Navigation-Based Regenerative Braking Torque Control in EVs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hybrid and electric vehicles face challenges in optimizing regenerative braking torque based on varying driving scenarios, such as speed limits, road conditions, and external factors like weather and traffic, which affects energy efficiency and driver assistance systems.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle control system that includes an electric machine, sensors, a receiver, and an electronic horizon module, programmed to adjust regenerative braking torque dynamically based on route attribute data, external conditions, and navigation data, distinguishing between different driving scenarios to optimize torque levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If regenerative braking torque is increased to maximize energy recovery, then energy efficiency is improved, but driver comfort and vehicle control are worsened under certain driving conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoiddriver comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts regenerative braking torque based on real-time driving conditions, vehicle state, and environmental factors. The torque magnitude is not fixed but varies continuously according to the situation, allowing the system to optimize energy recovery while maintaining driver comfort and vehicle controllability under different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously including torque magnitude, braking pressure, and control strategy based on detected conditions. By adjusting these parameters according to driving scenario, road grade, weather conditions, and traffic situation, the system resolves the contradiction between maximizing energy recovery and maintaining acceptable driving comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If regenerative braking torque is increased for all stopping scenarios, then energy recovery is improved, but vehicle control and safety are worsened in certain conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy recoveryVSAvoidvehicle control
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically evaluates multiple factors including road grade, weather conditions, traffic situation, and vehicle state to determine the appropriate regenerative braking torque. This dynamic adjustment ensures that energy recovery is maximized only when safe and appropriate, while maintaining vehicle control and safety under all conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assessment of driving conditions and vehicle state before applying regenerative braking torque. By evaluating road grade, weather, traffic, and battery state in advance, the system determines the optimal torque level that balances energy recovery with vehicle control and safety requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If regenerative braking torque is reduced for comfort, then driver assistance is improved, but energy efficiency is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver assistanceVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts torque based on the specific driving scenario. In situations where maximum energy recovery is beneficial and safe (such as downhill driving or when battery charge is needed), the system applies higher torque. In situations where driver comfort is prioritized (such as light braking or when battery is fully charged), the system reduces torque accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes torque parameters based on multiple input factors including accelerator pedal position, brake pedal position, vehicle speed, road grade, and battery state of charge. This multi-parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize the balance between driver assistance and energy efficiency for each specific driving condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Use of energy by moving object

If the control system considers multiple driving scenarios and external conditions, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is designed to perform multiple functions using a single integrated controller. It simultaneously monitors driving conditions, evaluates battery state, determines optimal torque levels, and adjusts regenerative braking across different operating scenarios. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single system rather than requiring separate systems for each function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously receives feedback from multiple sensors monitoring vehicle state, environmental conditions, and battery charge level. This feedback loop allows the controller to dynamically adjust regenerative braking torque in real-time based on actual conditions, optimizing energy efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention or multiple separate control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enhances energy efficiency and improves driver assistance by dynamically adjusting regenerative braking torque in response to changing driving conditions, ensuring optimal vehicle control and fuel economy.

Implementation Method 1

The electric machine is configured to propel the vehicle and to brake the vehicle via regenerative braking

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11865947B2Regenerative braking control system for a hybrid or electric vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.01.09 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • US11865947B2 patent drawing
  • US11865947B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle includes an electric machine and a controller. The controller is programmed to, in response to releasing an accelerator pedal during a first driving scenario that is based on a first set of navigation data, increase regenerative braking torque of the electric machine to a first value. The controller is further programmed to, in response to releasing the accelerator pedal during a second driving scenario that is based on a second set of navigation data, increase the regenerative braking torque of the electric machine to a second value that is less than the first value.