Multi-Mode Powertrain Torque Control During Machine Disable

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-mode powertrain systems face challenges in efficiently managing torque output when one of the torque machines needs to be disabled, particularly in maintaining zero torque output while ensuring smooth operation and avoiding disruptions in power transmission.

Innovation Solution

The powertrain system employs a method to converge the minimum and maximum torque capacities of the disabled torque machine to zero, synchronizing engine torque constraints with the output torque request, using fast engine actuators to control engine output and maintain zero torque from the disabled machine, allowing seamless operation in various transmission ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If one torque machine is disabled to achieve zero torque output, then reliability is improved by isolating faulty components, but device complexity increases due to the need for coordinated control of multiple torque-generative devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque machine isolationVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts engine torque constraints based on the operational status of torque machines. When a torque machine is disabled, the system converges minimum and maximum torque capacities to zero and相应ly adjusts engine torque constraints to maintain proper powertrain operation, enabling adaptive response to component failures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system continuously monitors torque machine status and provides feedback to adjust engine torque constraints. The system uses feedback from torque capacity limits and output torque requests to converge minimum and maximum engine torques to a single command, ensuring coordinated operation among multiple torque-generative devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If engine torque constraints are converged to a single command, then ease of operation is improved by simplifying control logic, but manufacturing precision requirements increase for torque actuator control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol logic simplicityVSAvoidtorque control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control system merges minimum and maximum engine torque constraints into a single torque command when torque machines are disabled. By combining these separate constraints into one unified command, the system simplifies control logic while maintaining the necessary torque control precision through coordinated engine and transmission control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8696514B1Method and apparatus for controlling engine operation in a multi-mode powertrain system

Publication Date: 2014.04.15 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A powertrain system includes a multi-mode transmission configured to transfer torque among an engine, torque machines, and an output member in one of a plurality of transmission ranges. A method for operating the powertrain system includes, in response to a command to disable one of the torque machines, converging minimum and maximum torque capacities of the one of the torque machines to zero and converging minimum and maximum engine torque system constraints to a single engine torque command in response to the minimum and maximum torque capacity limits of the one of the torque machines and an output torque request. Torque output from the engine is controlled including employing a fast engine actuator to control the engine in response to the output torque request, and maintaining torque output from the one of the torque machines at zero.