Powertrain Fault Management via Route Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle powertrains face malfunctions and overheating issues, leading to potential damage and reduced operability, which existing systems struggle to manage effectively without burdening occupants with noise, vibration, and harshness.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controlled system that modifies powertrain operation by calculating and selecting routes with lower energy consumption and heat generation, instructs vehicles to pull over, and detaches trailers to mitigate powertrain stress, ensuring safe continuation to a destination without causing further damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the powertrain operates at full capacity to maintain vehicle performance, then power and speed are improved, but heat generation increases causing overheating and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts powertrain operation parameters based on real-time temperature monitoring and route characteristics. When overheating is detected, the system modifies engine management settings, transmission shift points, and torque converter lockup strategies to reduce heat generation while maintaining safe operation. This dynamic adaptation allows the powertrain to operate at optimal power levels without exceeding temperature thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as fuel injection timing, air-fuel ratio, ignition timing, and transmission gear selection based on temperature conditions and route profiles. By pre-calculating routes with lower thermal loads and adjusting parameters accordingly, the system reduces heat generation while maintaining acceptable vehicle performance and reaching the destination safely.
2Temperature
If the system limits powertrain operation to reduce heat generation, then temperature control is improved, but vehicle performance and occupant comfort deteriorate due to noise, vibration, and harshness
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of multiple possible routes before departure, calculating thermal loads, elevation changes, traffic patterns, and distance for each route. When overheating conditions are anticipated or detected, the system has already identified alternative routes with lower thermal characteristics, allowing smooth transitions that maintain occupant comfort while managing powertrain temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary optimization process that evaluates multiple routes and selects the one that best balances temperature management with occupant comfort. The selected route considers not only thermal load but also traffic conditions, elevation changes, and distance to minimize performance degradation and maintain comfortable vehicle operation throughout the journey.
3Temperature
If the system selects routes with lower energy consumption to reduce heat generation, then temperature control is improved, but travel time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors actual powertrain temperature, fuel consumption, and vehicle operation during travel and compares it with predicted values. When deviations occur, the system provides feedback to adjust route selection, powertrain parameters, and driving strategies in real-time. This feedback loop ensures the system achieves temperature management goals while minimizing additional travel time through optimal adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically re-evaluates route options and operational parameters during travel based on changing conditions such as traffic, weather, and powertrain temperature. Rather than committing to a single pre-selected route, the system can switch between alternative routes and adjust powertrain settings in real-time to balance temperature management with travel time efficiency.
4Reliability
If existing systems manage powertrain faults, then reliability is partially improved, but the system cannot effectively balance continued operability with occupant comfort and safety
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions into a unified powertrain management approach: route optimization, temperature monitoring, performance management, and comfort optimization all work together simultaneously. Rather than treating these as separate functions, the system coordinates them to achieve temperature management while maintaining acceptable performance and comfort levels, enabling the powertrain to continue operating reliably under critical conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary optimization layer that mediates between temperature management requirements and occupant comfort considerations. This intermediary process evaluates multiple routes and operational strategies, selecting the optimal balance that prevents overheating while minimizing noise, vibration, and harshness effects on occupants during continued operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer is programmed to modify a first route for a vehicle to a second route in response to data indicating a critical condition of a powertrain of the vehicle, such as a temperature of the powertrain exceeding a temperature threshold. A predicted energy consumption by the powertrain is lower for the second route than for the first route.