Manual Transmission Launch Control for Wheel Slip and Driveline Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Novice drivers face challenges in performing repeatable aggressive launches with manual transmissions due to difficulties in quickly maneuvering the clutch release and throttle, leading to tire slip and driveline wear.
Innovation Solution
A method where a controller overrides driver throttle commands to maintain a setpoint engine speed and limits wheel slip until it decreases below a threshold during initial launch, allowing the driver to focus on clutch control and enabling traction control for preventing wheel slip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the driver manually controls both clutch release and throttle during initial launch, then the driver can perform aggressive launch maneuvers, but the operation becomes difficult to coordinate and results in tire slip and driveline wear
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages throttle control during launch, allowing the driver to focus solely on clutch operation. The controller monitors wheel slip and autonomously adjusts throttle to maintain optimal launch conditions, making the system self-regulating rather than requiring dual manual control
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the driver's clutch input and the throttle system. It translates clutch pedal position and wheel slip data into appropriate throttle commands, mediating the coordination task and eliminating the need for direct driver manipulation of both controls simultaneously
2Power
If the driver applies aggressive throttle input during launch, then wheel slip increases providing traction, but driveline wear and torque disturbance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors wheel slip and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust throttle input. When wheel slip is detected, the controller reduces throttle to eliminate slip; when traction is sufficient, it increases throttle to maximize power delivery, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes power transfer while minimizing wear
Solution Approach 2:
The throttle control is dynamically adjusted based on real-time wheel slip conditions rather than using fixed aggressive throttle input. The system adapts throttle magnitude and rate of change to match actual traction availability, providing optimal power delivery without excessive wheel spin or driveline stress
3Ease of operation
If the driver focuses on clutch control during launch, then launch smoothness improves, but throttle response may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The controller proactively manages throttle based on predicted launch conditions and actual wheel slip, eliminating the need for delayed driver throttle input. Throttle is automatically advanced or retarded based on real-time feedback, ensuring optimal response without requiring driver attention
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical throttle control is replaced with an electronic control system that responds instantaneously to wheel slip conditions. This substitution eliminates the delay inherent in manual pedal operation while allowing the driver to maintain focus on clutch coordination
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for operating a vehicle that includes a manual transmission are presented. In one example, a method for a vehicle having a manual transmission comprises, during an initial launch with traction control enabled, overriding driver throttle commands to maintain a setpoint speed of an engine and limiting wheel slip until wheel slip decreases below a non-zero threshold.