Vehicle Actuator Control Routines for Low-Noise Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle actuator control methods fail to adequately reduce audible noises and noticeable operating forces, which affect the comfort of vehicle occupants.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling an actuator device that dynamically adjusts the drive motor's control routine based on the vehicle's operating state, switching between high and low dynamics to minimize noise and operating forces, by determining the desired operation and current status of the vehicle and selecting between first and second control routines to adapt the actuator's behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the actuator is actuated with high drive motor dynamics, then the response speed and actuation performance are improved, but audible noise and perceptible operating forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control routine dynamically adjusts the drive motor's behavior based on real-time operating conditions. The controller monitors vehicle state and modifies actuation parameters (torque, speed, acceleration) to optimize the balance between rapid response and noise reduction, making the system adaptable rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The control routine modifies multiple parameters including drive motor torque, rotational speed, and acceleration profiles. By adjusting these parameters based on operating state, the system achieves fast actuation when needed while minimizing noise during normal operation
2Productivity
If the actuator is actuated with high drive motor dynamics, then the actuation performance is improved, but perceptible operating forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously adapts the actuation forces based on vehicle operating state. During dynamic driving conditions, higher forces are applied for rapid response, while during steady-state operation, forces are reduced to minimize perceptibility to occupants
Solution Approach 2:
The control routine adjusts torque and force parameters dynamically. By monitoring operating conditions, the system applies minimal necessary forces during normal operation while maintaining capability for high-performance actuation when driving dynamics require it
3Loss of time
If the drive motor is controlled at high speed with minimal delay, then the actuation responsiveness is improved, but mechanical contact noise between components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control routine prepares the drive motor and mechanical components for upcoming actuation events by pre-positioning elements and reducing play between components before actual actuation occurs. This preliminary preparation allows for smoother, quieter engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The controller applies periodic monitoring and adjustment of motor parameters, using oscillatory control signals to gradually take up mechanical play before final actuation, thereby reducing impact noise while maintaining responsiveness
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces noise levels by up to 9 decibels, improving the comfort of vehicle occupants by minimizing audible operating forces and energy consumption through situation-dependent filtering and reduced manipulated variables.
Implementation Method 1
The drive motor is controlled depending on the operating state of the motor vehicle. In a first operating state, the actuator is actuated according to a first control routine with high drive motor dynamics. In a second operating state, the actuator is actuated according to a second control routine with lower drive motor dynamics
Implementation Method 2
the drive motor has one or more gear pairs (mechanical components of the actuator unit connected to each other, e.g., via backlash), through which torque from the drive motor can be transmitted to actuate the component. Specifically, a rotary motion of the drive motor is converted into a displacement along an axial direction
Implementation Method 3
balls arranged in the first and second ramps between the disks, as well as at least one spring for displacing the second disk along the axial direction
Implementation Method 4
An actuator can, for example, have a ramp mechanism with a rotatable first disk (positioning ring) having first ramps (grooves), a second disk (positioning ring) that is displaceable only along an axial direction and has second ramps (grooves), and balls arranged in the first and second ramps between the disks
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling an actuator (1) of an actuator unit (2) of a motor vehicle (3), wherein the actuator unit (2) has at least one component (4) actuated by the actuator (1), the actuator (1) and a drive motor (5) for driving the actuator (1), wherein the drive motor (5) is controlled depending on an operating state of the motor vehicle (3), wherein, in a first operating state, an actuation of the actuator (1) occurs according to a first control routine (6) with high dynamics of the drive motor (5), and in a second operating state, the actuation of the actuator (1) occurs according to a second control routine (7) with adjusted dynamics of the drive motor (5).