Powertrain Synchronizer Predicts Driver Actions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle powertrains operate in a reactionary mode, leading to reduced fuel efficiency and undue wear and tear due to constant engagement and disengagement of the transmission in response to driver actions, such as accelerations, decelerations, and stops.
Innovation Solution
A powertrain synchronizer analyzes external condition data to predict the driver's future actions and adjusts the vehicle's powertrain subsystem accordingly, synchronizing the engine and transmission to match the vehicle's speed and gear assembly, thereby optimizing fuel efficiency and reducing wear by engaging or disengaging the transmission based on predicted driver inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the transmission remains engaged with the engine crankshaft and driveshaft during coasting, then the transmission acts as a breaking mechanism and the vehicle decelerates effectively, but fuel efficiency is reduced due to friction effects and engine load
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of condition data to predict the driver's future action before the driver actually acts. By predicting whether the driver will accelerate or decelerate, the powertrain synchronizer can proactively adjust the transmission engagement state, placing the transmission in neutral before the driver removes their foot from the accelerator, thus avoiding friction losses while maintaining deceleration control capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The powertrain synchronizer acts as an intermediary between the driver's intended actions and the transmission engagement state. It analyzes condition data, predicts driver behavior, and mediates the transmission state accordingly - engaging the transmission when acceleration is predicted and disengaging when deceleration is predicted, thereby optimizing fuel efficiency without compromising vehicle control.
2Loss of energy
If the driver places the transmission in neutral while coasting to improve fuel efficiency, then friction and engine load are reduced, but undue wear and tear is placed on the transmission when the driver attempts to re-engage at significant speed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary prediction of the driver's acceleration action before the driver actually accelerates. When acceleration is predicted, the powertrain synchronizer proactively engages the transmission and synchronizes the engine speed with the transmission input shaft speed before the driver applies throttle. This preliminary engagement prevents sudden speed differentials and shock loads that would otherwise cause transmission wear during re-engagement at high speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The powertrain synchronizer dynamically changes the engine operating parameters (fuel injection timing, ignition timing, valve timing) to match the transmission input shaft speed. By adjusting these parameters, the system synchronizes the engine speed with the transmission speed before engagement, eliminating the speed differential that causes wear during re-engagement while maintaining fuel efficiency during coasting.
3Ease of operation
If the vehicle operates in a reactionary mode to driver conditions, then the powertrain constantly reacts to driver accelerations and decelerations, but the vehicle is subject to reduced fuel efficiency and undue wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from reactionary to proactive operation by analyzing condition data (traffic lights, stop signs, road gradients, traffic conditions) to predict the driver's future actions. Instead of waiting for the driver to actually accelerate or decelerate, the powertrain synchronizer predicts these actions in advance and adjusts the transmission and engine parameters proactively, maintaining fuel efficiency while preserving driver control responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors condition data and provides feedback to the powertrain synchronizer, which adjusts the transmission engagement state and engine parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system allows the vehicle to operate proactively based on predicted driver actions while maintaining responsiveness to actual driver inputs, optimizing fuel efficiency without compromising ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An approach is provided in which a powertrain synchronizer analyzes condition data that corresponds to impending conditions external to a vehicle. The powertrain synchronizer predicts a driver's future action in response analyzing the condition data and adjusts the vehicle's powertrain subsystem based upon the predicted driver action.