Torque Machine Fault Detection with Debounce Retry Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powertrain systems with torque machines and electric motor/generators are prone to false detection of faults due to external disturbances like electromagnetic interference, leading to unnecessary shutdowns, which can be triggered by line-to-line electric shorts and ground faults in the inverter and electric motor/generator.
Innovation Solution
A powertrain system that disables torque output and executes retry events with a debounce time period upon detecting a pending fault associated with a power switch, reporting a fault only when the quantity of retry events exceeds a threshold, thereby distinguishing between actual and false faults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If retry events with debounce time period are executed, then false fault detection is reduced, but response time to genuine faults increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by executing a limited number of retry events (a specific count of retry attempts) rather than indefinitely testing for faults. The controller disables torque and attempts to re-enable it a predetermined number of times before confirming a fault. This partial testing approach balances the need for accurate fault detection with the requirement for timely response, avoiding excessive delay while still filtering false positives.
2Reliability
If torque output is disabled upon fault detection, then system protection is improved, but unnecessary torque loss occurs due to false faults
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by repeatedly enabling and disabling torque output during the retry event sequence. Instead of immediately and permanently disabling torque upon detecting a potential fault, the controller periodically toggles the torque output state multiple times (through repeated disable-enable cycles) to test whether the fault condition persists. This periodic testing allows the system to maintain torque availability when faults are transient while still providing protection when faults are genuine.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a powertrain system including a torque machine mechanically coupled to an internal combustion engine includes, upon detecting a pending fault associated with a power switch configured to control power flow to the torque machine, disabling torque output from the torque machine and executing retry events. The retry events are iteratively executed with a debounce time period preceding each retry event. Presence of a fault associated with the power switch is detected when a quantity of the retry events during a time window exceeds a threshold.