Vehicle Torque Control Using Look-Ahead Route Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles equipped with features for improved fuel economy often restrict access to available torque and power, negatively impacting drivability and performance during certain conditions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system with integrated engine and transmission controls that override fuel efficiency limits to provide additional torque output based on look-ahead route conditions, using a fuel efficiency controller and electronic control unit to adjust torque and gear settings dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If fuel efficiency control features are implemented to improve fuel economy, then fuel economy is improved, but access to available torque and power is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts torque limits and gear shift points based on predicted route conditions. The fuel efficiency controller modifies torque limits and gear selection in real-time according to upcoming terrain, traffic, and route characteristics, allowing the powertrain to operate optimally for both fuel economy and performance as conditions require
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses look-ahead route information to predict future driving conditions and proactively adjusts torque limits and gear shift points before the vehicle encounters challenging terrain or performance-critical situations. This preliminary adjustment ensures optimal fuel economy is maintained while being prepared for upcoming performance demands
2Use of energy by moving object
If torque limits are reduced to improve fuel efficiency, then fuel efficiency is improved, but vehicle acceleration and performance are negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically modifies torque limits based on predicted route conditions, adjusting the balance between fuel efficiency and acceleration performance in real-time. When upcoming conditions suggest performance will be needed (steep grades, traffic conditions requiring quick response), the system temporarily increases torque limits to maintain acceleration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively adjusts torque limits before the vehicle encounters conditions requiring acceleration. By analyzing look-ahead route data, the system prepares the powertrain to deliver appropriate torque levels in advance, ensuring both fuel efficiency and acceleration performance are optimized for upcoming conditions
3Use of energy by moving object
If gear shift points are optimized for fuel efficiency, then fuel efficiency is improved, but power and torque availability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts gear shift points based on predicted route conditions and current vehicle state. The fuel efficiency controller modifies shift schedules in real-time, delaying upshifts or selecting lower gears when upcoming conditions suggest performance will be needed, while maintaining fuel-efficient shift points during steady-state cruising
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively modifies gear selection based on look-ahead route information, preparing the transmission to be in the appropriate gear before performance-critical situations arise. This ensures optimal fuel efficiency during normal operation while being prepared to deliver maximum torque when needed
Data Source
AI summary
A control system, apparatus, and method integrates management of vehicle torque limits and gear shifting of a vehicle by determining future engine power requirements from the forward-looking route conditions to improve performance and drivability of the vehicle over what is achievable through default and/or currently selected torque limits and gear state shifting strategies.