Throttle Security Module for Torque Request Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing engine control systems face challenges in managing engine torque requests that exceed driver torque requests, leading to issues such as wheel dragging, reduced traction, and gear shift smoothness, which can result in hardware failures and decreased system robustness.

Innovation Solution

A control module comprising a predicted torque control module, throttle security module, and throttle actuator module that determines a desired throttle area based on transmission torque requests, adjusts the throttle limit, and adjusts the throttle actuator to manage torque output effectively, ensuring the engine can produce the required torque while preventing frequent hardware failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the engine control system allows transmission torque requests to exceed driver torque requests, then vehicle traction and stability are improved, but hardware failures increase due to excessive torque demands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle traction and stabilityVSAvoidhardware failures

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The throttle security module proactively limits the throttle area before excessive torque can damage hardware. By establishing a maximum throttle area limit and preventing the throttle from exceeding this limit, the system counteracts potential harmful effects before they occur, resolving the contradiction between allowing excess torque for traction/stability and preventing hardware failures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The throttle security module acts as an intermediary between the predicted torque control module and the throttle actuator. It receives the desired throttle area from the torque control module, applies security limits, and outputs a constrained throttle area to the actuator, thereby mediating between torque performance requirements and hardware protection needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If the throttle area is increased to meet transmission torque requests, then engine torque output is improved, but system robustness decreases due to frequent hardware failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine torque outputVSAvoidsystem robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by determining the maximum throttle area limit before actual throttle actuation occurs. The throttle security module calculates and stores this limit based on engine operating conditions, so that when torque requests arise, the system can quickly apply the pre-determined safe limit rather than risking excessive throttle opening, thus maintaining power while protecting system robustness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the engine produces excess torque for transmission requests, then gear shift smoothness is improved, but hardware durability decreases due to excessive torque demands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegear shift smoothnessVSAvoidhardware durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the throttle area parameter dynamically based on operating conditions and pre-determined safety limits. By adjusting the throttle area within safe boundaries rather than allowing unlimited increases, the system maintains gear shift smoothness through controlled torque delivery while preventing excessive torque that would reduce hardware durability over time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8234049B2ECM security strategy for rationalizing and controlling increasing transmission torque requests above driver command

Publication Date: 2012.07.31 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A control module includes a predicted torque control module that determines a desired throttle area based on a transmission torque request and a desired predicted torque. A throttle security module determines a throttle limit based on the desired throttle area and the desired predicted torque and determines an adjusted desired throttle area based on the throttle limit. A throttle actuator module adjusts a throttle based on the adjusted desired throttle area.