Predictive Transmission Shift Control via GPS Road Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transmission shift technologies disrupt torque delivery, leading to undesirable drivability and lower fuel efficiency, especially in hilly regions, due to lack of consideration for operator inputs and intent in shift calculations.
Innovation Solution
A method that modifies the default transmission shift schedule by monitoring current vehicle parameters and predicting future roadway information, such as grade and curvature, to adjust shift commands based on predicted operator inputs, thereby reflecting the driver's intent and optimizing gear shifts for improved fuel economy and reduced shift busyness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If autonomous up shifts are implemented according to road conditions, then fuel efficiency is improved, but operator intent is not considered requiring extensive calibrations and calculations
Solution Approach 1:
A processor acts as an intermediary between the transmission control system and GPS/road condition data. The processor receives future roadway information, predicts operator inputs based on this information, and uses these predictions to modify shift commands. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system by consolidating the calibration and calculation functions within a dedicated processing unit that integrates multiple data sources (current vehicle parameters, future roadway information, and predicted operator intent) to make shift decisions.
2Power
If transmission shifts are used to convert torque between shafts, then torque transmission is achieved, but torque delivery is interrupted causing undesirable drivability and lower fuel efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by predicting future operator inputs and future vehicle parameters based on determined future roadway information before actual shifts are needed. The transmission shift schedule is modified in advance using these predictions, allowing the system to prepare optimal shift timing and strategy before the vehicle encounters varying road conditions. This preliminary modification reduces the need for reactive shifts that interrupt torque delivery, thereby improving fuel efficiency while maintaining torque transmission capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If more gear states are used to improve engine operating efficiency, then fuel economy is improved, but shift busyness increases impacting drivability in hilly regions
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission shift schedule is made dynamic by continuously modifying it based on predicted future vehicle parameters and operator inputs. Instead of using a fixed shift schedule, the system adapts the shift strategy in real-time according to predicted road conditions and anticipated driver behavior. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize engine operating efficiency across multiple gear states while reducing unnecessary shifts in hilly regions, thereby improving drivability without sacrificing fuel economy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for modifying a default transmission shift schedule for a vehicle includes monitoring current vehicle parameters and determining future roadway information at a predetermined distance in front of the vehicle. Future vehicle parameters are predicted based on the determined future roadway information. The default transmission shift schedule is modified based on the current vehicle parameters and the predicted future vehicle parameters.