Powertrain Torque Distribution for Stable Axle Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems struggle to maintain optimal torque distribution between the front and rear axles, leading to oversteering or understeering due to changes in torque requests, particularly on varying surface grip levels, which can reduce energy recuperation opportunities and provide non-optimal vehicle response.
Innovation Solution
A powertrain controller that dynamically adjusts torque distribution profiles based on predefined stability margins and vehicle dynamics parameters, implementing different torque distribution strategies when within or outside these margins, prioritizing torque distribution to the front or rear axles based on surface grip levels and lateral acceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stability margins are triggered early to improve vehicle response on high and low surface grip levels, then vehicle stability is improved, but energy recuperation opportunities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the stability margin threshold based on detected torque request changes. When a torque request change is detected, the stability margin threshold is adjusted to allow operation closer to the adhesion point, enabling energy recuperation while maintaining stability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the stability margin parameter dynamically based on operating conditions. By monitoring torque request signals and detecting changes, the system adapts the stability margin threshold to balance between vehicle stability and energy recuperation opportunities
2Reliability
If torque distribution is optimized for stability within predefined margins, then vehicle response consistency is improved, but torque distribution optimality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static stability margin approach to a dynamic one that adapts based on torque request changes. This allows the torque distribution to be optimized for both stability and performance by adjusting control parameters in real-time based on operating conditions
3Reliability
If stability margins are defined below tyre adhesion point, then vehicle stability is improved, but energy recuperation opportunities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of torque request changes and proactively adjusts the stability margin threshold before operating conditions deteriorate. This allows the system to maintain stability while creating opportunities for energy recuperation by adjusting parameters in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the stability margin parameter based on detected torque request changes, allowing operation closer to the adhesion point when appropriate to enable energy recuperation while maintaining stability
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a powertrain controller (3) for controlling a torque distribution between a front axle (4) and a rear axle (5) of a vehicle (1). The powertrain controller (3) includes a processor (8) and a memory device (9). The processor (8) is configured selectively to implement first and second torque distribution profiles (TDP1, TDP2) defining the torque distribution between the front axle (4) and the rear axle (5). The processor (8) determines when one or more vehicle dynamics parameter (VDPn) is within one or more predefined stability margin (VSMn) and when the one or more vehicle dynamics parameter (VDPn) is outside the one or more predefined stability margin (VSMn). A torque request signal (STQR) is monitored to identify a change in a torque request (TQR). The first torque distribution profile (TDP1) is implemented when the one or more vehicle dynamics parameter (VDPn) is within the one or more predefined stability margin (VSMn). The second torque distribution profile (TDP2) is implemented when the one or more vehicle dynamics parameter (VDPn) is outside the one or more predefined stability margin (VSMn) and the identified change in the torque request (TQR) comprises a decrease in the torque request (TQR). The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle including a powertrain controller (3); a method of controlling a torque distribution between the front and rear axles (4, 5) of a vehicle (1); and a non-transitory computer-readable medium.