Lateral Acceleration Plausibility Checking for Automated Transmissions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for checking the plausibility of lateral acceleration and other input variables in automated vehicle transmissions are limited, especially at the vehicle's limits, leading to inaccurate detection and potential errors in engine operating points and emissions behavior.

Innovation Solution

A method that measures lateral acceleration over a defined route section, calculates multiple lateral acceleration reference variables using a reference model, and evaluates deviations between measured and calculated mean values to determine plausibility, also applying this approach to other input variables like road wheel speeds and yaw rate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If single-track models are used to check lateral acceleration plausibility, then the checking method is simple, but the method is only valid in a linear range and fails at vehicle limits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechecking method complexityVSAvoidplausibility checking reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the plausibility checking process into multiple independent calculation paths using different reference models (single-track model, bicycle model, and measurement-based reference model). Each model provides a separate lateral acceleration reference value, allowing the system to segment the validation process into multiple checks rather than relying on a single model.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters used for plausibility checking by introducing multiple reference models with different calculation approaches. Instead of using only one model's parameters, the system compares measurements against multiple sets of reference parameters (ay1 from single-track model, ay2 from bicycle model, ay3 from measurement-based model) to determine plausibility across different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple lateral acceleration reference variables are calculated using different reference models, then the plausibility checking reliability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplausibility checking reliabilityVSAvoidreference model complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal plausibility checking system that uses multiple reference models serving different functions. The single-track model handles linear range validation, the bicycle model addresses limit range conditions, and the measurement-based model provides additional verification. This multi-functional approach allows one system to handle diverse driving situations that would otherwise require separate checking mechanisms.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by selectively using different reference models based on driving conditions. The system calculates multiple reference values but uses them differently depending on the situation - for example, relying more on the single-track model during linear operation and incorporating the bicycle model during limit conditions. This avoids the full complexity of all models being equally active at all times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Extent of automation

If the lateral acceleration sensor signal is used for transmission shifting program, then the transmission control is automated, but errors in the signal can lead to incorrect engine operating points and increased emissions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission shifting automationVSAvoidemissions from erroneous operating points
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measured lateral acceleration is continuously compared against multiple calculated reference values. The plausibility determination based on this feedback loop provides continuous validation, allowing the system to detect and correct erroneous sensor signals before they cause incorrect transmission shifting or engine operating point selection, thereby reducing harmful emissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary plausibility checking of the lateral acceleration sensor signal before the transmission shifting program uses it for control decisions. By validating the sensor signal against multiple reference models in advance, the system prevents erroneous values from reaching the transmission control logic, thereby avoiding incorrect engine operating points and associated emissions problems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11529936B2Method for checking the plausibility of a lateral acceleration and a number of further input variables of a transmission shifting program of an automated transmission of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.12.20 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG
  • US11529936B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for checking the plausibility of a lateral acceleration and further input variables of a transmission shifting program includes measuring, over a defined route section, a lateral acceleration signal, calculating a mean value of the measured lateral acceleration signal, and calculating, based on the further input variables, a plurality of n≥2 different lateral acceleration sensor reference variables. The different lateral acceleration sensor reference variables are calculated by a lateral acceleration reference model for the defined route section. The method further includes determining, for each respective lateral acceleration sensor reference variable, a respective mean value of a calculated lateral acceleration, determining deviations of the mean value of the measured lateral acceleration and the mean values of the calculated lateral accelerations, and evaluating, based on a magnitude of the deviations, whether or not the measured lateral acceleration and the further input variables are plausible.