Vehicle Torque Actuator Control for Modular AWD Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling vehicle longitudinal torque actuators face challenges in achieving a balance between integration and modularity, and lack a systematic method to resolve conflicting configurations across various systems such as propulsion, chassis control, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which affects ease-of-use and future compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A control system that maps configurations for vehicle torque actuators using a control unit, which receives multiple input items including configurations, operating points, and priority assignments to determine control actions based on vehicle operating conditions, and employs a nonlinear proportional integral derivative (PID) regulator for dynamic wheel slip regulation, ensuring balanced torque distribution and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a control architecture integrates multiple systems (propulsion, chassis control, ADAS) for torque actuator control, then system coordination and vehicle stability are improved, but device complexity and control architecture complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control architecture is segmented into modular functional blocks including torque demand management, torque actuator management, and distributed torque distribution across multiple axles. Each block handles specific control tasks independently, allowing complex multi-system coordination to be broken down into manageable segments that can be developed, tested, and maintained separately while maintaining overall system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
A centralized torque actuator management system serves as an intermediary between multiple control systems (propulsion, chassis control, ADAS) and the torque actuators. This intermediary coordinates torque demands from various sources, resolves conflicts, and distributes torque appropriately across front and rear axles, thereby managing complexity while ensuring reliable vehicle-wide coordination.
2Reliability
If the control architecture maintains high integration across multiple systems, then system coordination improves, but ease of operation and calibration difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated control system is divided into independent modular units with clearly defined interfaces. Torque demand management, torque actuator management, and torque distribution functions are separated into distinct modules that can be calibrated and tested independently, reducing the operational complexity despite maintaining high-level system integration for coordinated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque actuator management system provides universal control capabilities across multiple torque actuators and multiple control systems. By designing a multi-functional management layer that can handle different torque sources (engine, electric motors) and different control modes (traction control, stability control, torque vectoring), the system achieves broad coordination capability while maintaining standardized calibration procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the control architecture is designed to be modular for future compatibility, then adaptability and ease of use improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control architecture employs a segmented modular design where torque demand management, torque actuator management, and torque distribution are separated into independent functional modules. This segmentation enables future compatibility by allowing individual modules to be updated, replaced, or configured for different vehicle platforms without redesigning the entire control system, though it does introduce modular complexity that must be managed through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The control architecture incorporates dynamic configurability where torque distribution strategies and control parameters can be adjusted in real-time based on operating conditions and vehicle configuration. This dynamic adaptability allows the modular system to accommodate future vehicle variants and control strategies without requiring fundamental architectural changes, balancing modularity benefits with manageable complexity through flexible parameter adjustment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a scalable and modular control strategy that effectively handles conflicting configurations, enhancing vehicle stability and performance by intelligently coordinating torque distribution between axles, mimicking mechanical all-wheel drive systems and improving integration of chassis and ADAS control components.
Implementation Method 1
regulating the target delta slip speed using a nonlinear proportional integral derivative (PID) regulator
Data Source
AI summary
A system to map control system configurations for vehicle torque actuators includes a control unit of a vehicle. A first torque actuator of a first power unit delivers torque to rear wheels of the vehicle, and a second torque actuator of a second power unit delivers torque to front wheels of the vehicle. Multiple input items are received by the control unit, including: multiple configurations; one or more operating points; multiple configuration classifications including: a torque constraint; a torque reference; and an enabling condition; and identification of one or more priority assignments. The priority assignments are applied to the configurations, the operating points and the configuration classifications to determine a control action as sensed vehicle operating conditions change. Individual ones of the configurations are mapped to a normalized torque split ratio.