Vehicle Powertrain Torque Management for Obstacle Climbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Torque management in vehicle powertrains is challenging when attempting to climb obstacles, as electric components can overheat if torque is applied for extended periods without movement, leading to motor stalls and thermal protection strategies being activated, preventing the vehicle from clearing obstacles like curbs.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a vehicle computer receiving data from sensors and using stored parameters to manage torque applied to the powertrain, ensuring it does not overheat electric components by determining appropriate torque levels and strategies for climbing obstacles, such as delaying torque application, modifying driver-requested torque, and providing torque adjustments to prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If torque is applied for extended periods to climb an obstacle, then the vehicle can clear the obstacle, but the electric motor overheats and stalls
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies torque in periodic pulses rather than continuously. The controller monitors motor temperature and interruptible torque requests, applying torque only when temperature thresholds are not exceeded. This allows the motor to cool between torque applications, enabling extended obstacle clearing operations without overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary temperature assessment before applying torque. The controller checks current motor temperature and predicts future temperature based on requested torque duration, preventing torque application that would cause overheating before it occurs.
2Temperature
If torque is reduced to prevent overheating, then the motor stays cool, but the vehicle cannot generate enough force to climb the obstacle
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts torque levels based on real-time temperature conditions and obstacle requirements. Rather than using fixed torque reduction, the controller modulates torque application timing and magnitude to maintain both adequate climbing force and acceptable motor temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including torque magnitude, application duration, and timing intervals based on motor temperature and obstacle characteristics. This allows optimization of both force output and thermal management for different climbing scenarios.
3Speed
If the vehicle accelerates quickly to clear the obstacle, then the obstacle is cleared faster, but the motor stalls due to excessive torque on stalled windings
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from temperature sensors and torque request signals to control torque application. The controller continuously monitors motor temperature and adjusts torque delivery to prevent stalls while achieving adequate acceleration for obstacle clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous high-torque acceleration, the system uses periodic torque pulses that provide sufficient acceleration while allowing cooling periods. This maintains motor reliability while achieving the necessary speed increase to clear obstacles.
Data Source
AI summary
Data is collected in a vehicle relating to a potential obstacle. Based at least in part on the collected data, an obstacle is identified. At least one characteristic of the obstacle is determined. At least one torque to be applied in a vehicle powertrain is determined based at least in part on the at least one characteristic of the obstacle.