Hybrid Vehicle Shift Sensor Fault Detection Using Neutral and Reverse Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hybrid vehicle control systems lack a cost-effective method for detecting the abnormal state of the shift position sensor, which is crucial for preventing motor control issues.
Innovation Solution
The proposed control device utilizes a neutral switch and a reverse switch to detect the abnormal state of the shift position sensor, allowing for low-cost detection and preventing the electric motor from being driven based on faulty sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated failure detection device is used to detect the abnormal state of the shift position sensor, then the detection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost of the control device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by making the existing neutral switch and reverse switch perform an additional function: detecting abnormalities in the shift position sensor. The neutral switch detects both neutral gear position and sensor abnormalities, while the reverse switch detects both reverse gear position and sensor abnormalities. This eliminates the need for a dedicated failure detection device, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining detection reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the shift position sensor abnormality is not detected, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the motor control safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the consistency between shift position sensor signals and the states of neutral/reverse switches. When an inconsistency is detected (e.g., sensor indicates neutral but reverse switch is ON), the system generates feedback to prohibit motor driving, preventing unsafe operation. This feedback mechanism ensures motor control safety without requiring additional detection devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem to be Solved] There is provided a control device for a hybrid vehicle, the control device being capable of easily detecting the abnormal state of a shift position sensor at a low cost by making use of a neutral switch and a reverse switch, and of preventing an electric motor from being driven based on a detection result from the shift position sensor that is in an abnormal state. [Solution] In a hybrid vehicle (1), an ECU (10) prohibits a motor generator (3) from being controlled based on a detection result by a shift position sensor (41) on a condition that the detection result by the shift position sensor (41) fails to match detection results by a neutral switch (42) and a reverse switch (43), the shift position sensor (41) detecting a position of a shift-and-select shaft (45) corresponding to a gear stage of a transmission.