, resulting in suboptimal vehicle performance in terms of fuel economy, emissions, and noise, as they do not share relevant data, necessitating a system that can dynamically adjust transmission shift schedules based on real-time vehicle and route data to optimize operating parameters.
Innovation Solution
A controller communicably coupled to the powertrain system receives shift schedules, vehicle operation data, and route data to predict the impact of scheduled shift events on parameters like fuel consumption and emissions, adjusting the shift schedule to optimize selected vehicle operating characteristics, such as fuel economy or emissions reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If engine and transmission manufacturers operate independently without data sharing, then each manufacturer can optimize their component separately, but the overall vehicle performance in terms of fuel economy, emissions, and noise is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the engine control module and transmission control module into an integrated powertrain control system. This integration allows real-time data exchange between engine and transmission controllers, enabling coordinated optimization of shift schedules based on engine operating conditions, thereby improving overall fuel economy and reducing emissions without requiring external data sharing between manufacturers.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated controller performs multiple functions: it manages engine operation, controls transmission shifting, optimizes fuel injection timing, and monitors emissions parameters. By consolidating these previously separate control functions into a single multi-functional controller, the system achieves improved vehicle-wide optimization while eliminating the need for separate manufacturer-specific control systems.
2Productivity
If transmission uses fixed shift schedules, then transmission control is simple and reliable, but fuel economy and emissions cannot be optimized for varying driving conditions and routes
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed, static shift schedules to dynamic, adaptive shift schedules that are continuously adjusted based on real-time engine operating conditions, vehicle speed, load, and predicted route characteristics. The controller dynamically modifies shift points and timing to optimize fuel economy and emissions performance across varying driving conditions, making the transmission control system adaptive rather than rigid.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of route data and driving conditions to pre-determine optimal shift strategies before actual driving occurs. By anticipating upcoming terrain, traffic patterns, and speed requirements, the controller can proactively adjust shift schedules to maximize fuel efficiency and emissions performance, rather than reacting to conditions after they occur.
3Adaptability or versatility
If transmission shift events are scheduled based on standard operating conditions, then the system is easy to operate, but it cannot adapt to real-time vehicle operation data and route-specific requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the controller monitors real-time engine parameters, transmission operating conditions, and vehicle performance metrics. This feedback is used to dynamically adjust shift schedules and optimize performance for current driving conditions. The feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt automatically to varying routes, loads, and environmental conditions without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated control system performs self-optimization by automatically analyzing its own operating data and making real-time adjustments to shift schedules without external input. The system serves itself by using its own sensor data and performance metrics to continuously improve fuel economy and emissions performance, eliminating the need for operator expertise in transmission management.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If multiple control parameters are adjusted simultaneously for emissions reduction, then emissions compliance improves, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines emissions control functions with transmission shift control in a single integrated system. By merging the emissions monitoring and control operations with the transmission management functions, the system can simultaneously optimize multiple parameters (shift timing, engine load, fuel injection) for emissions reduction without requiring separate, additional control systems, thereby managing complexity through integration rather than multiplication of components.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a vehicle includes a powertrain system including an engine, a transmission, a drive shaft, and a final drive; and a controller communicably coupled to the powertrain system. The controller is structured to: receive a shift schedule for the transmission of a vehicle, the shift schedule indicating when shift events occur based on operation of the vehicle; receive vehicle operation data during operation of the vehicle, the vehicle operation data including a current combustion recipe for the engine; determine a predicted impact of a scheduled shift event on a fuel consumption rate of the vehicle based on the current combustion recipe for the engine; determine an adjustment to the scheduled shift event based on the predicted impact; and provide a command to implement the adjustment to the scheduled shift event to the transmission of the vehicle.