Torque Request Processing Reduces Drivetrain Shocks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for reducing drivetrain shocks in vehicles are inflexible and complex, particularly for commercial vehicles with varied configurations, as they require adapting pre-filtered torque requirements from suppliers and managing multiple torque requests and limitations.

Innovation Solution

A device that processes torque requests by receiving identifiers for the source and selecting from predetermined signal processing alternatives, which include time delays, to generate processed torque requests with reduced drivetrain shocks, allowing for flexible and less complex adaptation and parameterization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If separate setpoint converters are provided for each torque request source with pre-filtered torque requirements, then drivetrain shocks are reduced, but the device complexity and difficulty of adaptation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrivetrain shocksVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate setpoint converters into a single setpoint converter that receives all torque requests (accelerator pedal, cruise control, speed limiter) and applies filtering. This consolidation reduces device complexity while maintaining the shock-reducing function, as the single converter can selectively apply different filtering behaviors based on the torque request source identifier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single setpoint converter is designed with multi-functionality to handle different types of torque requests from various sources. It uses identifier-based selection to apply appropriate filtering behaviors (different time delays) to different torque requests, making one device perform the function of multiple specialized converters while reducing overall system complexity.

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

2Object-affected harmful factors

If pre-filtered torque requirements from suppliers are used, then drivetrain shocks are reduced, but adaptability to specific vehicle configurations is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrivetrain shocksVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The filtering behavior of the setpoint converter is made dynamic and adjustable based on the identifier of the torque request source. The converter can select from multiple predetermined filtering behaviors (with different time delays) to adapt to specific vehicle configurations and operational conditions, enabling commercial vehicle manufacturers to customize the filtering characteristics for different vehicle types while maintaining shock reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables parameter changes in the filtering behavior by selecting different time delays based on the torque request source identifier. This allows the same physical device to adapt its filtering parameters (time delay values) to match specific vehicle configurations, restoring adaptability that was lost with fixed pre-filtered torque requirements from suppliers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple torque requests and limitations are processed simultaneously with separate setpoint converters, then each torque source is optimized, but the transitions between converters create complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque request processingVSAvoidtransition management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the processing of multiple torque requests into a single setpoint converter that handles all requests (accelerator pedal, cruise control, speed limiter) sequentially or selectively based on identifiers. This eliminates the need for transitions between multiple converters, reducing the complexity of managing converter switches while maintaining reliable torque request processing through centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2923910B1Device and method for processing a torque requirement for a drive machine and reducing power train shocks
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP2923910B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2923910B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2923910B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device and a method for processing a torque request for a drive motor and for reducing drivetrain shocks. The device is configured to receive at least one torque request and at least one identifier for identifying the source of the torque request at its input. The device is further configured to select one of predetermined signal processing alternatives depending on the at least one identifier (8b, 9b) and to apply this selection to at least one received torque request (8a, 9a) to generate at least one processed torque request (11, 12), wherein the predetermined signal processing alternatives differ in a time delay with which the at least one processed torque request (11, 12) is output.