Park Actuator Motor Load Factor Estimation for Out-of-Park Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle transmission systems lack an efficient method to determine the load factor, which is crucial for controlling vehicle operation, especially when shifting between park and out-of-park modes, often relying on separate sensors and requiring additional hardware.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a park actuator motor with a controller that determines a load factor by integrating motor position or current signals over time, eliminating the need for separate load and grade sensors by using predefined thresholds and calibration datasets to control vehicle operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate load and grade sensors are used to determine load factor, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the load sensing function with the existing park actuator motor system. The park actuator motor, which already exists in the transmission system for engaging/disengaging park, is repurposed to also sense load conditions by monitoring its operational parameters (current, voltage, time, position) during the engagement process. This eliminates the need for separate load sensors while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The park actuator motor is given dual functionality: it serves both as the actuating mechanism for park engagement and as a sensing element for load factor determination. By monitoring the motor's electrical and mechanical parameters during operation, the system extracts load information without requiring dedicated sensing hardware, thus achieving multi-functionality.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are installed to obtain load information, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the park actuator motor's own operational characteristics to determine load factor. By monitoring parameters intrinsic to the motor's operation (current draw, voltage, engagement time, position), the system obtains load information without requiring external sensing components. This self-service approach eliminates additional manufacturing costs while maintaining measurement precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the park actuator motor operates under varying loads and voltages, then adaptability is improved, but shift time consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the park actuator motor's operational parameters (current, voltage, position, time) and uses this feedback to determine the load factor. This real-time feedback enables the control system to adapt to varying loads and voltages by adjusting the engagement strategy, thereby maintaining shift time consistency across different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the park engagement process based on real-time monitoring of motor parameters. By continuously evaluating current, voltage, position, and time data, the system adapts its control strategy to maintain consistent shift times despite variations in load and voltage conditions, transforming a static process into a dynamic, adaptive one.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for controlling operation of a vehicle includes a controller having a processor and a tangible, non-transitory memory. The vehicle includes a park assembly with a park actuator motor having an actuator shaft. The vehicle has a park mode and an out-of-park mode. The controller is configured to determine if the park actuator motor has reached an out-of-park position when a shift command to the out-of-park mode is received. The controller is configured to obtain and store at least one dynamic parameter associated with the park actuator motor prior to the detent member reaching the out-of-park position. The method includes determining a load factor based on the dynamic parameter over time when at least one of a predefined time threshold and a predefined motor position threshold is reached. Operation of the vehicle is controlled based at least partially on the load factor.