Ride Control Blending for Electric Vehicles with In-Wheel Motors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles with in-wheel motors face challenges in ride comfort due to increased unsprung mass, which affects vertical dynamics and ride quality, necessitating integrated control systems for enhanced ride dynamics.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for ride control blending in electric vehicles, incorporating a control distribution module, torque control module, and vertical force control module, which calculate and adjust torque and vertical force demands based on generalized vertical force, pitch moment, and roll moment, using sensors to measure actual and reference parameters for dynamic real-time adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If in-wheel electric motors are mounted to drive each wheel individually, then vehicle propulsion efficiency and handling precision are improved, but unsprung mass increases which deteriorates ride comfort and vertical dynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of the in-wheel motor and suspension actuator into a single integrated control system. The control distribution module coordinates both actuators to work together, allowing the motor to provide propulsion while the suspension actuator compensates for vertical disturbances, thereby maintaining both propulsion efficiency and ride comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes control parameters by calculating torque control demands and vertical force control demands based on real-time vehicle state measurements. The control distribution module adjusts the torque applied by the in-wheel motor and the vertical force applied by the suspension actuator to optimize both propulsion and ride comfort under varying operating conditions.
2Ease of operation
If in-wheel electric motors are mounted to drive each wheel individually, then handling precision is improved, but unsprung mass increases which deteriorates vertical dynamics and ride quality
Solution Approach 1:
The control system merges the handling function provided by the in-wheel motor with the vertical dynamics control function of the suspension actuator. The control distribution module coordinates both actuators to work together, allowing the motor to provide precise torque control for handling while the suspension actuator maintains vertical stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts control parameters by calculating torque control demands and vertical force control demands based on real-time vehicle state measurements including vertical acceleration, pitch rate, and roll rate, optimizing both handling precision and vertical dynamics under varying operating conditions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If integrated control of in-wheel motors and suspension actuators is implemented, then ride dynamics control is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control distribution module serves multiple functions: it calculates torque control demands for the in-wheel motor, calculates vertical force control demands for the suspension actuator, and coordinates both actuators' operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems while enhancing ride dynamics control.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated control system uses measurements from vehicle sensors to automatically calculate and adjust control demands without requiring external intervention. The control distribution module self-regulates the coordination between the in-wheel motor and suspension actuator based on real-time vehicle state, reducing the complexity of manual control system design.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for performing ride control blending in an electric vehicle may include a control distribution module, a torque control module, and a vertical force control module. The control distribution module may calculate a torque control demand and a vertical force control demand associated with a wheel of the vehicle based on a generalized vertical force, a pitch moment, and a roll moment associated with a body of the vehicle. The torque control module may adjust torque applied by an electric motor to the wheel based on the torque control demand. The vertical force control module may adjust vertical force applied by a suspension actuator to the wheel based on the vertical force control demand.