Unified Drive Train Regulator for Motor Vehicle Arbitration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle drive train regulation systems face challenges in prioritizing and arbitrating multiple regulators effectively, leading to unstable and uncomfortable driving behavior due to incorrect identification of the drive train's operating state and differing input variables.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses a model representing the drive train to regulate speed based on state variables, such as torque, stiffness, damping, and inertia, allowing direct control of relevant components like wheels and shafts, thereby eliminating the need for arbitration and prioritization of individual regulators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate regulators are used to fulfill different functions (speed limitation, load shock damping, component protection), then each regulator can be optimized for its specific function, but the system complexity increases and prioritization/arbitration becomes necessary leading to unstable driving behavior

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregulating function coverageVSAvoidregulator system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate regulators (speed limitation, load shock damping, component protection) into a single unified regulator that handles all functions. This unified regulator uses a common control algorithm that processes all regulating requests simultaneously, eliminating the need for prioritization and arbitration between separate regulators, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining full functional coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified regulator is designed to perform multiple regulating functions simultaneously through a single control entity. It can handle speed limitation, load shock damping, and component protection functions within one regulator structure, making the regulator universal and eliminating the need for multiple specialized regulators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If prioritization and arbitration of individual regulators are implemented, then stable driving behavior can be achieved, but the system requires clear identification of drive train operating state which cannot be determined correctly in every state

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriving behavior stabilityVSAvoidoperating state identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The unified regulator implements continuous feedback monitoring of drive train operating parameters (torque, speed, component states) to dynamically adjust its control strategy. This feedback mechanism allows the regulator to automatically adapt to different operating states without requiring explicit state identification, ensuring stable driving behavior across all conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The regulator employs dynamic control strategies that adapt in real-time to changing operating conditions. Instead of requiring static identification of operating states, the unified regulator continuously adjusts its control parameters based on current torque, speed, and component state feedback, enabling stable performance across the entire operating range

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If different regulators use different input variables and control variables, then each regulator can be optimized for its function, but change between prioritized regulators leads to undesirable effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregulating function capabilityVSAvoidtransition smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The unified regulator uses homogeneous control variables and input parameters across all regulating functions. All functions (speed limitation, load shock damping, component protection) operate with the same set of input variables (torque, speed, component states) and control outputs, ensuring smooth transitions and eliminating undesirable effects that occur when switching between regulators with different variable sets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

Data Source

PatentUS11453289B2Method for regulating a drive train of a motor vehicle, regulating device, and motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 AUDI AG

AI summary

A method for regulating a drive train of a motor vehicle. The drive train includes, as components, a motor, at least one mechanical component, and at least one wheel. The motor is coupled to the at least one wheel via the at least one mechanical component. A speed of the at least one component of the drive train based on a speed specification is regulated using a model depicting the drive train of the motor vehicle. A torque generated by the motor is influenced as a regulated variable as a function of at least one state variable of the drive train determined on the basis of the model.