Powertrain Stop/Start Inhibition via Ride Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing engine stop/start systems in motor vehicles can compromise vehicle composure and cause driver alarm when driving off-road, especially on steep and undulating terrain, as they automatically stop and start the engine, which is unsettling and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A powertrain control system that includes an adjustable suspension system with ride height settings, where the stop/start controller is inhibited based on selected ride height settings to prevent engine stop/start operations during inconvenient conditions, such as off-road driving, thereby maintaining engine operation and reducing driver alarm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the stop/start controller automatically stops and starts the engine during normal operation, then fuel economy is improved, but vehicle composure is compromised and driver alarm is caused during off-road driving
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the stop/start controller based on the selected ride height setting. When an elevated ride height setting is detected (indicating off-road conditions), the controller's operation is inhibited, preventing automatic engine stop/start. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by adapting the fuel-saving function to the driving conditions, maintaining vehicle composure during off-road operations while preserving fuel economy benefits during normal driving.
2Loss of energy
If the engine is automatically stopped during eco-stop conditions, then fuel consumption is reduced, but water ingress risk increases during wading events
Solution Approach 1:
The system modifies the operational state of the engine based on the ride height setting parameter. During wading events when elevated ride height is selected, the parameter change inhibits the stop/start controller, ensuring the engine remains running. This prevents water ingress into the exhaust pipe and other engine components while maintaining the fuel consumption benefits during normal operating conditions.
3Productivity
If the stop/start controller operates during all driving conditions, then fuel efficiency is maximized, but driver control and convenience are reduced during off-road maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the stop/start controller operation based on real-time detection of ride height settings. The controller transitions between active and inhibited states depending on whether normal or elevated ride height is selected. This dynamic adaptation maximizes fuel efficiency during normal driving while preserving driver control and convenience during off-road maneuvers when elevated ride height is selected.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a powertrain control system (1) for a motor vehicle. The vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine (5) and an adjustable suspension system (9) operable in accordance with first and second ride height settings, said settings being associated with respective first and second vehicle ride heights. The powertrain control system (1) comprises a stop/start controller (11) for issuing an engine stop request signal and an inhibitor (15) for inhibiting operation of the stop/start controller (11) in dependence on a selected ride height setting.