Vehicle Park Lock Self-Calibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronically controlled vehicle park lock systems face challenges in maintaining accurate actuator positions over time and during maintenance, leading to potential errors and increased complexity due to the need for additional position sensors.
Innovation Solution
A method for robust park lock control that eliminates the need for additional position sensors by performing a fast calibration process after each vehicle key-on event, using a controller to command actuators to move between maximum and full engagement/disengagement positions, and storing final actuator positions for future reference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional position sensors are added to maintain accurate actuator positions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically determining the relationship between actuator position and park pawl engagement state without requiring external sensors. The controller commands the actuator through its full range of motion and uses the existing position sensor readings to establish calibration data, allowing the system to self-correct for drift or changes in actuator characteristics over time
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs calibration in advance during system initialization or maintenance periods, establishing the relationship between actuator position and park pawl engagement before normal operation begins. This preliminary calibration ensures accurate position measurement throughout the vehicle's operation without requiring continuous sensor additions
2Reliability
If additional position sensors are added to track actuator positions, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing sensors and components to perform self-calibration, eliminating the need for additional expensive position sensors. The controller leverages available data from the actuator's movement and the park pawl's engagement state to establish accurate position references, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The existing position sensor serves multiple functions: it tracks actuator position during normal operation and also provides data for calibration purposes. The system universally uses the same sensor and controller infrastructure for both operational monitoring and calibration, avoiding the need for dedicated additional sensors
3Adaptability or versatility
If calibration is performed frequently to adapt to part replacements, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs calibration in advance during system initialization, maintenance periods, or when triggered by specific events such as actuator replacement. By calibrating beforehand rather than waiting for drift to occur, the system ensures readiness for accurate operation without requiring frequent time-consuming recalibrations during normal use
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs calibration periodically based on predetermined criteria such as elapsed time, number of operation cycles, or specific operational conditions. This periodic approach balances adaptability needs with time efficiency, calibrating only when necessary rather than continuously or excessively frequently
Data Source
AI summary
A technique includes receiving, at a controller of a vehicle, the controller including one or more processors, a first request to calibrate a park lock system of the vehicle. The calibration can include commanding, by the controller, a first actuator to move a second actuator to maximum engagement/disengagement positions indicating maximum engagement/disengagement of a park pawl with/from a park gear of a transmission. The calibration can include determining, at the controller, full engagement/disengagement positions for the second actuator based on the maximum engagement/disengagement positions. The controller can then control the engagement/disengagement of the park lock system using the full engagement/disengagement positions for the second actuator, respectively.