Vehicle Dynamics Module Brake Blending Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control systems for hybrid and electric vehicles require additional components and structural adaptations to coordinate electrical and hydraulic braking, leading to increased costs, weight, and complexity, as they need a central control unit to manage brake blending efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A control system with a driving dynamics module and an engine control unit arranged in a forward and reverse control loop, respectively, allowing the engine control unit to independently initiate and control the electric machine's recuperation mode without additional communication, enabling flexible and efficient energy recuperation using standard components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a central control unit is added to coordinate electrical and hydraulic braking, then brake blending efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake blending efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the braking control functions by having the driving dynamics module directly control both the electric machine and hydraulic brake system without requiring a separate central control unit. The control signals are integrated within the existing driving dynamics module, eliminating the need for additional coordination hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The driving dynamics module is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls vehicle dynamics stabilization and also manages brake blending by coordinating electrical and hydraulic braking forces. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate control units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If a central control unit is added to coordinate electrical and hydraulic braking, then brake blending efficiency is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake blending efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the brake blending control function from a separate central control unit and integrates it into the existing driving dynamics module. This removes the need for additional control hardware and reduces overall system weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If the driving dynamics module is specially adapted to work with a central control unit, then brake blending is achieved, but ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake blending capabilityVSAvoidstructural adaptation requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The driving dynamics module independently manages brake blending operations without requiring special structural adaptations or external control units. It uses its existing control architecture to coordinate electrical and hydraulic braking, making the system easier to manufacture with standard components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If an additional control unit is installed, then brake blending coordination is improved, but development effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake blending coordinationVSAvoiddevelopment effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines brake blending coordination functions within the existing driving dynamics module, eliminating the need for additional control units and reducing development effort associated with integrating new components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration reduces development costs, weight, and complexity by allowing efficient energy recuperation without additional control units, ensuring maximum recuperation performance while maintaining vehicle stability and consistent brake pedal feedback.

Implementation Method 1

an electric machine (2) which can be operated in a recuperation mode in which a variable amount electrical power can be recuperated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

In generator operation, this electric machine can generate a braking torque on at least one assigned wheel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP3019377B1Control system and method for operating a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2018.08.08 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3019377B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3019377B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3019377B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Control system (15) for operating a motor vehicle (16) having – a vehicle movement dynamics control module (1) which is configured to stabilise the motor vehicle (16), – an electric machine (two) which can be operated in a recuperation mode in which a variable amount of electrical power can be recuperated, and – an engine control unit (3) which is configured to actuate the electric machine (2) in the recuperation mode, wherein the engine control unit (3) and the electric machine (2) are arranged in a forward branch of a first control loop (4), wherein an input variable of the first control loop (4) constitutes at least one signal variable (5) which influences the speed of the motor vehicle, and wherein the vehicle movement dynamics control module (1) is arranged in a return branch of the first control loop (4), in order to permit efficient low-cost recuperation with a low level of development expenditure and a low weight.