Transmission Shift Pre-Engagement for Multi-Input Gear Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle transmission systems, such as Automated Mechanical Transmissions (AMT), face inefficiencies in controlling transmission ratio shifts due to multiple driver inputs, leading to unnecessary operations and prolonged time in achieving the desired final transmission ratio.
Innovation Solution
A computer system issues transmission ratio shift preparation information to enable but defer engagement, allowing the system to predict and prepare for the target transmission ratio based on initial and subsequent requests, optimizing the shift process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple transmission ratio shift operations are performed sequentially in response to multiple driver inputs, then each transmission ratio shift request is processed, but the total time to achieve the final desired transmission ratio is prolonged and unnecessary operations are performed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by issuing transmission ratio shift preparation information to assume an enabling condition (such as pre-engaging a splitter gear) before the final transmission ratio engagement is commanded. This preliminary preparation reduces the time required for the actual target transmission ratio engagement by having necessary conditions ready in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system monitors multiple driver inputs during a request time range and uses feedback from these inputs to determine the final target transmission ratio. By evaluating subsequent requests and correcting inputs within the time range, the system ensures the final engagement reflects the driver's true intent while minimizing unnecessary operations.
2Productivity
If the system processes each transmission ratio shift request immediately, then driver inputs are responded to promptly, but unnecessary operations are performed when multiple inputs are made
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by monitoring multiple driver inputs during a defined request time range and using this information to determine the final target transmission ratio. This feedback mechanism allows the system to correct erroneous inputs and avoid unnecessary operations while still responding promptly to valid driver commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its response based on the pattern of driver inputs. By evaluating the sequence and timing of requests, the system adapts its behavior to perform only necessary operations, optimizing both productivity and energy efficiency by avoiding redundant transmission ratio shifts.
3Reliability
If the system defers transmission ratio engagement to allow for multiple requests, then the target transmission ratio can be optimized, but the response time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by assuming an enabling condition for transmission ratio engagement before the final target is determined. This allows the system to have preparation work completed in advance, so that when the final engagement is commanded after evaluating multiple requests, the actual execution is faster than it would otherwise be.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission ratio shift operation is segmented into two distinct phases: a preparation phase where enabling conditions are assumed, and a final engagement phase where the target transmission ratio is actually engaged. This segmentation allows the system to separate the time-consuming evaluation of multiple requests from the actual engagement execution, improving both reliability and perceived response speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system having processing circuitry to issue information to a vehicle comprising a transmission is provided. The processing circuitry is configured to receive a request for a transmission ratio shift operation indicative of a selected transmission ratio. The processing circuitry is configured to issue information indicative of that the vehicle should assume a transmission ratio engagement enabling condition in which engagement of the selected transmission ratio is enabled but remaining disengaged. The processing circuitry is configured to select a target transmission ratio based on the selected transmission ratio and second requests for transmission ratio shift operations received during a time range after the issuance of the information. The processing circuitry is configured to, after the time range, issue engagement information to the vehicle to engage the target transmission ratio.