Manual Transmission Drive Unit Torque Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive unit shifting methods, such as dual clutch transmissions, often result in reduced output torque during upshifts due to lower transmission ratios, leading to decreased driving comfort as engine torque adjustments occur primarily during the speed synchronization phase, causing noticeable drops in torque applied to the output shaft.

Innovation Solution

Adapting engine torque to match an externally specified torque target value during the torque transfer phase, with adjustments made through linear or progressive increases/decreases before and potentially during the engine speed synchronization phase, ensuring the output torque is maintained at a higher level during upshifts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If engine torque is adapted only during the engine speed synchronization phase, then the shifting process is simple to control, but the output torque drops significantly during upshifts, reducing driving comfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidoutput torque drop
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The engine torque is adapted during the torque transfer phase, which occurs before the engine speed synchronization phase. This preliminary torque adaptation ensures that the output torque does not drop significantly during the subsequent synchronization phase, thereby improving driving comfort while maintaining controllable complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system continuously monitors the torque transfer phase and adjusts the engine torque accordingly to compensate for the upcoming torque reduction. This feedback mechanism allows the system to anticipate and counteract the output torque drop, resolving the contradiction between control simplicity and maintaining stable output torque

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If engine torque is increased during the torque transfer phase, then the output torque remains stable during upshifts, but the engine torque adjustment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput torque stabilityVSAvoidtorque control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The engine torque is increased during the torque transfer phase, which is a predetermined phase occurring before the synchronization phase. This preliminary torque increase is planned and executed in advance, ensuring output torque stability without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the critical synchronization phase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The engine torque is dynamically adjusted during the torque transfer phase based on the shifting conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain optimal output torque while adapting to varying driving conditions, managing the complexity through intelligent control rather than mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP1950462B1Method for operating a drive unit comprising a manual transmission and an engine
Publication Date: 2010.08.25 GETRAG FORD TRANSMISSIONS GMBH
  • EP1950462B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The method involves connecting an engine with a drive through couplings provided on transmission path over gears. In the shifting process, a phase of torque transmission from one coupling to another coupling connects a phase of synchronization of the engine speed (n-Mot). After the synchronization of the engine speed, an engine torque of predetermined torque target value is adjusted .The adjustment of the engine torque takes place during the phase of the torque transmission.