Predictive Driveline Torque Control for On-Move 4WD Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dynamic driveline systems for motor vehicles face challenges in efficiently transitioning between two-wheel and four-wheel drive modes, particularly in dynamic conditions, leading to excessive wear on components and reduced vehicle stability.
Innovation Solution
A control system that uses sensors to pre-emptively configure the driveline by adjusting locking torque between wheel groups based on environmental conditions, allowing for proactive management of driveline operation to reduce wear and enhance stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic driveline reconnect systems use clutch arrangements to enable reconnection while the vehicle is moving, then the vehicle can transition between two-wheel and four-wheel drive modes during operation, but excessive wear and thermal loading occur on the clutch components due to speed differences between input and output portions during wheel slip
Solution Approach 1:
The control system pre-emptively configures the driveline by calculating and applying a predetermined amount of locking torque between wheels based on sensor signals about the environment ahead, before the vehicle actually encounters the terrain condition. This preliminary action prevents excessive wheel slip and clutch wear by ensuring the driveline is already in the appropriate configuration when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses at least one sensor to detect environmental conditions ahead of the vehicle and generates sensor signals that feed back to the controller. The controller continuously monitors these signals and adjusts the driveline configuration accordingly, creating a closed-loop feedback system that optimizes driveline operation based on real-time conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the driveline attempts to assume a predetermined configuration while the vehicle is negotiating terrain, then the driveline responds to current conditions, but excessive wear occurs on components such as clutches due to wheel slip and speed differences
Solution Approach 1:
The controller calculates a predetermined amount of locking torque in dependence on sensor signals about the environment ahead, and causes the driveline to establish this locking torque before the vehicle encounters the challenging terrain. This preliminary configuration prevents excessive wheel slip and the associated harmful effects on clutch components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies locking torque between wheels in advance to counteract the potential for wheel slip and excessive speed differences that would otherwise occur during terrain negotiation. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful effects before they can manifest.
3Reliability
If static disconnect/reconnect systems are used to transition between two-wheel and four-wheel drive modes, then the driveline can be reliably configured, but the vehicle must be stationary during mode transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic clutch arrangements that allow the driveline configuration to change while the vehicle is in motion. The clutch arrangements are controlled to smoothly transition between connected and disconnected states, enabling mode changes during operation without requiring the vehicle to be stationary.
Data Source
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AI summary
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a control system configured to control a driveline of a motor vehicle to operate in a selected one of a plurality of configurations, the system comprising at least one sensor for sensing an environment ahead of the vehicle and generating a sensor signal in dependence on the environment, the system being configured to cause the driveline to operate in a configuration selected in dependence at least in part on the sensor signal.