Predictive Drive Train Torque Control via Roadway Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive train systems for motor vehicles face challenges in optimizing fuel consumption by preventing unnecessary shifting, which can lead to increased fuel consumption due to insufficient torque to overcome locomotive resistance, despite efforts to limit output torque.
Innovation Solution
A drive train system with a control device connected to a roadway information device that adjusts output torque based on roadway profile information, allowing predictive decisions to increase torque or shift gears for optimal fuel efficiency, while limiting torque to prevent transmission damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the output torque of the drive machine is increased to overcome locomotive resistance, then the vehicle can maintain speed on steep gradients, but unnecessary shifting back becomes necessary which increases fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The control device receives information about the roadway profile in advance and predictively adjusts the output torque before the vehicle encounters steep gradients. This preliminary action allows the vehicle to maintain optimal speed without unnecessary shifting back, thereby reducing fuel consumption while still having sufficient torque when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device uses feedback from the roadway information device about upcoming gradients and adjusts the output torque accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that torque is increased only when and where necessary to overcome locomotive resistance, avoiding unnecessary torque increases that would lead to unnecessary shifting and increased fuel consumption.
2Reliability
If the output torque is limited to protect the transmission, then transmission damage is prevented, but the torque may be insufficient to overcome locomotive resistance on steep gradients
Solution Approach 1:
The control device predictively increases the output torque above the first maximum value before the vehicle encounters steep gradients, as indicated by roadway profile information. This preliminary torque increase ensures sufficient force is available to overcome locomotive resistance without exceeding transmission load limits, thus maintaining both reliability and adequate torque output.
3Adaptability or versatility
If shifting is performed to adjust gear speed, then the transmission can adapt to different driving conditions, but shifting leads to loss of speed which increases fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The control device uses roadway profile information to predictively adjust the output torque in advance of steep gradients, eliminating the need for reactive shifting. This approach maintains continuous tractive force and optimal gear selection, adapting to driving conditions without the speed loss and fuel consumption penalties associated with interruption-based shifting.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is based on a drive train (10) of a motor vehicle in which a control device (16) limits an output torque of a drive machine (14) to a first maximum value or a second, higher maximum value. The object of the invention is to propose a drive train which permits low fuel consumption. According to the invention, the control device (16) has a signal transmitting connection to a roadway information device (camera 53) which supplies information relating to a profile of the roadway in front of the motor vehicle. The control device (16) can thus predictively change from the first maximum value to the second maximum value or carry out shifting back in the transmission (19).