Powertrain Control System Inhibits Stop/Start in Low Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing engine stop/start systems in motor vehicles can be unsettling for drivers, particularly when driving off-road over steep and undulating terrain, as they cause unnecessary engine stopping and starting.
Innovation Solution
A powertrain control system that inhibits the engine stop/start controller when the transmission is in low range, allowing the engine to remain running to prevent unsettling stop/start events, while still enabling manual shutdown and optimizing fuel economy in high range conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the engine stop/start system is activated to improve fuel economy, then fuel consumption is reduced, but driver comfort deteriorates due to unsettling stop/start events during off-road driving
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the engine stop/start controller based on transmission range selection. When low range is selected, the controller parameter changes from active to inhibited state, preventing engine stops during off-road driving conditions while allowing fuel-saving stops during normal high-range driving
2Use of energy by moving object
If the engine stop/start controller operates automatically to reduce fuel consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional control logic and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The inhibitor component serves multiple functions: it monitors transmission range selection, determines when to inhibit the stop/start controller, and executes the inhibition logic. This multi-functional approach avoids adding separate complex control systems while still achieving the desired fuel economy improvements in appropriate driving conditions
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a powertrain control system (1) for a motor vehicle. The vehicle has an internal combustion engine (5) coupled to a transmission (9). The transmission (9) is operable in a high range and a low range. The powertrain control system (1) has a stop/start controller (11) for issuing an engine stop request signal when one or more conditions have been met. An inhibitor (15) is also provided for inhibiting operation of the stop/start controller (11) when the low range is selected. The application also relates to a method of operating a motor vehicle power-train.