Transmission Creep Torque Control via Adaptive Grade Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transmission control systems for vehicles face challenges in optimizing creep torque to balance fuel economy and driving performance, as high creep torque is unnecessary in certain situations but low creep torque can lead to unwanted rolling or fuel inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A transmission control system that uses a computing device, such as a controller, to process signals from sensors like driver interface, grade, and brake pedal sensors to determine the necessary level of creep torque based on pre-programmed logic rules and calibration values, adjusting torque levels according to vehicle incline and driver preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high creep torque is supplied to the wheels, then driving performance is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission control system dynamically adjusts the level of creep torque supplied to the wheels based on real-time vehicle conditions (grade, driver input, brake status). The system transitions from static high creep torque to dynamic adaptive torque control, optimizing the balance between driving performance and fuel consumption by supplying only the necessary torque level for current operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the torque parameter based on detected vehicle conditions. When the vehicle is on an uphill grade, the system increases creep torque to prevent rollback; when on flat or downhill grades, it reduces torque to save fuel. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by making torque supply conditional rather than constant.
2Use of energy by moving object
If low creep torque is supplied to reduce fuel consumption, then fuel economy is improved, but driving performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts creep torque based on real-time conditions rather than maintaining a consistently low level. When uphill grades are detected, the system automatically increases torque to maintain driving performance, thus resolving the contradiction between low torque for fuel economy and sufficient torque for performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission control system uses feedback from grade sensors, brake pedal sensors, and driver interface sensors to continuously monitor vehicle conditions and adjust creep torque accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that torque is increased when needed for driving performance while remaining low during conditions where fuel economy is the priority.
3Use of energy by moving object
If creep torque is controlled based on vehicle grade, then fuel economy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission control system performs multiple functions using a single integrated controller: it monitors grade, interprets driver input, manages brake status, and controls torque output. By making the control system multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated systems for each function, thus limiting the increase in overall system complexity while achieving fuel economy improvements through grade-based torque control.
4Reliability
If creep torque is increased to prevent rollback on uphill, then driving performance is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies high creep torque locally and temporarily only when and where needed - specifically when uphill grades are detected and the vehicle is stationary or moving slowly. On flat or downhill grades, or when the vehicle is moving at higher speeds, the system reduces torque to save fuel. This localized application of high torque resolves the contradiction by limiting high torque supply to specific conditions where rollback prevention is necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission control system and method for controlling the level of creep torque supplied by a powertrain. The transmission control system having a controller configured to receive output signals from any one of a driver interface device sensor, a grade sensor, and a brake pedal sensor. Based on the output signals, the level of necessary creep torque and be determined and supplied, reducing unnecessary fuel consumption.