Torque-Based CVT Control System for Heavy Equipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional speed-based control systems for continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) in heavy equipment limit the diversity of tasks and environments in which the transmission and associated machines can operate due to a reduced variety of available maps, restricting the flexibility and adaptability of the system.

Innovation Solution

A torque-based control system for CVTs that includes operator input devices, sensors to sense operating conditions, and a controller to regulate the transmission output, utilizing multiple base control maps and sub-maps to determine a desired torque output based on various inputs, allowing for increased flexibility and adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a speed-based control system with single map per mode is used, then the control system is simple to implement, but the adaptability and versatility of the transmission system is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into multiple base control maps (first base control map, second base control map) that can be selectively applied. Each base control map contains multiple sub-maps that can be further selected based on operating conditions. This segmentation allows the system to handle different task types and environments by choosing appropriate map combinations, thereby improving adaptability without requiring a completely new control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system achieves multi-functionality by enabling a single transmission system to perform diverse tasks (propulsion, retarding, directional shifts, etc.) through selective application of different base control maps and sub-maps. The system can adapt to various operating modes (forward, reverse, neutral) and task types by choosing appropriate map combinations, making the transmission universally applicable across multiple work scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple base control maps and sub-maps are implemented, then the versatility and flexibility of the transmission system increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system divides the overall control functionality into segmented base control maps and sub-maps. The first base control map handles primary control functions, while the second base control map provides additional control options. Each base control map is further divided into multiple sub-maps that address specific operating conditions. This hierarchical segmentation organizes the complexity into manageable segments that can be selectively applied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically selects which base control map and sub-map to apply based on real-time operating conditions, task type, and environment. The controller continuously evaluates the current state and adjusts the selected map combination accordingly, allowing the system to adapt its complexity level to match the demands of the current task rather than maintaining fixed high complexity for all scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If a conventional speed-based control system is used, then the control algorithm is simple, but the productivity and efficiency in diverse tasks is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidcontrol algorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control algorithm achieves multi-functionality by implementing multiple base control maps and sub-maps that can be selectively applied to different task types (propulsion, retarding, directional shifts, etc.). This allows a single control algorithm to efficiently handle diverse tasks and operating conditions, improving productivity across various work scenarios without requiring separate control systems for each task type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control algorithm changes parameters by selecting different base control maps and sub-maps based on operating conditions. Each map contains optimized control parameters for specific task types and environments. By dynamically changing which map is active, the algorithm adjusts its parameters to match the current task requirements, thereby optimizing productivity for diverse operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8216109B2Torque-based control system for a continuously variable transmission
Publication Date: 2012.07.10 CATERPILLAR INC
  • US8216109B2 patent drawing
  • US8216109B2 patent drawing
  • US8216109B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A continuously variable transmission is provided having a driven element. The continuously variable transmission also has at least one operator input device configured to transmit a transmission operating mode request and at least one other operator input device configured to transmit a driven element output request. In addition, the continuously variable transmission has at least one sensor configured to sense at least one parameter indicative of an operating condition of the transmission. The continuously variable transmission further has a controller configured to regulate an output of the driven element in response to the operating mode request, the driven element output request, and the at least one sensed parameter indicative of an operating condition of the transmission.