Vehicle Takeoff Detection Device for Idle Speed Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing strategies for managing engine speed during vehicle takeoff, particularly 'foot-off' scenarios, lead to fuel overconsumption and engine speed oscillations due to non-selective criteria for triggering idle speed regulation setpoints, especially in vehicles without clutch or neutral sensors.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that detect a 'foot-off' type of vehicle takeoff by monitoring clutch pedal pressure, brake pedal absence, zero vehicle speed, and torque on the crankshaft to trigger a take-off aid strategy, increasing the idle speed setpoint only when necessary, with conditions for activation and deactivation to prevent premature or unnecessary increases in engine speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the static idle speed regulation setpoint is increased during takeoff to prevent engine stalling, then engine reliability is improved, but fuel consumption increases and engine speed oscillations occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine stalling preventionVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the parameter of idle speed setpoint dynamically based on detected takeoff conditions. When a takeoff is detected through specific criteria (clutch engagement, brake release, vehicle motion), the idle speed setpoint is increased to prevent stalling. When takeoff conditions are not met, the setpoint returns to normal levels, avoiding unnecessary fuel consumption during regular idling phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If takeoff detection criteria are made less selective to cover more scenarios, then detection accuracy is improved, but false triggering occurs leading to fuel overconsumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetakeoff detection accuracyVSAvoidfuel overconsumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses multiple parameters simultaneously (clutch engagement, brake release, vehicle speed threshold, gear selection) to define takeoff conditions. This multi-parameter approach increases detection accuracy while preventing false positives, as all conditions must be satisfied concurrently for the idle speed increase to be triggered, thereby avoiding unnecessary fuel consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3052357B1Method and device for detecting desired start from rest of a vehicle with internal combustion engine without operating an accelerator in order to trigger an assist strategy for starting from rest
Publication Date: 2019.06.26 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3052357B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3052357B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3052357B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (D) which is intended for detecting "short notice" acceleration from rest of a vehicle (V) with a power train including a crankshaft (VL), in order to trigger an acceleration-from-rest-assist strategy intended for increasing the set speed of a speed-limiting governor of said vehicle (V). Said device (D) is arranged such as to detect short notice acceleration from rest in the event of the detection of: the clutch pedal being pressed, the brake pedal not being pressed, a vehicle speed (V) of substantially zero, and the transmission of at least one selected torque to the crankshaft (VL).