Vehicle Engine Control Reducing Restart Frequency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing engine stop and inertia traveling control systems increase the number of engine restarts, leading to adverse effects on auxiliary components like the starter and battery, and are inefficient in managing slope changes during vehicle travel.
Innovation Solution
The system disconnects the clutch to maintain a predetermined rotational speed, allowing continuous engine operation when the probability of restarting is high, such as during slope changes or curvature adjustments, thereby reducing the need for engine restarts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If engine stop and inertia traveling control is implemented to improve fuel economy, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the number of engine restarts increases causing adverse effects on auxiliary components
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus predicts the probability of engine restart requirements in advance by analyzing slope changes and vehicle operation patterns. When high probability of restart is predicted, the system maintains engine operation instead of stopping, preventing unnecessary restart cycles and extending auxiliary component lifespan while still achieving fuel economy during suitable inertia traveling periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors vehicle operating conditions, slope changes, and accelerator operations to dynamically adjust engine stop/go decisions. By incorporating feedback from multiple sensors and predicting future operational needs, the control apparatus optimizes the balance between fuel economy and reducing restart frequency
2Use of energy by moving object
If engine stop and inertia traveling control is used to maintain vehicle speed on slopes, then fuel economy improves, but the number of restarts increases when slope changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus analyzes slope gradient changes and predicts whether the vehicle will need to accelerate again in the near future. When a downward slope is detected and high probability of restart is predicted, the system maintains engine operation proactively, avoiding the restart cycle that would occur if the engine were stopped and then needed to restart for acceleration
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts engine operation strategy based on real-time slope conditions and predicted vehicle behavior. The control apparatus flexibly switches between engine stop and engine maintain modes depending on the combination of slope gradient, vehicle speed, and predicted acceleration needs
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a novel control apparatus for a vehicle which allows the number of stops and restarts to be reduced while performing engine stop and coasting control. The configuration is such that, when there is a high probability of restarting an engine under circumstances where engine stop and coasting control is performed, the engine is maintained in idling operation while only the clutch is disengaged. For example, if it is determined that there is a high probability of restarting due to a change in the acceleration of a host vehicle or a preceding vehicle, the clutch is disengaged and the vehicle is coasted. Since the engine is maintained in an idle state, there is no need for restarting, and the number of restarts can be minimized.