Electric Motor Generator Torque Control for Seamless Automated Manual Transmission Shifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual and automated manual transmissions experience power transfer interruptions during gear changes, leading to torque loss and turbo-pressure loss, which negatively impacts emissions, fuel economy, and driver control of engine torque.
Innovation Solution
The method involves controlling an electric motor/generator to provide torque equal to the combustion engine, allowing for seamless gear shifts without disengaging the clutch, maintaining turbo pressure by adapting or maintaining it during gear changes, and using energy storage means like batteries or heating elements to manage energy during shifts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clutch is disengaged during gear shift to allow gear change, then the transmission can be shifted, but the power transfer from engine to drive wheels is interrupted causing torque loss and turbo-pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The motor/generator provides torque to the transmission before the clutch is re-engaged, ensuring that the transmission is already loaded and the turbocharger is maintaining pressure. This preliminary torque application prevents the unloaded condition that causes turbo-pressure loss during traditional gear shifts.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor/generator maintains continuous torque delivery to the transmission during the entire gear shift process, including the period when the clutch is disengaged. This continuous torque application keeps the turbocharger loaded and maintains pressure, eliminating the interruption in useful action that occurs in traditional systems.
2Ease of operation
If the clutch is disengaged during gear shift, then gear change can occur, but the period during which the driver is unable to control the engine to supply sufficient driving torque is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The motor/generator is activated to provide torque to the transmission before the clutch disengagement is complete and continues through the re-engagement phase. This preliminary and sustained torque application ensures the driver maintains control throughout the entire gear shift process, reducing the effective power interrupt duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor/generator acts as an intermediary torque source that bridges the gap created by clutch disengagement. It provides the necessary torque during the period when the engine is disconnected from the transmission, maintaining vehicle propulsion and driver control without relying solely on engine torque.
3Loss of energy
If the motor/generator provides torque during gear shift to maintain turbo pressure, then turbo-pressure loss is avoided, but electrical energy management becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The motor/generator serves multiple functions: it provides torque to the transmission during gear shifts to maintain turbo pressure, and it also manages electrical energy by charging the battery or capacitor when excess energy is available. This multi-functionality consolidates energy management tasks into a single component, reducing overall system complexity despite the added energy management requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers electrical energy during regenerative braking or when the engine produces excess power, storing it in the battery or capacitor. This recovered energy is then available to power the motor/generator during gear shifts, creating a self-sustaining energy management system that offsets the complexity through resource recovery and reuse.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach minimizes turbo pressure loss, enables rapid gear shifts, reduces clutch wear, and maintains full engine torque immediately after gear engagement, improving fuel efficiency and vehicle acceleration while reducing emissions.
Implementation Method 1
The electric motor/generator is connected to an energy storing means and/or an energy consumer
Implementation Method 2
the electrical energy produced by the motor/generator could be transferred to an energy storage means
Data Source
AI summary
A method and drive train for performing a gearshift from a first gear to a second gear in a vehicle provided with a manual or automated manual transmission is provided. A drivetrain incorporating the automated manual transmission includes an engine, connected via a clutch to an electric motor/generator, which in turn is connected to the manual or automated manual transmission and wherein the electric motor/generator is connected to a battery, other energy storing devices or a heating element. The method includes controlling the motor/generator to absorb a torque equalling the torque provided by the engine, such that the manual or automated manual transmission transfers a only minor, or no, torque, disengaging the first gear, controlling the torques absorbed by the motor/generator and provided by the engine such that an engine speed correlates to the engine speed necessary for propelling the vehicle at the second gear, and engaging the second gear.