Vehicle Drive Direction Control via Torque Inference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern motor vehicle drive trains, especially in hybrid and electric vehicles, lack direct measurement of drive torque, leading to safety-critical incorrect movements due to faulty torque output from drive units, and the absence of reverse gear in some models complicates directional control, increasing the risk of unsafe vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines and compares the target drive direction specified by the driver with the current direction of travel and drive force, using redundant sensor data to detect unauthorized driving and prevent unsafe movement by adjusting the drive unit's operation or activating the braking system when deviations are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct measurement of drive torque is implemented, then safety against incorrect vehicle movement is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system that indirectly measures drive torque by monitoring the relationship between drive unit output and vehicle movement. Instead of directly measuring torque, the system uses sensors to detect vehicle speed, direction, and drive unit output, then compares these parameters to infer torque direction and magnitude, thereby avoiding complex direct torque measurement while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring vehicle movement parameters and drive unit output, comparing the effective drive force direction with the target drive direction, and automatically correcting or alerting when deviations are detected. This closed-loop feedback mechanism provides safety without requiring direct torque measurement
2Adaptability or versatility
If reverse gear is added to enable reverse travel, then vehicle maneuverability is improved, but device complexity and risk of incorrect operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding mechanical complexity with reverse gear, the patent inverts the approach by using the existing forward-drive transmission and achieving reverse movement through control system intervention. The system detects when reverse movement is needed and applies braking forces while controlling the drive unit to create reverse motion, thereby maintaining transmission simplicity while enabling maneuverability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical reverse gear system with an electronic control system that uses sensor data and algorithmic control to achieve reverse movement. By substituting mechanical complexity with electronic control and sensor-based detection, the system enables reverse travel without adding transmission components
3Measurement precision
If redundant sensor data and detection algorithms are implemented, then detection precision for unauthorized driving is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing sensors multi-functional by using them for both primary vehicle operation control and secondary safety detection functions. The same sensors that monitor vehicle operation for control purposes are also utilized to detect unauthorized driving, thereby improving detection precision without adding dedicated detection hardware
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a drive device (1) of a vehicle, in particular, a motor vehicle, said device having at least one electric or hydraulic machine (2) as a drive unit. Said method consists of the following steps: determining a target drive direction (ZR) that can be set by the driver of the vehicle, detecting a current direction of travel of the vehicle and comparing the current drive direction with the target drive direction (ZR) that has been set, detecting the direction of action of a current drive force and comparing the direction of action with the target drive direction (ZR), if the current direction of travel deviates from the target drive direction (ZR), detecting/determining unauthorised driving of the vehicle, if the direction of action deviates from the target drive direction (ZR). The invention also relates to a device and a system, in particular, for performing the method.