Transmission Shift Control Framework for Dissimilar Gear Configurations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Generating shifting control instructions for different transmission configurations is inefficient and costly, as each transmission requires unique instructions created by human programmers, leading to increased development time and costs.

Innovation Solution

A common software framework generates executable instructions for shifting various transmissions by creating tables that describe torque paths and actuator configurations, allowing for the generation of instructions for multiple transmission controllers, reducing the need for multiple programming efforts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If unique shifting control instructions are generated for each transmission configuration via human programmers, then the transmission controller can accurately control specific transmission configurations, but the software development time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accuracyVSAvoidsoftware development time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal software framework that can generate control instructions for multiple transmission configurations (different gear counts, shaft arrangements, torque paths) through a single system. The framework uses configurable data structures and algorithms that adapt to various transmission types without requiring separate programming efforts for each configuration, thus reducing development time while maintaining control accuracy.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter-based configuration where transmission-specific details (gear ratios, torque paths, actuator mappings) are stored as adjustable parameters within a common software framework. By changing these parameters rather than rewriting control logic, the system can accommodate different transmission configurations efficiently, reducing development time while preserving precise control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If separate programming efforts are made for each transmission configuration, then the control instructions can be optimized for specific transmission designs, but the software development cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol optimizationVSAvoidsoftware development cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The software framework provides universal functionality to handle multiple transmission configurations through a single codebase. By using configurable data structures and parameter settings, the framework maintains the ability to optimize control for specific transmissions while avoiding the need for separate programming projects, thus reducing development costs without sacrificing control optimization.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses template-based generation where a master software framework serves as a copyable and configurable source for generating transmission-specific control instructions. This allows the optimized control logic to be replicated across different transmission types through parameter adjustment rather than manual reprogramming, reducing development costs while maintaining optimization quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If a common software framework is used to generate instructions for multiple transmission configurations, then software development time and cost are reduced, but the complexity of accommodating diverse torque paths and gear arrangements increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoftware development efficiencyVSAvoidsoftware framework complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The software framework is segmented into modular components: configuration data structures, torque path definition modules, actuator mapping modules, and control generation algorithms. This segmentation allows the framework to handle diverse transmission configurations through organized, manageable modules rather than a monolithic complex system, improving productivity while controlling complexity through modularity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate data structures and configuration files that serve as mediators between the common software framework and transmission-specific requirements. These intermediaries allow the framework to accommodate diverse torque paths and gear arrangements without directly increasing core framework complexity, as the diversity is managed through standardized intermediate representations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If human programmers create unique instructions for each transmission, then the instructions can be tailored to specific transmission configurations, but consistency across different transmission controllers decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol consistencyVSAvoidprogramming effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The common software framework provides universal control generation capability that ensures consistency across different transmission controllers. By using standardized algorithms and configuration approaches, the framework generates consistent control logic tailored to each transmission's specific requirements, improving reliability while reducing the manual programming effort needed to achieve such consistency.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11898633B2Methods and system for shifting transmissions with dissimilar gear configurations
Publication Date: 2024.02.13 VOCIS LTD
  • US11898633B2 patent drawing
  • US11898633B2 patent drawing
  • US11898633B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems for generating control instructions for a plurality of transmissions having dissimilar gear configurations via a common software framework are described. In one example, the common software framework provides a graphic interface whereby a user/implementer describes configurations of different transmissions. The software framework generates instructions for different transmission controllers that shift the transmissions.