Vehicle Control System Dynamic Engine Operating Point Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems face challenges in balancing ride comfort and energy efficiency, particularly when operating autonomously, as restricting engine operating points to reduce noise and vibrations compromises fuel efficiency, and vice versa.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that dynamically adjusts the engine's operating point based on the presence of a passenger, vehicle speed, and pedestrian proximity, restricting the operating region to reduce noise and vibrations when passengers are present while expanding it for optimal fuel efficiency when no passengers are on board, and further utilizing motor torque to minimize gear and spline noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the operating point of the engine is restricted to reduce noise and vibrations, then ride comfort is improved, but fuel efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the limit value of the operating point adjustable rather than fixed. The control device dynamically changes the limit value based on whether a passenger is detected in the vehicle. When a passenger is present, a first (stricter) limit value is applied to reduce noise and vibrations. When no passenger is present, a second (more relaxed) limit value is applied to improve fuel efficiency. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the noise reduction constraint to the actual service condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the limit value parameter of the engine operating point based on passenger presence. The system changes this critical parameter between two distinct values (first limit value with passenger, second limit value without passenger) to optimize the trade-off between noise reduction and fuel efficiency. This parameter adaptation allows the system to achieve both contradictory goals under different operating conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the operating point of the engine is restricted to reduce noise and vibrations, then ride quality is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating point restriction based on real-time passenger detection. When a passenger is detected, the system applies a stricter limit value to minimize noise and vibrations, prioritizing ride quality. When no passenger is detected, the system relaxes the limit value to allow the engine to operate more efficiently, reducing energy loss. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between ride quality and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device changes the limit value parameter according to passenger presence status. By switching between a first limit value (when passenger present) and a second limit value (when no passenger present), the system optimizes the balance between reducing noise/vibrations and minimizing energy loss, thereby resolving the technical contradiction.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the operating point is expanded for optimal fuel efficiency, then energy efficiency is improved, but noise and vibrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically expands or contracts the acceptable operating region based on passenger presence. When no passenger is detected, the system expands the operating point restriction by applying a more relaxed second limit value, allowing the engine to operate in a wider range for optimal fuel efficiency. When a passenger is present, the system contracts the operating region with a stricter first limit value to reduce noise and vibrations. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between fuel efficiency and noise control.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle operates autonomously without passenger detection, then fuel efficiency is optimized, but ride comfort may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
When the vehicle operates autonomously and no passenger is detected, the control device changes the limit value parameter to a second value that expands the acceptable operating region, optimizing fuel efficiency. The system monitors for passenger presence and will switch to the first limit value if a passenger is detected, thus dynamically adapting to maintain the appropriate balance between fuel efficiency and ride comfort.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control system to operate a vehicle autonomously with improved energy efficiency and ride quality is provided. A controller is configured to set a limit value of an operating point of an engine to reduce noises and vibrations. The operating point of the engine is restricted by the limit value within an acceptable region where an engine speed is higher than the limit value but an engine torque is lower than the limit value. The limit value is set to a first limit value when the vehicle is operated autonomously while carrying the passenger, and to a second limit value to expand the acceptable region when the vehicle is operated autonomously without carrying the passenger.