Vehicle Traction Control via Acceleration-Based Torque Vectoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current traction control systems in vehicles rely heavily on rotational speed sensor data, which can be unreliable due to oscillations, and fail to preemptively judge vehicle operating parameters effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle traction control system that uses acceleration sensors to measure lateral and longitudinal accelerations, calculates the maximum supportable drive torque for each wheel, and applies a commanded vectoring brake torque to prevent wheel slip by exceeding the maximum supportable torque, thereby improving traction control without exclusive reliance on rotational speed sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If rotational speed sensor data is used for traction control, then wheel speed can be monitored, but the data is unreliable due to oscillations and cannot preemptively judge vehicle operating parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acceleration sensors as an intermediary measurement device to detect vehicle dynamics. Instead of directly measuring wheel speed (which suffers from oscillations), the system measures longitudinal and lateral accelerations of the vehicle body, which serve as intermediate parameters to infer traction conditions and predict wheel slip before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of vehicle operating parameters using acceleration sensors before wheel slip actually occurs. By measuring accelerations in advance, the controller can predict upcoming traction conditions and apply preventive torque reduction, rather than reacting after wheel speed oscillations are detected.
2Reliability
If acceleration sensors are used to measure vehicle dynamics, then proactive torque management is enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acceleration sensors serve multiple functions: they detect longitudinal acceleration for torque management, lateral acceleration for slip prediction, and combined accelerations for determining vehicle dynamics. This multi-functionality justifies the added sensor complexity by providing comprehensive traction control capabilities from a single sensor type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines longitudinal and lateral acceleration measurements into a unified traction control strategy. Instead of treating these as separate measurement systems, the controller integrates both acceleration components to comprehensively assess vehicle dynamics and determine optimal torque reduction, simplifying the overall control architecture despite adding sensor capabilities.
3Productivity
If brake torque is applied to reduce wheel slip, then traction is improved, but energy is consumed and braking force must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial braking torque only to the extent necessary to prevent wheel slip, rather than applying full braking force. By calculating the exact torque reduction needed based on acceleration measurements and applying only that amount, the system maintains productivity while minimizing energy consumption compared to aggressive braking approaches.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of traction control for a vehicle. Lateral and longitudinal accelerations are measured for a vehicle. A maximum supportable drive torque for a first wheel of the vehicle is calculated as a function of the lateral and longitudinal accelerations. A commanded vectoring brake torque is applied to the first wheel using a brake device. The commanded vectoring brake torque is an amount by which a driveline torque delivered to the first wheel exceeds the maximum supportable drive torque.