Vehicle Performance Adaptation via Auxiliary System Preparation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicles often face performance limitations due to hardware or software constraints, such as cost considerations and regulatory requirements, which can be inconvenient or unsafe, especially in situations like overtaking or driving uphill, and existing solutions for temporary performance boosts are costly and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allow temporary performance enhancement through a preparation mode, where auxiliary systems are activated earlier to reduce power consumption during the boost period, allowing a higher fraction of engine power to be used for propulsion, and adjustments in set-points and parameters like combustion efficiency and engine temperature to provide a performance boost for a limited time while meeting emission and strength requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the vehicle uses a higher power engine to provide better performance, then the vehicle performance is improved, but the cost and fuel consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle performanceVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by activating auxiliary systems during a preparation mode before the temporary performance mode. This allows energy storage means to be recharged and thermal management systems to be prepared in advance, so that during the performance boost period, maximum engine power can be directed to propulsion without being diverted to auxiliary systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the performance characteristics by switching between different operating modes (normal mode, preparation mode, temporary performance mode). The engine control unit modifies set-points and parameters dynamically based on the current mode, allowing the vehicle to adapt its power delivery and auxiliary system operation to match driving conditions and performance requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If the vehicle operates in temporary performance mode with increased power for propulsion, then the performance is improved, but the duration of the performance mode is limited by emission requirements and component strength

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower for propulsionVSAvoidduration of performance mode
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary thermal management and energy storage preparation during the preparation mode, cooling down thermal management systems and recharging energy storage means before the performance mode begins. This allows the performance mode to last longer by ensuring that auxiliary systems are ready to handle increased loads and that thermal management capacity is available to handle higher temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by adjusting set-points for auxiliary systems and engine parameters during different modes. During temporary performance mode, the system modifies fuel injection rates, air intake, and auxiliary system operation to optimize power delivery while managing emissions and thermal loads, thereby extending the sustainable duration of high-performance operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If auxiliary systems are activated during normal operation, then the vehicle functions are maintained, but the power available for propulsion is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauxiliary system functionVSAvoidpower for propulsion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system activates auxiliary systems in advance during the preparation mode before the temporary performance mode begins. This preliminary activation allows energy storage means to be recharged and thermal management systems to be prepared, so that during the performance boost, auxiliary systems can be deactivated or operated at reduced levels, maximizing power available for propulsion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic activation patterns where auxiliary systems are cycled on and off based on the operational mode. During temporary performance mode, auxiliary systems are periodically deactivated or operated at minimal levels to free up power for propulsion, while still maintaining essential functions. The system switches between different operational states to optimize the balance between auxiliary system functionality and propulsion power availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3094532B1Method and system for adapting performance
Publication Date: 2020.11.18 SCANIA CV AB
  • EP3094532B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3094532B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3094532B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and a system arranged for adaptation of a vehicle's performance. This system comprises a receiving device, which is arranged to receive a request that a driver of the vehicle wishes to use a temporary performance mode. The system also comprises a first initiation device, which is arranged to initiate a use of a preparation mode based on the driver's request, where the vehicle, during such preparation mode, prepares the vehicle to be able to use an increased fraction of the power, generated by the engine in the vehicle, for the propulsion of the vehicle. The system also comprises a second initiation device, which is arranged to initiate a use of the temporary performance mode, wherein such temporary performance mode uses the increased fraction of the power generated, released by the preparation mode, to provide a temporary performance boost for at least one feature relating to the propulsion of the vehicle.