Regenerative Braking Force Estimation via Axle Torque and Longitudinal Force

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle control systems face difficulties in reliably controlling regenerative braking force when there is a malfunction in the sensor detecting the control parameter of the motor generator, such as a current or voltage sensor, which prevents proper control of the regenerative braking force.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle control system and method that includes a detector to measure longitudinal force and torque applied to the axle, a motor generator for regenerative braking, a regenerative braking force estimator to calculate the braking force by subtracting torque-related force from the longitudinal force, and a regenerative brake controller to manage the regenerative brake based on the estimated force, allowing for control of regenerative braking even without accurate sensor data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensor detection method is used to measure motor generator control parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates when sensor malfunctions occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol parameter detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem reliability under sensor malfunction
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary estimation mechanism that uses detectable physical quantities (axle force and torque) as mediators to infer the regenerative braking force when direct sensor measurement fails. This intermediary approach allows the system to bypass malfunctioning sensors by using alternative measurable parameters to calculate the required control information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electrical sensor-based measurement system with a mechanical parameter-based estimation system. Instead of relying on electrical sensors to directly measure motor generator control parameters, the system uses mechanical detectors to measure axle force and torque, then substitutes these mechanical measurements into calculation formulas to estimate the regenerative braking force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If direct sensor measurement is used for regenerative braking force, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to sensor malfunction vulnerability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system structureVSAvoidcontrol reliability under malfunction
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the detector serve multiple functions: it detects both the longitudinal force applied to the axle and the torque applied to the axle, which are then both used to estimate the regenerative braking force. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors for each parameter, maintaining device simplicity while improving reliability through redundant measurement capabilities.

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

3Reliability

If estimation calculation method is used to determine braking force, then reliability is improved against sensor failure, but device complexity increases due to additional calculation components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol reliability under sensor malfunctionVSAvoidcontrol system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the detected mechanical parameters (axle force and torque) to self-calculate the regenerative braking force through estimation formulas. The detection system serves itself by providing the necessary input data for the estimation calculation, eliminating the need for separate complex measurement systems while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10926646B2Vehicle control system and vehicle control method
Publication Date: 2021.02.23 SUBARU CORP
  • US10926646B2 patent drawing
  • US10926646B2 patent drawing
  • US10926646B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle control system includes a detector, a motor generator, a regenerative braking force estimator, and a regenerative brake controller. The detector detects a longitudinal force applied to an axle and a torque applied to the axle. The motor generator brakes the axle by a regenerative brake. The regenerative braking force estimator estimates a braking force caused by the regenerative brake by subtracting a force corresponding to the torque from the longitudinal force. The regenerative brake controller controls the regenerative brake caused by the motor generator on a basis of the estimated braking force.