Powertrain Torque Constraint Controller

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing powertrain systems for alternative energy vehicles face challenges in determining output torque constraints that balance the limits of multiple components, such as motors, torque transmitting mechanisms, and batteries, leading to potential damage or inefficiency due to unsatisfied operating conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced to monitor individual component limits and determine output torque constraints by prioritizing the satisfaction of motor, torque transmitting mechanism, and battery power limits, using a controller to select appropriate torque values and find a clear solution that protects all components, even if it does not operate at optimal conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the powertrain operates at optimal conditions without torque constraints, then productivity and energy efficiency are improved, but component reliability deteriorates due to potential damage from exceeding individual component limits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepowertrain outputVSAvoidcomponent protection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controller proactively determines output torque constraints by monitoring individual component limits before damage can occur. By calculating and enforcing torque constraints based on motor limits, torque transmitting mechanism limits, and battery power limits, the system prevents harmful conditions rather than reacting to them after damage occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the output torque parameter based on real-time monitoring of component states. By changing the torque constraint parameters according to the operational status of individual components, the powertrain can operate at optimal levels when conditions permit while automatically reducing torque to protect components when limits are approached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the powertrain enforces strict torque constraints to protect all components, then reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to operation below optimal conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent protectionVSAvoidpowertrain output

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller monitors multiple component limits but enforces torque constraints only when necessary to prevent damage. By applying partial constraints rather than continuous limiting, the system achieves sufficient component protection without unnecessarily restricting powertrain output during safe operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The torque constraint system is dynamic rather than static, continuously adapting to changing operational conditions. The controller adjusts torque constraints in real-time based on the current state of individual components, allowing maximum productivity when components can handle the load while providing protection when limits are approached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the system monitors and arbitrates among multiple component limits, then device complexity increases, but ease of operation improves through automated torque management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated torque controlVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system autonomously monitors individual component limits and automatically determines appropriate torque constraints without requiring manual intervention. The controller performs self-service by continuously assessing the operational status of motors, torque transmitting mechanisms, and batteries, and independently adjusting torque output to protect components while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where the controller monitors component limits and uses this information to adjust torque constraints. By establishing feedback mechanisms that track the operational status of individual components and respond accordingly, the system achieves automated torque management that balances protection and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8126604B2Method of determining output torque constraints for a powertrain

Publication Date: 2012.02.28 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A method of determining output torque constraints for a powertrain having a plurality of components includes monitoring individual component limits, including a first motor limit, a first torque transmitting mechanism limit, and a battery power limit. Each of the individual component limits includes a minimum and a maximum individual limit due to each respective component. The method also determines whether each of the individual component limits can be satisfied by selecting a first torque value. The method sets an output torque constraint by selecting the first torque value, if the first torque value satisfies each of the individual component limits. The method selects a second torque value if the first torque value does not satisfy each of the individual component limits, and prioritizes the first motor limit, then the first torque transmitting mechanism limit, and then the battery power limit.