Torque Control System for Vehicle Powerplant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems face challenges in smoothly transitioning between torque converter states, leading to sluggish responses and torque holes during vehicle acceleration, especially when the torque converter bypass clutch is in the opened or slipping state, due to inadequate inertia compensation.
Innovation Solution
A controller is programmed to adjust the torque of the powerplant based on the state of the torque converter bypass clutch, ensuring appropriate torque values are applied when the clutch is in the opened, closed, or slipping state to maintain desired vehicle acceleration, incorporating inertia compensation to prevent sluggish responses and torque holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the torque converter bypass clutch transitions between opened, closed, and slipping states, then the vehicle can achieve different torque transmission modes, but the response becomes sluggish and torque holes occur during acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The controller proactively adjusts powerplant torque before and during clutch state transitions to anticipate and compensate for torque interruptions. By calculating required torque adjustments based on predicted clutch slip states, the system prevents torque holes from forming rather than reacting after they occur, thereby maintaining smooth acceleration response during state transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically changes the powerplant torque parameter based on the detected torque converter bypass clutch state. When the clutch transitions between opened, closed, and slipping states, the controller modifies the torque output to compensate for the changing torque transmission characteristics, ensuring consistent acceleration performance across all clutch states.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the torque converter bypass clutch is in the opened or slipping state, then torque transmission is flexible, but inadequate inertia compensation causes torque holes and sluggish responses
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the torque converter bypass clutch state and adjusts the powerplant torque in real-time based on feedback from the actual clutch position. This closed-loop control ensures that torque compensation is precisely applied when the clutch is in opened or slipping states, preventing torque holes and maintaining reliable acceleration consistency throughout the transition process.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the controller adjusts torque based on clutch state, then acceleration smoothness is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adapts the powerplant torque based on the real-time state of the torque converter bypass clutch. By making the control parameter (torque) dynamic rather than fixed, the system achieves smooth acceleration across all clutch states without requiring complex mechanical modifications, as the adaptation is handled through dynamic control logic.
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 ensures consistent and smooth vehicle acceleration by adjusting torque according to the torque converter bypass clutch state, enhancing responsiveness and eliminating torque holes by accounting for fluid dynamics and inertia, thereby improving driveline performance.
Implementation Method 1
accounting for fluid dynamics and inertia
Implementation Method 2
The torque converter bypass clutch is configured to transition between an opened stated, a closed state, and a slipping state
Implementation Method 3
incorporating inertia compensation to prevent sluggish responses and torque holes
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a drive wheel, an engine, an accelerator pedal, a torque converter, a clutch, and a controller. The drive wheel is configured to propel the vehicle. The engine is configured to generate power and to deliver power to the drive wheel to accelerate the vehicle. The accelerator pedal is configured to generate an acceleration request based on a pedal position. The torque converter is disposed between the engine and the drive wheel. The clutch is disposed between the engine and the drive wheel and is configured to bypass the torque converter. The controller is programmed to, in response to depressing the accelerator pedal to a position that corresponds with accelerating the vehicle at a desired magnitude, adjust the torque of the engine to accelerate the vehicle at the desired magnitude, regardless of the state of the clutch.