Launch Torque Reduction Control for Consistent Gear Shifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle launch control techniques require manual driver intervention for torque modulation, leading to performance variability and wheel slip during gear shifts, particularly in high-performance vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A launch control system that allows drivers to select and automatically implement torque reduction requests during gear shifts through a driver interface and controller, optimizing traction and reducing wheel slip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual driver modulation of the pedal is used to maintain traction, then wheel slip can be controlled, but performance consistency and runt-to-run repeatability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the driver to program torque reduction requests in advance, which are then automatically executed during gear shifts without requiring manual intervention at the moment of shifting. The controller autonomously modulates the accelerator pedal based on pre-programmed parameters, eliminating the need for real-time manual modulation while maintaining consistent performance across runs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary action by requiring the driver to program torque reduction requests before the race or drag run. The driver interface allows configuration of torque reduction amounts for different gear shifts in advance, so that when gear shifts occur during actual operation, the controller already has the predetermined torque modulation parameters ready to execute automatically, ensuring repeatability without real-time manual input.
2Reliability
If fixed engine torque is used during transmission gear shifts, then the control system is simple, but wheel slip occurs during gear shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the static, fixed torque approach into a dynamic, adjustable torque control system. The controller is configured to receive torque reduction requests from the driver interface and dynamically modulate the accelerator pedal position during gear shifts based on these requests. This allows the engine torque to vary according to track conditions and driver preferences, preventing wheel slip while maintaining manageable system complexity through electronic control.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If driver manually modulates the pedal during launch, then wheel slip is reduced, but performance and runt-to-run repeatability are significantly impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the driver to program torque reduction requests in advance, which are then automatically executed during gear shifts without requiring manual intervention at the moment of shifting. The controller autonomously modulates the accelerator pedal based on pre-programmed parameters, eliminating the need for real-time manual modulation while maintaining consistent performance across runs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback by allowing the driver to observe the results of different torque reduction settings across multiple runs and adjust the programmed torque reduction requests accordingly. The driver interface enables modification of torque reduction parameters based on performance data, creating a feedback loop that optimizes both wheel slip prevention and runt-to-run repeatability through iterative tuning.
Data Source
AI summary
A launch control system for a vehicle having a torque generating system to generate and transfer drive torque to a transmission includes a driver interface configured to display information to and receive input from a driver of the vehicle. A controller is in signal communication with the driver interface, the torque generating system, and the transmission. The controller is configured to (i) display, via the driver interface, a torque reduction request for a gear shift of the transmission, (ii) receive, from the driver via the driver interface, a driver selected torque reduction request for the gear shift, and (iii) perform the driver selected torque reduction request at the torque generating system during the gear shift.