Regenerative Brake Control Device with Multi-Level Shift Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing regenerative brake control devices for electric-powered vehicles require a fixed number of operations to change the regenerative braking force, making it difficult to adapt to various driving demands and increasing driver operation load.

Innovation Solution

A regenerative brake control device with a first and second regenerative braking force setting unit, allowing for different shift patterns to change the regenerative braking force setting from a normal level to a predetermined level, reducing the number of operations required for the shift lever while increasing the number of operations for the paddle switch, enabling adaptable control based on driving state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the regenerative braking force is increased to improve energy efficiency, then the regenerative power generation amount increases, but the deceleration increases causing adverse effects on drivability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregenerative power generation amountVSAvoiddrivability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The regenerative braking force is made dynamically adjustable through multiple regeneration levels (B0-B5) that can be switched based on driving conditions. The system transitions from a fixed braking force to a dynamic one that adapts to different situations, allowing optimization between energy recovery and drivability comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of regenerative braking force by introducing multiple discrete levels (B0-B5) instead of a single fixed value. This parameterization allows the system to select appropriate braking force magnitudes depending on whether energy efficiency or drivability is the priority in given conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the number of operations of the operation member is reduced to decrease driver operation load, then the regenerative braking force can be changed quickly, but the ability to delicately control the switching of regenerative braking force is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver operation loadVSAvoidcontrol precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The operation member is segmented into multiple discrete operation positions (1st through 5th operations) corresponding to different regeneration levels (B1-B5). This segmentation allows the driver to select the appropriate level of regenerative braking by the number of operations, providing both ease of use and fine control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides more control levels than the minimum required, offering 6 regeneration levels (B0-B5) instead of just a binary on/off control. This excessive action in terms of control granularity allows delicate adjustment while maintaining simple operation through the counter-based selection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If a unique number of operations is predetermined for changing regenerative braking force, then the control structure is simplified, but the ability to cope with various driving demands is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol structureVSAvoiddriving state adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The operation member serves multiple functions: it acts as both a shift lever for gear selection and a control for regenerative braking force adjustment. The same physical component performs different roles depending on the driving context, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control structure dynamically adapts to different driving demands by allowing the regenerative braking force to vary with the number of operations. The system transitions from a static, fixed control to a dynamic one that responds to driver input patterns, enabling adaptation to various driving states without complicating the hardware structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The device allows for easy control of regenerative braking force according to driving conditions, reducing driver operation load and enabling both efficient and delicate control of regenerative braking, thus improving energy efficiency and drivability.

Implementation Method 1

a braking force (regenerative braking force) is obtained by regenerative-driving the electric motor during deceleration and the kinetic energy of the vehicle is collected as the electric energy by regenerative power generation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRegenerative power generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2749446B1Regenerative brake control device
Publication Date: 2022.11.23 MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORP
  • EP2749446B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2749446B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2749446B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A regenerative brake control device for an electric-powered vehicle includes a first regenerative braking force setting unit that is operated by a predetermined number of times so as to change a setting of the regenerative brake control device from a normal regeneration level to a predetermined regeneration level, and a second regenerative braking force setting unit that is operated by a number of times that is greater than the predetermined number of times so as to change the setting of the regenerative brake control device from the normal regeneration level to the predetermined regeneration level.