Powertrain Optimization via Integrated Shift Schedule Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powertrain systems face inefficiencies due to independent operation and control strategies for engines and transmissions, leading to suboptimal performance, fuel economy, and emissions during non-nominal vehicle operating conditions such as high altitudes or cylinder deactivation modes.
Innovation Solution
A controller integrated with the powertrain system receives vehicle operation data and route information to adjust the transmission shift schedule, optimizing engine performance by manipulating engine speed and torque to match changing conditions, such as cylinder cutout modes, and adjusting settings for improved fuel economy, emissions, and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If transmission operation and control strategies are independent from engine operation and control strategies, then the transmission can achieve desired vehicle speeds and powers independent of engine speed, but inefficiencies exist from operation of the engine-transmission system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges independent transmission control and engine control into an integrated powertrain control system. The controller receives inputs from both transmission sensors (speed, gear position) and engine sensors (RPM, torque, load) and processes them together to generate coordinated control commands, eliminating the inefficiencies of independent operation while maintaining the ability to achieve desired vehicle speeds and powers.
2Speed
If the transmission uses a high gear to provide higher transmission output speed for highway driving, then the vehicle can achieve greater vehicle speed, but the engine speed must be optimized to maintain efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts engine speed and torque based on real-time operating conditions including transmission gear selection. During highway driving in high gear, the controller optimizes engine operating points to maintain efficiency while delivering the required power and speed. The system continuously adapts engine parameters based on the combination of engine sensors and transmission sensors to ensure optimal fuel economy at higher vehicle speeds.
3Use of energy by moving object
If cylinder deactivation is used to improve fuel economy during non-nominal conditions, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the transmission shift schedule must be adjusted to maintain performance
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated control system uses feedback from engine sensors to detect cylinder deactivation events and automatically adjusts transmission shift schedule parameters in response. When cylinder deactivation is activated to improve fuel economy, the controller modifies transmission control strategies to account for the changed engine characteristics, ensuring that performance requirements are met while maintaining the fuel economy benefits of cylinder deactivation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a powertrain system including a transmission, and a controller coupled to the powertrain system. The controller is structured to: receive operation data regarding operation of the powertrain system; determine the powertrain system is operating in a non-nominal state responsive to the operation data; adjust a shift schedule for the transmission based on the determined non-nominal state; and control the transmission based on the adjusted shift schedule.