Torque Gradient Smoothing for Drivetrain Impact Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for processing torque specifications fail to adequately reduce drivetrain knocks, particularly at the zero clutch torque point, leading to undesirable vibrations in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that determine the inertia-related torque of the drive unit and clutch zero torque by calculating angular acceleration, incorporating driving resistance and vehicle mass, and using a correction value to account for undetermined torque consumers, thereby smoothing the torque gradient around the zero clutch torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the torque requests are filtered to round the torque curve and reduce gradient, then drive train impacts are reduced, but the torque response becomes delayed and less responsive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent determines the zero clutch torque in advance using inertia-related torque calculations and angular acceleration data, then pre-adjusts the torque request in the vicinity of this predetermined zero torque point. This preliminary action allows the system to proactively smooth torque transitions before they reach the drivetrain, rather than reactively filtering after the fact, thus maintaining both impact reduction and responsive torque delivery.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If additional electric machines are added to compensate for machine torque and reduce drive train shocks, then drive train impacts are reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service approach where the existing engine control unit uses its own computational resources to calculate inertia-related torque and angular acceleration, then automatically adjusts torque requests based on these calculations. The system serves itself by utilizing internal sensors and processors to generate correction values without requiring external electric machines or additional control systems, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining shock reduction capabilities.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the torque gradient is reduced in the range around zero clutch torque, then drive train impacts at zero torque are reduced, but the overall torque transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing torque gradient reduction only in the specific local range around the zero clutch torque point, rather than uniformly across the entire torque operating range. The control unit identifies when the torque request is near the predetermined zero torque and applies smoothing only in this localized region, allowing maximum torque transmission efficiency in all other operating conditions while still protecting against drive train impacts during zero-torque transitions.
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
This approach significantly reduces drivetrain impacts by precisely determining the zero clutch torque, resulting in a flatter torque signal curve and minimizing vibrations around the zero clutch torque point.
Implementation Method 1
determine an inertia-related torque of the drive unit and to determine the clutch zero torque as a function of the inertia-related torque
Implementation Method 2
determine the torque of the drive unit due to inertia as a function of an angular acceleration of the drive unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for processing a torque specification for a drive motor and for reducing drivetrain shocks. The device is configured to reduce a gradient of the torque requirement (1) in a range around a clutch zero torque (3), wherein the device is further configured to determine an inertia-induced torque of the drive unit and to determine the clutch zero torque as a function of the inertia-induced torque.