Pseudo-Clutch Torque Control for MT-Like EV Driving Feel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicles (EVs) lack the driving sensation of manual transmission (MT) vehicles due to the absence of a clutch pedal and gear shifting, causing discomfort for drivers accustomed to MT vehicles.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pseudo-clutch pedal and pseudo-shifter in EVs, along with a controller that simulates the torque characteristics and pedal reaction forces of MT vehicles, allowing drivers to experience a similar driving sensation through motor torque control and pedal feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If EVs use electric motor with smooth torque characteristics, then energy efficiency is improved, but driving sensation similar to MT vehicles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical clutch device with an electronic control system that uses motor torque control to simulate clutch engagement and disengagement. The controller adjusts motor torque based on pseudo-clutch pedal operation to create artificial clutch-like behavior, substituting mechanical components with electronic control while maintaining the desired driving sensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the torque output parameter of the electric motor dynamically in response to pseudo-clutch pedal operation. By varying torque magnitude and timing, the system simulates the engagement and disengagement characteristics of a mechanical clutch, allowing the same motor to provide both efficient smooth operation and artificial clutch-like sensation when needed.
2Ease of operation
If EVs add pseudo-clutch pedal and pseudo-shifter, then driving sensation of MT vehicle is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing motor controller perform multiple functions: it controls motor torque for efficient electric vehicle operation under normal conditions, and simultaneously simulates clutch and transmission behavior when pseudo-clutch pedal or pseudo-shifter is operated. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide MT-like driving sensation without adding dedicated mechanical components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of clutch and transmission systems through software simulation rather than physical replication. The controller model simulates the torque characteristics and operational behavior of MT vehicle components, providing the desired driving sensation through computational modeling instead of mechanical copying.
3Ease of operation
If EVs simulate clutch pedal operation through motor control, then driving sensation is improved, but pedal reaction force feedback deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reaction force actuator as an intermediary component between the pseudo-clutch pedal and the driver. This actuator generates artificial reaction forces that simulate the mechanical resistance and engagement sensations of a real clutch pedal, mediating the interaction between the driver's pedal operation and the motor torque control to provide realistic tactile feedback.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables EV drivers to replicate the driving experience of MT vehicles by simulating clutch pedal operations and gear shifts, enhancing the driving sensation and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a reaction force actuator that actuates a pedal reaction force against operation of the pseudo-clutch pedal
Data Source
AI summary
The controller of the electric vehicle is configured to control the torque of the electric motor using the MT vehicle model based on the operation amount of the accelerator pedal, the operation amount of the pseudo-clutch pedal, and the shift position of the pseudo-shifter. The electric vehicle also includes a pedal reaction force generator that generates a pedal reaction force in response to the operation of the pseudo-clutch pedal using by the operating of the reaction force actuator. The controller is configured to store the pedal reaction force characteristic simulating the characteristic of the pedal reaction force according to the operation of the clutch pedal. Then, the controller is configured to control the pedal reaction force output by the pedal reaction force generator in response to the operation of the pseudo-clutch pedal using the stored pedal reaction force characteristic.