Torque Rate Limiting via Request Busyness Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Powertrains often experience undesirable jarring effects due to sudden changes in output torque, as they struggle to immediately respond to operator torque requests, especially after a period of stability, leading to a delay in delivering maximum torque capability.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling torque by monitoring factors associated with output torque requests and implementing rate limiting of delivered torque based on a request busyness indicator, which adjusts the torque delivery rate to match the operator's recent torque request patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the powertrain immediately delivers maximum output torque in response to operator torque requests, then the torque response speed is improved, but it causes undesirable jarring effects and poor operator comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the rate limiting adaptive rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts the rate at which output torque changes based on real-time monitoring of operator torque request patterns. When the operator's torque requests are stable, the system allows faster torque delivery; when requests are fluctuating, the system applies more conservative rate limiting. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing torque response speed while preventing jarring effects based on actual operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of torque delivery rate from a fixed value to a variable parameter that adapts to operator behavior. By monitoring factors such as the rate of change of torque requests and the stability of operator inputs over time, the system adjusts the output torque rate limit parameter in real-time. This parameter change enables the system to deliver torque quickly when appropriate while preventing jarring effects when operator requests are unstable.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the powertrain applies conservative rate limiting to avoid jarring effects, then operator comfort is improved, but the torque delivery becomes sluggish and unresponsive
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts rate limiting based on operator behavior patterns. When the controller detects that operator torque requests are stable and consistent, it reduces or removes rate limiting constraints, allowing rapid torque delivery. This dynamic adjustment ensures that conservative rate limiting is applied only when necessary to prevent jarring effects, while allowing aggressive torque delivery when operator intent is clear and stable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring operator torque request patterns and using this information to adjust torque delivery behavior. The controller analyzes factors such as the rate of change of torque requests and the time history of operator inputs to determine the appropriate level of rate limiting. This feedback mechanism enables the system to distinguish between legitimate operator demands for rapid torque and situations where rate limiting is needed for comfort.
3Device complexity
If the powertrain uses a fixed rate limiting strategy, then the control system is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying operator torque request patterns and causes unnecessary delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the control system to automatically adapt to operator behavior without requiring complex external intervention or manual tuning. The controller monitors operator torque request patterns and autonomously adjusts rate limiting parameters based on detected stability and responsiveness patterns. This self-adjusting capability reduces unnecessary torque delivery delays while maintaining simplicity through algorithmic adaptation rather than complex hardware or manual control strategies.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling torque in a vehicle including monitoring a plurality of factors associated with an output torque request in response to an output torque request rate of change exceeding a predetermined threshold, and controlling rate limiting of a delivered output torque to achieve the output torque request rate of change based on the plurality of factors associated with the output torque request.