Vehicle Digging Control Using Torque Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles often become stuck in difficult terrain conditions such as ice, mud, or snow, where existing technologies fail to efficiently free the vehicle from a standstill using automatic or automated transmissions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the driver predefining a startup direction and generating a reciprocating motion using chronologically consecutive drive force pulses of varying intensities, with the spatial amplitude compared to a threshold, to create a startup movement in the predefined direction, utilizing existing distance sensors to prevent collisions and adjust torque application based on terrain conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drive force pulses are applied to free the vehicle from difficult terrain, then the vehicle can overcome stuck conditions, but the risk of collision with adjacent objects increases due to uncontrolled reciprocating motion
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the spatial amplitude of reciprocating motion and compares it against a predefined threshold value. When the threshold is exceeded, the control unit automatically intervenes to stop or modify the drive force pulses, preventing collision while maintaining the ability to free the vehicle under normal conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a safety threshold for spatial amplitude before actual collision can occur. This pre-defined limit acts as a protective boundary, allowing the vehicle to perform reciprocating motions to free itself while automatically preventing movements that would result in collision with adjacent objects
2Ease of operation
If the driver manually controls the vehicle to free it from stuck conditions, then the vehicle can be moved, but the operation becomes complex and requires continuous driver intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when the vehicle is stuck, generates appropriate drive force pulses to free the vehicle, and monitors the reciprocating motion throughout the process. The control unit independently manages the entire digging-out sequence without requiring continuous driver input or manual steering adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit pre-defines the startup direction and automatically sequences the drive force pulses before the vehicle movement begins. All control parameters, threshold values, and pulse patterns are prepared in advance, eliminating the need for real-time driver decision-making during the critical startup phase
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
Enables the vehicle to self-free from difficult startup situations by iteratively applying kinetic energy through targeted engine torque pulses, effectively overcoming stuck conditions like deep snow or ice without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
an internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle is subsequently activated and an ignition process is subsequently triggered in the internal combustion engine
Implementation Method 2
a drive force acting in a setpoint travel direction is alternately built up and relieved at the driven wheels
Implementation Method 3
a friction coefficient which acts between a terrain surface and the driven wheels of the motor vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A method for digging out a motor vehicle at a standstill, in which the driver predefines a startup direction for the motor vehicle with the aid of an operating element; in which a reciprocating motion of the motor vehicle is generated with the aid of chronologically consecutive drive force pulses which are independent of the driver and have a first intensity; in which the spatial amplitude of the reciprocating motion is ascertained and compared to a predefined threshold value; and when the spatial amplitude of the reciprocating motion of the motor vehicle exceeds the threshold value, a startup movement of the motor vehicle is subsequently generated in the predefined startup direction using at least one drive force pulse which is directed in the predefined startup direction and which has a second intensity, which is greater than the first intensity.