Powertrain Torque Control for Continuous PTO Drive During Gear Shifts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle powertrain systems struggle to provide uninterrupted energy and driving torque to power consumers such as power take-offs and auxiliary functions, especially when the vehicle is standing still, during gear shifting, and when the combustion engine is switched off.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a powertrain with a gearbox and propulsion units, including electrical machines, to provide uninterrupted propelling torque on specific shafts during standstill, take-off, driving, and gear shifting, even when the combustion engine is off. This is achieved by controlling the powertrain to transfer torque between main shafts and using electrical machines to support power consumers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the combustion engine is switched off during certain driving conditions, then energy consumption is reduced, but power consumers connected to the powertrain cannot receive energy and driving torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electrical machines as intermediary components between the combustion engine and power consumers. These electrical machines can independently drive power consumers even when the combustion engine is off, acting as a mediator that decouples the dependency between engine operation and power consumer operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different power sources (combustion engine directly, electrical machines, or combinations) based on operating conditions. The control system adapts the power delivery architecture in real-time to maintain uninterrupted power to consumers while optimizing energy consumption.
2Speed
If the vehicle is standing still or during gear shifting, then propulsion to wheels is interrupted or limited, but power consumers need continuous energy and driving torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transmission paths by providing separate drive connections from electrical machines to power consumers, independent of the mechanical connection between gearbox and drive wheels. This allows power to be delivered to consumers through a different pathway than vehicle propulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
Electrical machines serve as intermediaries that can deliver power to consumers independently of the vehicle's motion state. They bridge the gap between the combustion engine/gearbox system and power consumers, enabling continuous operation during standstill or gear shifts.
3Productivity
If power take-off is connected to lay shaft of gearbox, then energy is provided when vehicle is moving, but no energy is provided when vehicle is stationary or engine is off
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical machines provide universal power delivery capability across all vehicle operating conditions (moving, stationary, engine on, engine off). They can function as motors to drive power consumers regardless of the state of the combustion engine or vehicle motion, making the power delivery system multi-functional and adaptable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its power delivery configuration based on vehicle conditions. The control system activates electrical machines specifically when the vehicle is stationary or the engine is off, optimizing the use of available power sources for different operational scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method, performed by a control device, for driving at least one power consumer connected to a powertrain of a vehicle. The at least one propulsion unit comprises a first electrical machine and a second electrical machine, wherein the first electrical machine is connected to a first main shaft and the second electrical machine is connected to a second main shaft. A connection shaft is connected to the first electrical machine; and the at least one power consumer comprises a first power consumer connected to the first main shaft and/or a second power consumer connected to the connection shaft. The method comprising: controlling the powertrain to provide uninterrupted propelling torque on the first main shaft and/or on the connection shaft during a stand still condition of the output shaft of the gearbox and/or during a transition from a stand still condition to a rotational condition of the output shaft of the gearbox, and/or during gear shifting from one gear to another gear in the gearbox. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a powertrain, a computer program and a computer-readable medium.